Come July 2017, American carmaker Chevrolet will launch the updated Beat hatchback in India. Chevrolet is expected to add the word ‘Intelli’ in its hatchback’s name. The Intelli Beat will try and lure customers with a more conservative aura when compared to the edgy, love-or-hate looks of the outgoing model.
The Indian arm of the American auto giant began testing the refreshed Beat in the latter half of last year and we spotted one being tested in January this year.
During the 2016 Auto Expo, Chevrolet showcased the Beat Activ and the Essentia sedan (also spied testing), both of which will share the underpinnings with the new Beat. We expect that soon after the revamped Beat is introduced in India, Chevrolet will then shift its focus on launching the Beat Activ and the Essentia in the country. For the uninitiated, the Activ will be to the Beat as Toyota Etios Cross is to Etios Liva. The Essentia, on the other hand, will be a sub-4-metre Beat-based sedan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewv5wBBxEvs
Back to the Beat! Although the updated hatch is likely to appeal to a broader customer base, it will still carry some of its iconic styling cues. The list includes the rear passenger door handle on the pillar on the outside and the groovy instrument cluster on the inside. At the rear, the number plate will shift its place from the boot-lid to the centre of the bumper. The tail lights have grown in dimensions and will likely feature LED inserts to make it more upmarket. Another noticeable addition is Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system which is expected to support Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and voice recognition.
Chevrolet is expected to carry the same set of diesel and petrol powerplants from the outgoing model, albeit in a fresher state of tune. In the current-gen, the 1.2-litre petrol motor pumps out 78PS/106.5Nm and the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, diesel generates 57PS/142.5Nm.
Once launched, Chevrolet will want to have its own market share, which is currently split between the Ford Figo, Hyundai Grand i10, Tata Tiago and the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. Would you wait for the new Beat to hit the roads?