Chevrolet Essentia
Chevrolet EssentiaChevrolet

General Motors is gearing up for the launch of the Essentia compact sedan in India next year. The Essentia, the compact sedan based on the new Beat hatchback, was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 in February.

Chevrolet Essentia, the compact sedan which has been deigned to suit the taste of Indian consumers, will compete against Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Ford Figo Aspire, Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze and Tata Zest. The Essentia, designed in the GM Korea Design Studio, gets split grille with a bowtie logo at the front and swept back smoked headlamps. The side profile is similar to the Beat up to the C-pillar and interior of the compact sedan comes with two-tone upholstery. The vehicle gets three-spoke steering wheel similar to the Beat.

The Essentia will be powered by a 1.2-litre STEC II engine that can churn out 77bhp and 107Nm and the diesel mill will be a 1.0-litre XSDE unit that can make 56bhp and 142.5Nm. Both the engines will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Chevrolet is also expected to launch Beat Activ soft-roader in India. The Beat Activ concept was showcased at the Auto Expo this year and it comes with pseudo-SUV stance. When launched, the Beat Activ is expected to be the most affordable crossover when launched. The Beat Activ flaunts LED inlays in the headlamps and fog lamps and black plastic cladding. The concept was showcased with a seven-inch MyLink infotainment system and a motorbike-inspired instrument cluster.