The Chevrolet Beat (Spark internationally) has been launched with a facelift at the ongoing 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. The Beat facelift is the only model to receive any changes in Chevrolet’s Indian lineup, while the other models on display are heavily accessorised. The Beat was launched in India around four years ago and the facelift comes at the right time with Maruti Suzuki is launching the Celerio in the segment.
The 2014 Chevrolet Baeat receives a revised front facia with a new split grille induced in chrome and a bigger bow in the centre as seen on the Sail twins. The bumper has also been changed and gets a new fog light design with silver accents. The wheels receive a new design, while the rear gets a a new spoiler integrated into the car with LED inserts. Completing the look is the dual-tone rear bumper with stylish reflectors. The interiors on the Beat have received mild updates with a new centre console and added storage volume. The upholstery gets new colour trims and the rear seats receive a central headrest as well. Select variants also get steering mounted audio controls, while dual airbags, ABS and EBD are now standard part of the safety kit.
Mechanically the Chevrolet Beat retains its engine lineup with the 1.2-litre petrol and the 0.9-litre diesel, while the LPG variant will also continue to be offered. The engines will retain the same power output on the entry-level hatchback. The ARAI certified fuel economy is an impressive 25.44 km/l on the diesel, while the petrol and LPG models return 18.6 km/l and 13.3 km/l respectively. The company is also planning an automatic to be added to the lineup later in the year.
There is also a special edition Beat showcased inscribed in Manchester United Colours (GM being the shirt sponsor). the Special edition gets black roof rails, black sticker effects on the roof and spoiler, 15-inch BM alloy wheels, black leather gear knobs with red stitching and red illuminated sill plates.
This probably is the last time the current generation Beat will go under the knife as the next generation model is set for a global debut next year and subsequently will be launched in 2016. The 2014 facelift Beat has received a price revision for a total of 10 variants with petrol and diesel options.
2014 Chevrolet Beat Facelift Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 MY14 – Rs. 4,06,008/-
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LS MY14 – Rs. 4,33,039/-
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LT MY14 – Rs. 4,75,437/-
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LT with Option Pack MY14 – Rs. 5,25,959/-
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LS LPG MY14 – Rs. 4,59,249/-
* Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LT LPG MY14 – Rs. 5,05,200/-
* Chevrolet Beat Diesel 1.0 TCDi MY14 – Rs. 4,89,001/-
* Chevrolet Beat Diesel 1.0 LS TCDi MY14 – Rs. 5,17,932/-
* Chevrolet Beat Diesel 1.0 LT TCDi MY14 – Rs. 5,60,679/-
* Chevrolet Beat Diesel 1.0 LT TCDi with Option Pack MY14 – Rs. 6,10,573/-
Keeping up with tradition, Chevrolet has brought the production version of their sports car the Corvette Stingray C7 and the very desirable muscle car Chevrolet Camaro to the 2014 Auto Expo. The previous Auto Expo featured the Stingray concept and the Camaro convertible. The other international cars on display is the enormous Trailblazer SUV that seems fit for our country. Chevrolet is conducting a feasibility study to gauge the demand for this SUV in India. More on that later.
