2017 Chevrolet Beat launch in July

Will sport a completely new design, interior and boast additional features

It’s been a while since we have seen the launch of a new car with a bow-tie emblem on its front grille. The last Chevrolet product to be launched was the Trailblazer almost 2 years back. That, however, will soon change with the launch of the 2017 Beat hatchback in July. This new Beat is based on the Beat Activ Concept that the company showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo last year.

The 2017 Beat looks identical to the international-spec Chevrolet Spark, which was unveiled at the 2016 LA Auto Show. It sports an all-new design language that gives it a fresh appeal while retaining the youthful DNA that the Beat is known for. Up front, it gets a two-part grille with some chrome highlights, huge pulled back headlamps and a large bumper with circular fog lamps. Chevrolet is expected to fit the new 2017 Beat with 14-inch alloy wheels. In profile, this new iteration looks somewhat identical to the outgoing model especially with the blacked-out B-pillar, two-tone ORVMs and of course the Beat signature rear door handle. The rear too has been somewhat reworked.

The interior too will be entirely fresh thanks to a reshaped dashboard, a new multi-function steering wheel and a touchscreen infotainment. The instrumentation will continue to be steering-mounted, just like in the previous generation model.

Providing firepower to the 2017 Chevrolet beat will be the same petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre petrol motor makes 79 horses and 108Nm while the 1.0-litre three-pot motor produces 57bhp and 150Nm. Both these engines come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

In the Indian market, the Chevrolet Beat faces some stiff competition from the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the Tata Tiago. Expect the 201 Chevrolet Beat to start at Rs 4.2 lakhs for the base petrol trim and go right up to Rs 6.5 lakhs for the top-spec diesel.