Chevrolet Beat LS

Beat LS Review

Chevrolet India has introduced the facelifted version of its entry level hatchback, Chevrolet Beat in the market. The company has revised all the variants in its series and among them is the Chevrolet Beat LS , which is a mid range trim. This variant is powered by a 1.2-litre SMARTECH petrol engine that displaces 1199cc and is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. As far as the exteriors are concerned, this latest trim gets a redesigned headlight cluster along with a slightly tweaked radiator grille and modified taillight cluster. Coming to the interiors, it gets new features like a driver seat height adjuster and new seat covers with design inserts. Apart from this, the steering wheel and the instrument panel gets silver inserts. These changes gave a fresh new look to the hatch in terms of exteriors and interiors. On the other hand, the company has retained most of the safety and comfort features from the outgoing trim. This hatch will be placed against the likes of Maruti Wagon R, Ford Figo and others in this segment. At present, the manufacturer is offering this variant with a 3 year or 100000 kilometer warranty (whichever is earlier).

Exteriors:

The 2014 version of Chevrolet Beat gets a slight modification to its exteriors, which makes it look stylish. To begin with the rear, the manufacturer has updated the design of its taillight cluster with a jewel effect that amplifies the rear profile. Also, the rear bumper is now fitted with black colored cladding along with a pair of reflectors. Here, the cladding has a bit of perforated design that gives a rugged appeal to the rear. The boot lid and the rear windscreen have been retained and it is accompanied by a black colored spoiler. Coming to the side profile, this hatch looks very stylish, thanks to the well curved wheel arches and expressive body lines. Its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of stylized steel wheels, while the front doors have been fitted with black colored door handles and ORVMs . The rear doors gets black colored, recessed type of door handles, which adds to the convenience, while enhancing the style aspect. Coming to the frontage, this hatch gets a restructured headlight cluster with black finish inside that gives it a smoked kind of look. This cluster surrounds a slightly pronounced radiator grille that is embossed with a gold plated company logo. Apart from this, the front bumper has also received some modification that is incorporated with an air dam along with a pair of consoles for incorporating fog lamps in it. The car maker is selling this trim in eight vibrant body colors including Super Red, Caviar Black, Cocktail Green, Misty Lake, Sandrift Grey, Switchblade Silver, Summit White and Lenin Beige.

Interiors:

Most of the interior design of this trim has been retained from the outgoing trim. However, the company has blessed it with a set of new seat covers with design inserts that enhances the elegance of interiors. Furthermore, the instrument panel and the three spoke steering wheel received silver inserts, which further adds to the style. Additionally, the company has arranged the driver seat with height adjustable function, which will enhance the convenience. This hatch comes with a decent space inside, especially in the cockpit section, wherein there is a decent leg and shoulder space. However, the space for the rear passengers is not as good as the front, but it can still provide seating for three passengers. The best part about this vehicle is its elegantly crafted dashboard that is incorporated with a curvy central console. It also comes equipped with aspects like an AC unit, instrument cluster and a storage unit. In a bid to enhance the convenience, the manufacturer has incorporated utility aspects like passenger side vanity mirror, digital clock , rear parcel tray, day/night inside rear view mirror, door ajar warning, coat hooks, low fuel warning and power outlets.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this facelifted trim is the same 1.2-litre, SMARTECH II petrol power plant that has a displacement capacity of 1199cc . This engine is integrated with 4-cylinder and 16-valves that runs on a DOHC valve configuration. The company has coupled this motor with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that helps in producing a mileage of 18.6 Kmpl. This engine can produce 79.3bhp at 6200rpm in combination with a peak torque of 108Nm at 4400rpm. This engine enables the vehicle to zoom towards a top speed of 140 to 145 Kmpl, while breaching the 100 Kmph mark in about 15 to 16 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The company has not made any changes to the braking mechanism of this vehicle and it comes with the same disc and drum combination. Its front wheels have been fitted with disc brakes, whereas, its rear wheels have been fitted with drum brakes, which works fine in all conditions. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a highly responsive power steering system that provides excellent assistance to the driver at all speed levels. This hatch sits on a robust suspension system, which keeps it well balanced in all road conditions. Its front front axle has been fitted with McPherson Strut type of system, whereas its rear axle is fitted with torsion beam type of system, which can take all the jerks caused on roads.

Comfort Features:

The Chevrolet Beat LS is one of the mid level variant, but it is still equipped with many important features. The list includes a manually operated AC unit, power steering system, front power windows , internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, battery saver, central locking system and dual horn. Apart from these, it also has aspects like a digital tachometer, cup holders in central console, 60:40 split folding rear seats, front door map pockets and numerous other features.

Safety Features:

The company is offering this trim with basic safety aspects, which needs to be improved. The front seats have been integrated with height adjustable headrest, which plays an active role in protecting the passengers. Also it gets tubeless radial tyres as standard, which are puncture resistant prevents unscheduled delay in your journey. It also has driver's seat belt reminder that alerts the driver to put on the seat belts.

Pros:

1. Very compact and stylish looking hatchback.

2. Inclusion of driver's seat height adjuster is a big plus.

Cons:

1. Safety features are at below par with other competitors.

2. Ground clearance can be made better.