Chevrolet is Expanding the Beat Family in India

Chevrolet Essentia

Chevrolet Essentia at Auto Expo 2016

The sub-compact sedan space has been a major money maker for carmakers in India and Chevrolet has finally decided to enter the race with Chevrolet Essentia. Based on the Beat hatchback, the Essentia was first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. While the prototype on display at the Expo looked more or less a production version of the car, Chevrolet is still working on the model and we do not expect to see it anytime soon before mid-2017. The car is likely share its powertrain options with the Beat and whether it will get automatic transmission or not is too soon to tell. That said, if Chevrolet wants to take-on the competition, it better start working on one soon. Reports indicate that GM's plan is to source at least 80 per cent of the parts used to manufacture the Essentia locally. Moreover, like Chevrolet Beat, the Essentia sub-compact will also be exported to Africa and Latin America.

Beat Activ Base Soft-Roader

Beat Activ at Auto Expo 2016

More recently Chevrolet announced that it no longer plans to launch the Spin MPV in India anytime soon. Instead, the carmaker is working on an all-new soft-roader based on the Beat Activ concept that was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. The company says that it is responding to changing trends and customer demand in India, which is now favouring growing segments like compact SUVs. Chevrolet India said that there was an overwhelming response from our Indian stakeholders to the Beat Activ and feels that it will be more beneficial to go towards that space. The company is yet to reveal more details about to vehicle, which is expected to be launched in India in late-2017 or early 2018.

Chevrolet Beat Facelift

In addition to these two new products Chevrolet is also working on the Beat facelift, which is slated to receive an update for 2017. The car is expected to receive some major cosmetic changes along with number new features as well. Mechanically the car is expected to remain unchanged and will continue to be powered by the same 1.2 litre STEC II petrol motor and 1.0 litre XSDE diesel powerplant.

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