2012 Chevrolet Beat LS Review, Pricing, Release date and Specifications

The Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM's Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets. The production model of Chevrolet Beat carries the spirit of the expressive Beat concept, offering compact, city-friendly dimensions and a small-displacement engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.

Exterior

Chevrolet Beat's dramatically sized headlamps that literally stretch from the front fascia to the back of the hood, with clear polycarbonate lenses and chrome-coated bezels, resemble diamonds, adding an upscale appearance and glamour. A window line that is slanted dynamically upward, an arching roofline and sharp sidelines bring a sporty yet edgy look, a rarity in the segment. Secret vertical rear door handles located in the C-pillar are another unusual feature. They give Beat a unique, sporty three-door coupe appearance without sacrificing five-door utility.

Interior

The interior of Chevrolet Beat is functionality dedicated and the most striking design element is a motorcycle-inspired dynamic meter cluster. The refined interior provides also upgraded functionality with features such as headrests that can be vertically adjusted up to 65 mm, carbon film-heated seats and various storage places. Pattern-printed semi-bucket seats of Chevrolet Beat provide a stable feeling when cornering. With high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship, they also enhance the luxurious interior atmosphere. An exterior-color-matched instrument panel and door trim will be offered in red, blue or silver which enhances the unified design of the interior and exterior.

Engine

Chevrolet Beat is powered by a 1.2 litre 4 cylinder engine which will generate 79 Bhp of maximum power at 6200 rpm with 108 Nm of maximum torque at 4400 rpm. The S-TEC II engine employs PDA (Port De-Activation) system which “ensures high exhaust gas recirculation, resulting in combustion stability at low speeds and optimal performance at high speeds together with improved fuel efficiency.” The PDA system also reduces emissions.

An automatic temperature controller inside the engine is another unique feature which uses a dome-type long-skirt cylinder block narrowing the space between intake valves while the application of four resonators reduces engine noise. It is mated with the efficient S-TEC-II engine is a 5-speed manual transmission.

A first-in-segment offering of an integrated rear spoiler in Chevrolet Beat comes as standard equipment essentially extends the rear roofline, for enhanced aerodynamic performance and provides a stable stance in high-speed driving as well as increased fuel efficiency. Round taillamps of Chevrolet Beat with clear polycarbonate lenses add to the Beat's strong rear impression. A chrome-coated radiator grille and fog lamps, outside mirrors with two-tone color, and a refined-looking roof rack are other design cues that transport the Beats's styling beyond that of a mini car.

Ride and Handling

The ride and handling of Chevrolet Beat also set it apart from any other vehicle in its segment. Adopting the body-frame integral (BFI) system, the upper body structure and frame are engineered as a single unit, resulting in better feel of the road along with a heightened sense of firmness and stability, and enhanced connectivity between the driver and vehicle.

A McPherson strut front suspension of Chevrolet Beat combined with a four-point mounted long engine cradle and a width power reduction spring enhances the solidity of the entire chassis, for improved crash safety and driving performance. A rear compound crank torsion beam incorporates a tubular V-beam for more effective tuning and dynamic performance.

Convenience

The Beat features an array of premium comfort and convenience amenities that one would expect in more expensive vehicles, including Automatic Climate Control, Integrated Centre Stack Audio with USB and Aux-in Port, Tilt steering, Steering Column mounted LED back-lit speedometer & LCD digital tachometer, 60:40 Split folding seats, Tubeless Tyres, Satin Silver Roof rails.

Safety

The car has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure segment-leading occupant protection.

Verdict

The Beat has a fresh new design, great performance and has become an industry benchmark. It also has high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel over key areas of the body to ensure occupant protection. Its revolutionary design, advanced technology, unique features and safety make the Beat much more than just an ordinary hatch.