Chevrolet Beat" Launched - True Value for Money Hatchback
Chevrolet Beat is another major launch by GM India after the recent launch of Cruze which has been recieved very well by Indian Customers. The super value for money pricing means that the new Beat is almost Rs 60,000 cheaper than its 1.2 Litre competition. Even the top end ABS and Airbags version is cheaper than Rs 45,000 when compared to the likes of Maruti Ritz and Hyundai i10.
The Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM’s Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.
The production model of Chevrolet Beat carries the spirit of the expressive Beat concept, offering compact, city-friendly dimensions and a small-displacement engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. Chevrolet Beat adds further depth and breadth to Chevrolet’s global lineup, which is sold in more than 90 countries, giving the brand a leadership position in the segment – the fastest-growing automotive segment in many regions around the world.
Engine Of Chevrolet Beat
Chevrolet Beat is powered by a 1.2 litre 4 cylinder engine which will generate 79 Bhp of maximum power at 6200 rpm with 108 Nm of maximum torque at 4400 rpm. The S-TEC II engine employs PDA (Port De-Activation) system which “ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency.” The PDA system also reduces emissions.
An automatic temperature controller inside the engine is another unique feature which uses a dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrowing the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise. It is mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 5-speed manual transmission.
Variants of Chevrolet Beat
Chevrolet Beat is available in four variants:
- Chevrolet Beat PS
- Chevrolet Beat LS
- Chevrolet Beat LT
- Chevrolet Beat LT Option
The base variant comes with AC and power steering. The top of the line LT Option pack consists of ABS, Alloy wheels, Dual Airbags and Seatbelts with Load limiters. The Beat features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including Automatic Climate Control, Integrated Centre Stack Audio with USB and Aux-in Port, Tilt steering, Steering Column mounted LED back-lit speedometer & LCD digital tachometer, 60:40 Split folding seats, Tubeless Tyres, Satin Silver Roof rails.
Price Of Chevrolet Beat
Chevrolet India has priced the Beat very compitively as the base variant is available for Rs. 3.35 lakhs. Variant wise price of Chevrolet Beat:
- Chevrolet Beat PS - Rs. 3,35,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat LS - Rs. 3,55,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat LT - Rs. 3,95,000.00
- Chevrolet Beat LT Option - Rs. 4,35,000.00
With such focus on style, GM didn't just stop at the front. When viewed from the side, the sporty overtone carries over for the car has a nicely curved roofline that merges well with the rather steeply raked rear windscreen. It's a rather European look and feel that this car possesses, except from the rear. The rear of the Cruze screams 'Honda Civic'. Literally, the rear lights just look like inverted Civic lights a fact that was confirmed by onlookers who asked me if I happen to be driving the new Civic. Of course they were completely oblivious to the bow-tie on the rear, but it does prove my point.
Nevertheless, the Cruze oozes with style and complimenting the entire package are the nice large 16 inch alloys wrapped in tubeless 205/60 JK Vectra rubber. To sum the exterior styling, I would say the Cruze is a combination of American Muscle Car and European Sedan with a dash of Japanese essence thrown in! What you get is a marriage of parts that work to give you a stunning car that would even look good in racing stripes.
Getting into the Cruze is also an experience for you don't need the keys to open the door! That's right, the Cruze comes with sensors on the door, so just as long as you have the keys in your pocket the door will pop right open when you pull on the handle. While on the subject of doors, it is rather simple to lock as well, for all you have to do is give the handle a gentle pull and the doors will lock. Anyways, back to the interiors of the car.
Once inside you will notice the sporty-muscle tone carried over here as well. It's a bit too much plastic at parts and the fit and finish could have been better but the overall look is rather striking for you almost feel as though you are in a cockpit. The large steering wheel with cruise control and stereo controls has a nice feel to it, the dials boast of a three-pod look that might have come straight out of a classic Chevy car-chrome and all! The center console however had me thinking 'Transformers'. Starting from the LED display to the controls of the in dash stereo and CD player down to the controls for the A/C and climate control and flanked by the center two A/C vents on the dash, the entire look was rather like the Transformers logo- a good thing considering the fact that GM is the official provider of cars for the Transformers movie franchise!
GM could have really done wonders with the interiors for they are well designed, its just that they are poorly put together at places. Apart from the plastic cubby holes in the doors the one little box on top of the dashboard spoils the party for it just doesn't sit right and has gaping gaps when shut. Another element that caught my eye as tacky was the sunglass holder. Placed uniquely towards the right side of the driver's head, the quality of the holder was really sub standard.
In terms of space, the Cruze is rather decent and offers ample room for the front passengers. Rear passengers also get enough leg room however head room is at a premium thanks to the steeply raked rear glass and downward flowing roofline.
A neat yet rather awesome surprise is thrown at you when you want to get the car moving. There is no key hole for the ignition! Instead you get a rather neat start/stop button towards the left of the steering column on the dash. A gentle push of the button, provided you have the clutch pressed and the 2.0 VCDi Diesel engine roars to life. Alright, you really can't hear it roar thanks to all the insulation, but the car does come to life. The instrument cluster takes on a neat blue glow which fits in well with the sporty tone and as you notch it into first gear to drive away you finally realize why this car is called the Cruze! |
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