It's confirmed: 2017 Chevrolet Beat set for launch in July; what to expect—from engine to features

In 2017, Chevrolet is also rumoured to launch its compact sedan, the Essentia, in India.

2017 Chevrolet Beat, 2017 Chevrolet Beat India, 2017 Chevrolet Beat launch, 2017 Chevrolet Beat price — 2017 Chevrolet BeatChevrolet

It is time to put an end to rumours and speculations on the exit of General Motors' Chevrolet brand from India. If the latest indications are anything to go by, the new Beat from the US car maker is gearing up for its launch in the country soon.

A memo of Chevrolet sent to its retail partners leaked to the web confirms the arrival of the hatchback in its new form in the third week of July. Although the company has been putting its upcoming models like the new Beat and the Essentia compact sedan through rigorous testing on the Indian roads, rumours were rife that GM is mulling over its Chevrolet brand exit from India as it was not able to make any substantial growth. But the leaked memo suggests that they were just rumours.

New Chevrolet Beat

The Beat in its new avatar is expected to offer a complete package of new styling and features. At the front, the new Beat is likely to flaunt swept-back headlamps while the changes on the side profile of the Beat are limited. The rear of the new Beat is expected to see refreshed tail lamps along with the change in the slot for the licence plate, which is now being moved to the bumper from the boot lid.

PR handout

The powertrains of the new Beat are also expected to receive changes. Under the hood, the new Beat is also expected to get petrol engine. The new petrol unit is rumoured to be the downsized version of the 1.4 Ecotec motor. Currently, the Beat petrol is powered by an 1199cc four-cylinder unit that develops 77bhp at 6200rpm and 106.5Nm of torque, while the diesel model is 936cc three-cylinder engine that develops 56bhp at 4000rpm and 124.5Nm of torque at 1750rpm. Both the engines are mated to 5-speed manual transmission.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Beat will be will be priced slightly higher than the current model in the market and when launched, the hatchback will take on the likes of Ford Figo, Honda Brio, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Maruti Celerio. The Beat is currently priced at Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).