Chevrolet to bring Beat Diesel in July

The Indian unit of the US based leading car maker General Motors is in the final preparations for launching the much anticipated Chevrolet Beat diesel in the Indian market. The car will be launched in the country in the month of July this year. The all new Chevrolet Beat is believed to be launched with a 1.0L diesel engine, delivering a peak power of 57bhp along with a peak torque of 140Nm. The car is claimed to be delivering a segment leading fuel-economy of 24 kmpl.

The Chevrolet Beat diesel variant is expected to be launched in the price range of Rs 4.5 to 5.5 lakh, where it will be competing with the likes of Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Maruti Swift and Ritz, etc. The Beat model is already available in petrol variant in the country, and the launch of a diesel variant will enable the car to compete more promptly with rivals.

Besides a new diesel engine, the car is expected to be similar to its petrol counterpart in features and design. The new Beat is expected to come installed with a VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger), delivering better power and torque figures.

Chevrolet Beat EV could be exhibited on June 5

IAB broke the news of GM India intending to showcase the Chevrolet Beat EV to India earlier this year. In fact back in May 28, 2010, we discussed how the Beat EV will be a highly suitable replacement for the defunct Spark EV project. We also were the first to confirm that the Opel Insignia wouldn’t be launched in India. Now Financial Chronicle has more information to add. They are quoting a top official discussing plans with the EV.

General Motors India President and MD Karl Slym informs that We will be showcasing a electric mini-car in June. This car has been developed in the US and is meant for a global audience. (Launching the car) will depend on feedback from our customers here when we will unveil it. If we decide to produce and launch it in India, we can use the Talegaon facility for that purpose.

The Bangalore engineering facility has played a major role in the development of the Beat EV. On our visit to the center last year, we were told that engineers in that building had helped their American counterparts in developing components for the Volt, a car often referred to as the next generation automobile.

Financial Chronicle adds that the Beat EV is likely to be unveiled on June 5, which coincides with World Environment Day. This is the best day for showcasing any tree-hugging tool. This project has no connection with the Spark EV project it embarked with REVA last year. The Beat EV will sport a laptop-type Li-Ion battery pack.