Chevrolet is all set to introduce the thoroughly updated Beat in the country, soon. We have spied the 2017 Beat inside-out, completely undisguised, unlike the heavily camouflaged test mules spotted earlier. As expected and similar to the image released by the automaker last June (which featured the upcoming 2017 Beat trio – the Beat Essentia, Beat and the Beat Activ – check out the image below), the automaker has tried to incorporate the looks of the new second-gen global model, while retaining the same chassis (first-gen).
At the outset, the updated Beat gets a global Spark-esque – the second-gen Beat – front fascia. The new face – with swept-back headlamps and the American automaker’s latest grille design – makes it look matured compared to the funky looking outgoing model. Also, the entire front profile, including the bumper, grille and headlamps, is exactly similar to the Beat Essentia compact sedan.
The side profile remains identical to that of the outgoing Beat. It even wears the same set of alloy wheels like the outgoing model. Also, even though the spied model is perhaps the range-topping variant, it doesn’t feature indicators on its ORVMs. However, the Beat Essentia offers side repeaters on ORVMs. At the rear, it gets a new set of tail lamps in the same profile and the licence plate gets shifted from the boot lid to the bumper (notice: the outgoing Beat has a dual-tone bumper).
On the inside, the 2017 Beat gets a subtly redesigned dashboard. GM has ditched the all-black layout of the current model for a dual-tone look, which seems surprising especially when most of the manufacturer are shifting to an all-black theme. The highlight on the inside is the addition of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system (probably a seven-inch unit), which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with voice commands (revealed at 2016 Indian Auto Expo). This will be a segment first add-on if the upcoming Hyundai Grand i10 facelift doesn’t offer it in India like its European model. Also, there are other additions like a new instrument cluster (still a mounted one), chrome insets around the AC louvres, and others.
The 2017 Beat is likely to carry forward the current set of powertrain options, which include a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, petrol (77.9PS/ 106.5Nm) and a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, diesel (57.1PS/142.5Nm); both the engines will be mated to a five-speed manual. However, both the motors might see a slight retune with the upcoming Beat.
We expect General Motors to launch the 2017 Beat in the first half of this year. And as it competes in an extremely price conscious space, the prices will be more or less similar to the outgoing model. It will compete with the popular new entrant in the segment – the Tata Tiago – along with the upcoming facelifted Grand i10, Ford Figo, and others. Besides the 2017 Beat, Chevy will also launch the Beat compact sedan and Beat Activ (cross-hatch) this year.
Source: Cardekho.com