April 2015 Update: Next-gen Beat is just about to be launched and is going to have lot of upgrades that would make it one of the most competitive hatch for urban market. First the present instrument cluster which resembles that of a bike will go and more traditional cluster would come. The steering wheel will also change which would be similar to next-gen Cruze. The car would also have touchscreen infotainment system. All this is going to give a frown up feel to the car than present which is more of a teen car.
General Motors launched Chevrolet Beat hatchback in India during 2010’s Auto Expo. The company launched its diesel version in July 2011. It is also known as Chevrolet Spark’s third generation variant in certain countries. Beat has managed to give tough time to its competitors like Maruti Celerio and Ford Figo. Let’s take a look at some points to know more about his hatchback.
Exterior
The car’s front fascia looks bold due to dual port chrome grille. Impressively designed headlamps, stylish fog lamps, and tail lamps with jewel effect are good enough to differentiate between earlier versions and Beat 2014. Its large grill might remind you about Ford Eco Sport’s grill.
Body colored mirrors, door handles; steel wheels and dual tone rear bumpers help this hatch to appear much more impressive than its competitors. You can choose from seven color options like linen beige, sandrift grey, switchblade silver, summit white, caviar black, super red and cocktail green.
Interior
When you look inside, you will notice silver and black colored interior theme, stylish cluster with digital fuel gauge, and analogue speedometer. Dashboard and central console appear simple and easy to use. Even temperature control and audio system’s buttons are basic. You can connect your music player, smart phone or any other device with music system, thanks to its AUX-In and USB port.
Central console storage space, cup holders, front door map pockets, and several other storage areas are good enough to keep your smart phone, music player, parking tickets, etc. This small wonder from Chevrolet can accommodate five adults. But it might prove good enough only for four healthy individuals. Overall, the cabin seems spacious, and there is enough legroom as well.
Beat offers boot storage space of 170 liters. You can make additional space by folding one of the rear seats.
Engine
Diesel variant is powered by 1.0 XSDE SMARTECH engine that offers mileage of 25.44 KMPL. The diesel variant is powered by 1.2 liter SMARTECH II petrol engine, and it offers mileage of 18.6 KMPL. Both engines are fitted with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. Beat is also available in LPG variant, and its mileage is 13.3 KMPL.
Compound crank type rear suspension and McPherson strut front suspension system make sure that you do not feel all those bumps and potholes. Disc brake in the front and drum brake in the rear can easily manage to control this hatch even while driving at top speed.
Safety
Beat offers safety features like anti-lock braking system, front dual airbags, electronic brake force distribution, and seat belts with emergency locking retractor. Some other safety features are EPS, advanced insta-torque, and intelligent launch support system. Its structure is made using high strength steel to offer additional security to passengers.
Competition
Car experts feel that Beat’s 2014 facelift version has helped it to remain one step ahead of its competitors. Maruti Celerio has AMT – automated manual transmission system, while Beat is equipped with 5-speed manual transmission. But car experts still suggest that Beat’s performance is better than Maruti’s hatch. Maruti Suzuki Celerio’s manual transmission variant as well as AMT variant offers better mileage than Chevrolet’s hatchback. Price-wise, Maruti Celerio and Chevrolet Beat come with almost similar price tags.
The car’s second competitor is Ford Figo. Ford’s car offers powerful engine and better legroom than Beat. But when it comes to driving through city traffic, Chevrolet’s car performs considerably better than Figo.
Beat is priced between Rs 3.92 lakh and Rs 4.88 lakh. Price depends on variant and all the applicable taxes.
Recall in December 2014
General Motors was recently in the limelight when the car maker recalled certain Beat variants to change their fuel pipes in December 2014. Reports suggest that General Motors had sent letters to customers, and urged them to bring their cars at nearby Chevrolet service centers to get the concerned pipe replaced free of cost. The company recalled Beat variants manufactured before July 2010.