Next-gen Chevrolet Beat spied testing in India; launch in 2017

A prototype of what is believed to be the next-generation Beat hatchback has been spied undergoing tests on the Indian roads, indicating that the work is progressing on the new Beat rapidly.

The test mule of the Beat was caught on camera by IndianAutos Blog, at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. From the images, the Beat is seen partially covered with what seems to be testing equipment strapped on to it at the rear. While the front and rear is seen in its disguised form, the side profile shows no hint of camouflage. The new Beat is expected to make its market debut in early 2017.

The new Beat will be a heavily tweaked version of the current model. Although it will be based on the current Beat's M300 platform, it is expected to take design cues from the new Spark. The new gen Beat is expected to get newly style front and rear bumpers. Inside, expect the new Beat to get 7-inch MyLink infotainment system and updated instrument cluster.

Coming to the engine part of the upcoming Beat, it was being said that the hatchback will get 1-litre, three-cylinder petrol, which is the downsized version of the 1.4 Ecotec motor and a 1.0L TCDi diesel engine. Currently, the Beat petrol is powered a 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.