Chevy Beat diesel by end-2010

The Chevy Beat petrol version will be officially launched on the 5th of January, 2010. General Motors has not announced the price of the car yet. Expectations are that it will be priced around Rs 50,000 less than the Chevrolet U-VA.

Talking to journalists and bloggers, General Motors officials said that the car will initially be launched in petrol version only. Remember that the company’s recent launch Chevy Cruze came with just a 1991 cc diesel engine and no petrol version at all. Not so in the case of the big little hatchback Chevy Beat, though. Updated: Chevrolet Beat Road Test and Photo Gallery

The company will offer the Chevrolet Beat with a locally made diesel engine, but that is going to take almost an year. Expect the diesel Beat by end-2010. Those in India who were waiting for the diesel Beat are going to disappointed, sadly. But they can take solace from the fact that at least in New Delhi, diesel is soon going to be all ULSD – Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel – and prices are expected to go up a bit when that happens.

From what we have seen so far, the Beat looks like a car with serious potential. It is bold, even dramatic – especially in the green colour that it will be launched in. Interior space seems to be quite high, and the dash and steering wheel all look classy for a car in this segment.

Chevy Beat Technical specifications

Engine: 1200 cc petrol

Cyinders: 3

Maximum horsepower: 80.5 PS @6200 rpm

Max. torque: 108 Nm @4400 rpm

Gears: 5

Brakes: Discs in front, drums at the rear

Fuel efficiency (mileage) certified by ARAI: 18.6 kmpl

Power steering, ABS, power windows, central locking,  tachometer, alloy wheels