In 2014, General Motors will launch a facelifted version of the Beat hatchback. Next year’s Indian Auto Expo is a possible launch venue for the compact car that’s available in petrol, CNG and diesel engine options. A test mule of the Chevrolet Beat has been spotted in India.



From the camouflaging, we think that the Beat facelift that’ll be launched in India will be based on the South African version. While the US version of the 2014 Beat gains automatic headlamps and a CVT automatic gearbox, the South African version shows a larger number of cosmetic changes.



Since the Beat is due for a major facelift in India, the South African model is a better bet for the Indian market. Many of the following changes, already available on the South African model, are likely to make it to the Indian version of the 2014 Chevrolet Beat facelift,
  • Redesigned front and rear bumpers
  • New headlamps
  • Revised front grille
  • ORVMs with integrated turn indicators
  • Redesigned alloy wheels
  • Refreshed tail lamps and side skirts
  • Revised exhaust tip
  • Chromed hatch handle
  • Rear roof spoiler
  • Optional decals for bonnet, roof, roof spoiler and hatch lid
  • New seat fabric
  • Refreshed center console
Under the hood, status quo could be maintained. The 1.2 liter-80 PS petrol engine and the 936cc-triple cylinder turbo diesel engines are likely to be carried over. The petrol engine also gets an LPG dual fuel option. All three engines are tried and tested units in the Indian market.



While the current gearbox is a 5 speed manual unit, adding a CVT automatic transmission unit to the car won’t hurt sales as General Motors India doesn’t have a single automatic car in the hatchback space. After the launch of the Sail U-VA hatchback, sales of the Beat have taken a beating. The facelifted model could turn things around for this funky looking car whose design evokes an equal share of grins and groans.