Chevrolet Beat Car: Test Drive Review 2010
Chevrolet Beat Car Road Test Review 2010
Growing up, I loved the whole gully cricket funda and everything associated – the makeshift wickets, rules and everything. Except for one. The rotund kitty-partying auntie’s irritating little Pomeranian dog. I am sure many of us will associate this buzzkill with their childhood. The dog everyone hated, not because it looked remotely scary but with its irritating bark and hyperactive antics, it always shredded the ball to bits.
These unpleasant memories reduxed when I saw the newest Chevy off the block, the Beat. It looks exactly like the hyperactive canine. I hated it in a heartbeat.The ads suggest it’s christened on ‘heartbeat’ but frankly, if my heartbeat was automotive-ly pictured to be the Beat, I’d rather it stopped beating, now! Some say it’s contemporary; I say it’s a shoddy proof of rampant recessionism.
Chevrolet Beat Car Rear Windows Door Handles
The rear door handles are located on the wings and is an interesting design change. But sadly, this gives the door a very refrigerator-ish appeal. The front headlamps stretch all the way to the windshield, small wonder, the price of parts? The rear lamps look like cheap after-market fitments. The butch razor styling doesn’t float my boat.
This though, is the complete opposite of the interior which is not very roomy but it can sufficiently fit my 6ft 1′ frame quite simply and then some. My only bone to pick would be the slot for the sat-nav in the European siblings left botched in the Desi version. What ever happened to a digital watch?
Chevrolet Beat Car Interiors
With the interesting sport-bike styled movable instrument cluster and the dash resembling Chevy’s design strategy, the interior is the saving grace. Sadly though, you cannot drive this inside out.
Chevrolet Beat Car Dashboard
Well they say styling is subjective. Moving on then? They say the city fuel consumption is 15 kmpl. That’s impressive, very. The 1.2 litre engine produces 80 sluggish horse powers.
Chevrolet Beat Car Engine
The power delivery is so sluggish that the car can be traced back to its cheeseburger chomping nationality! It’s so sluggish that, wait for it, it goes like a diesel and that is the worst anyone can say about a petrol engine. For real, the Suzuki Ritz Diesel feels punchier.
Chevrolet Beat Car Front Headlight
The Beat feels like it’s a diesel with a very bad turbo lag. The ‘power’ is transferred to the road by standard 155/70 tyres. The steel rims which are made to resemble mags are a cheap rip-off of the Tata Nano. The handling though is taut and precise and the gearshift is firm and full of feel, which is a good thing.
Chevrolet Beat Car Rear Light & Boot
My comparison for all these city-clicking hatchbacks is the Hyundai Santro Xing. Sure it’s no looker but it’s an honest, peppy car. Sadly even by the Santro’s standards, the Beat is a let-down. To me the price tag of the Beat is as attractive as its colour options.
Having said that though, it’s meant to attract people who have no aesthetic sense, who think a few lines and slashes is ‘contemporary’, who think a Swift Dzire is a car and who think driving is… ‘Ah! Who cares about driving?’
Note: Click on the Pics to see Bigger Images.
Chevrolet Beat Car Test Drive Review Photo Gallery
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Front Image
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Rear Light & Boot
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Dashboard
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Rear Windows Door Handles
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Front Headlight
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Engine
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- Chevrolet Beat Car Interiors
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This doesnt look like a honest Review….
this to me…looks like somebody has given you money to write this review against GM.
and do have any idea what you are talking about???
are you describing the looks of this vehicle??
its fine if it is a personal opinion…..but ur words clearly show some Motive behind them!
:)
and regarding the cars looks and performance….just read OVERDRIVE/AUTOCAR or any car mag…..
YOU WILL BE FLOORED!
and if you dont like it for any genuine reason….dont buy it….
but dont talk against its postive points….and make a fool of yourself.
coz…..evrybody here are as smart as the BEAT itself.
:)
What crap! The Beat is a petrol and your comparing it to a diesel Ritz. Who let you even publish this shit?
Dear readers,
Thanks for the flak. where do I begin.. yea, the looks. I’m going to maintain that it’s a good direction, but bad outcome. Again, looks are subjective and varies with eyeballs.
The engine.
If someone thought the engine was good (which means to say they know very little about performance and have never driven the Honda Jazz), I can only say, wisen up. Honestly, I was not impressed. And yes, you can begin to talk about value for money but I’d rather pay for my fun.
We are not on a mission to upset folks, rather on one to channel our petrolhead-ism in a constructive, honest way. We do not profit monetarily from good or bad reviews.
Personally, I like the spunk shown here by the readers.
P.S.: Watch this space for more test drive reviews and keep those comments coming! Again, Thank you very much for reading IndianCarsBikes.
I found your review to be similar with my opinions.
The two points especially, the door mechanism like a fridge and the other the response from the engine.
The time delay when you hit the pedal and the engine to respond is like ages imo.
However u didnt mention the pathetic tyre width on the car all in the name of saving fuel.
Makes it look like a glorified Nano from the back with those set of tyres.
P.S. the dash is tooooooo plasticky and looks cheap
Agreed.
Hehe, nice. I like it.
Hi,
I N T R O D U C T I O N
My first car was Wagon-R LXI, I bought it in Feb-2005, my next car was Honda City-Zx CVT Automatic, I bought it in Jan-2007, and I drive both the cars myself.
M Y O B S E R V A T I O N S A B O U T M A R U T I R IT Z (LXI AND VXI)
On road Price offered to me on 27.01.2010 (Delhi)
Rs.4,16,000/- (approx.) for LXI
Rs.4,62,000/- (approx.) for VXI
Rs.5,22,000/- (approx.) for ZXI (Out of my budget)
with a discount of 7500/- on each model.
Price difference between LXI and VXI, 46,000/-
VXI model is fitted with Power Windows (front and rear), Central Locking without remote, Tachometer, Wheel Caps, and 4-5 sensors like Door, Key, Seat Belt reminder, etc.
Door handles and Rear View Mirrors are without body paint (cheap doings)
Central Locking without remote
No Music System
Drive Good
Dash Board Looks Good but quality of the plastic on doors poor, the guy told me not to compare it with the interiors of Honda city
Looks Good
In general 46,000/- for power windows, central locking and a tachometer in VXI as compared to LXI), ZXI was beyond my budget.
So with a nice Music System without which my wife cannot drive, VXI model will cost 4,62,00/- + 12,000/- (Music System) – 7,500/- (Discount) = 4,66,500/-
M Y O B S E R V A T I O N A B O U T C H E V R O L E T B E A T
On road Price offered to me on 27.01.2010 (Delhi)
Rs.4,23,000/- (approx.) for Top Model
with no discount and long waiting
Front and Rear Power Windows
Music System (Integrated Blupunk Music System)
Central Locking without Remote
Climate Control Air Conditioner (Even Not present in my Honda City, available in Honda Civic)
State of the Art dash board, with Electronically displayed Air-Flow Direction
Blue lights emerging out of the Dash Board in the night remind me of Honda Civic
Rear Defogger and Washer
Excellent Interiors with good quality material
Looks like a heavy gauge metal sheet for the outer body as compared to Ritz
Manual Internally adjustable Rear View Mirrors
Battery Saver
Electronic Tachometer
Tilt Steering
Steering is more smooth as compared to Ritz-VXI
Sunglass Holder
Very beautiful Shiny Black Finish on the Dash Board and Doors
Body Colored Door Handles and Rear View Mirrors
They told me bumpers are impact proof (I’ve not tested it.)
Light in the boot area
Power Windows are more smooth as compared to Ritz-VXI
Very nicely packed Tools (Stepney Sized Tools Holder)
Smooth Drive
Dash Board is good but the Meter Panel is not so impressive.
Silver and Dark Grey Car Colors are not available (What a foolish thing!)
Looks like little compact from inside
Ritz’s tail light looks good as compared to Beats (In my personal view)
R E S U L T:
In my personal opinion Maruti Ritz is better looking as compared to Chevrolet Beat.
Martuti Ritz VXI is badly overpriced if you compare it with Ritz LXI
So if you are looking at Swift, A-Star, Ritz you must visit and see Chevrolet Beat once.
I have selected and booked Chevrolet Beat Top Model (LT without Options Pack) as my next 3rd Car on 29.01.2010
Ashish Pal
Delhi
Good luck Ashish. Drive safe.
We have posted Ashish’s views in a new article. Check it out here:
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/test-drive-report/chevrolet-beat-user-review-3639/
After reading the review of chevy Beat, i personaly feel that you are comparing the new chevy beat with some sporty car(like Ferrari or Lamborghini). or you pen down only for bad remarks for this car.
It depends whether anyone abuse BEAT’s looks or ferrari Looks.
Engine performance is excellent in the Segment, as what ARAI claims(18.6 KMPL. I guess, if i am not mistaken then for all the car in India, ARAI only does the testing for fuel economy, and chevy beat is among the the best of all the cars.
As, i am using the car from past 1 month.I never feel any turbo lag(As turbo lag is termed for Diesel Engine) time lag between turbocharger starts releasing energy to turbine to make intake manifold temperature. AND this is PETROL ENGINE.
The plastic is best in class used. Interior is Superb if you are looking BEAT LT variant.
Till Now only General Motors produce approx 100% to there Concept car in real production. Rear door handle is made like that because the slide curve of car should shown clearly. BUT MANY PEOPLE USED TO SEE the tradition stuffs, because they hate the Change :):) :) and never want to try new stuff even though that looks better.
Engine used is 4 Cyl, 16V DOHC(double overhead camshaft) thats make a better fuel economy and fast acceleration.
DASH Board is always made of plastic, i rarely seen steel made DASH Board.
check this out for safety, you are very much safe in Chevy beat than any other in this segment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eos5A4tH060
Hi Amit,
Few figures that might interest you:
Hyundai i10 kappa – 80 bhp
Chevy Beat crappa – 80 bhp
i10 kappa torque – 112 Nm
Beat torque – 108 Nm
Beat and i10 – 16v DOHC.
i10 0-100kmph – 12.8 secs
Beat 0-100kmph – 14.86 secs.
Beat and i10 Euro NCAP rating – 4 stars.
Congratulations on your new car.
Cheers !
In the Head to Head comparison of the hatchbacks in the country, the Chevrolet Beat has been declared a winner. To quote from the article which appeared in Zig wheels ( Times of India publication) …….”Overall Chevrolet Beat is a car to buy…It looks great, is a global design that will appeal to many young individuals looking for a car that reflects their personality and is rather in your face in a very good way”
The scoreline after evaluation of the Beat on various parameters reads as follows:
Chevrolet Beat: 17/20
Fiat Punto: 15/20
Honda Jazz: 13/20
Ritz: 14/20
i20: 14/20
Skoda Classic: 12/20
Hi Amit,
Good to hear from you again. Nice to see the quote but unfortunately, I could not be bothered what wigzheels has to say. I don’t go looking at websites to see what they have written just so I could reword the article. I go for a drive with no preconceived notions. If I don’t like it, I trash it. I still maintain the Beat looks like a really excited puppy, and not in a good way and the engine is rubbish.
You very well have gone along the lines of the other website and I DO hope you have a blast in your beat. I suggest you be open to opinions that do not favor yours.
Thanks for reading ICB !
Cheers !
Shourya
hi everyone and SHOURYA G,
TO begin with, guys i m owner of beat from 7 jan 10. And within next 16 days i drove some 1600 km from delhi to punjab all the way and then in villages and have been across worst road in India even.till now i have driven more than 3000 km.
So, shourya ur comment about engine is not true, engine ki jaan dekne k liye dil mai jaan honi chahiye. Mileage is really xfactor according to me while coming back i was delhi in 20.5 ltrs from jallandhar in near 9 hours with a break. More over during the drive i have touched 145 mark several times and have felt tht there is more to deliver may be little.i was with my family and never felt that beat wa swobbling anywhere. Ofcourse i felt the pickup to be sluggish as u said but it was only then when i was racing with skoda octavia. so dude u better know the engine capacity difference between octavia and beat. minus point in my opinion are less boot space , slightly small rear windows and to some extent dashboard which may seem little higher to some. well shourya it is ur problem if u see a ref in beat’s rear window well then u must buy the car as it will serve both as a ref and car also. final line is tht guys like u r comparing this car with the optimum one but u shud also c ki what is the cost of it.it is well said ki jitna gudd daloge utna hi mitha hoga.dont compare it with swift or ritz they have engines with greater cc so naturally morre power nd might have more pickup jitni beat tumne chalayi hai utni to maine test drive mai chalayi thi dude t20 mai batsman ka pata nahi chalta test khelo fir dekho. well i m again on long drive this weekend and will submit more views ya one last drawback chevrolet ka network guys dont buy it if u live in a village coz noone is going to provide u service there for this beat
Hello Sid, Congratulations on your buy. Do let us know how things work out for you. We might be doing a survey about car ownership in the near future where in we would like to know everything, how the car has held up, how the dealers dish out service, do they attend to you with a smile..everything. But thats for another day. For now though, thanks for the suffix but I prefer just Shourya.
Cheers, Drive safe.
Shourya
Hello,
This review is total crap and not honest at all!!!
I am a proud owner of BEAT. Before buying I have made detailed comparative study and zeroed my choice on BEAT. I found it the best among the lot and great value for money. Technically, the DOHC 16V STEC-II engine is considered more advanced and sound than 1.2L kappa in i10. Even considering both same the BEAT pricing is also favorable. Its true that rear windows are different than conventional others but that change was to bring about styling in read door open handle. So its a kind of trade off to get a stylish rear doors… The front leg room is so spacious to give enough ease and comfort to my long legs..even passengers are also getting reasonable good leg room to have comfortable long journey. This space was compensated from boot room space.
ALL IN ALL A GREAT CAR IN SEGMENT AND OFFERS VALUE FOR MONEY…
Good luck and Drive safe !
“Growing up, I loved the whole gully cricket funda and everything associated – the makeshift wickets, rules and everything. Except for one. The rotund kitty-partying auntie’s irritating little Pomeranian dog.”
Well for some the aunty might be irritating because she does what she wants and to some the dog might be irritating since it too does sort of the same thing. Atleast in this review both are irritating. They biased way of writing. And the fact that you dont seem to be very aware of what the competition offers at the price range.
Hello there,
Quality comes at a price. Always remember that. Drive safe!
Cheers!
Shourya
Hi Shourya,
First, I don’t own a Beat as yet.
Second, I’ve driven almost all cars,except sports, including BMWs, Mercs, and even smaller ones like i10, Maruti, Nano and the likes. I like driving cars and bikes.
Third, everybody is entitled to an opinion whether honest or bised.
Having said all this, I would only say to you that before summarizing please compare with the competetion and then opine. Also keep the metaphors out (Definition:
A figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common. A metaphor expresses the unfamiliar (the tenor) in terms of the familiar (the vehicle). When Neil Young sings, “Love is a rose,” “rose” is the vehicle for “love,” the tenor. (In cognitive linguistics, the terms target and source are roughly equivalent to tenor and vehicle.)
I find your review incorrect and offensive. Sorry.
Rajeev.
Hi Rajeev, Drive Safe!
P.S: It’s too bad About.com doesn’t exactly teach you English, no?
so shourya ur habit of ticking out grammatical rather useless mistakes hasnot gone first u compared beat with jazz and now u r concentrating on grammer dude i m little bit confused r u a vehicle specialist or english teacher nyways i was back yesterday from yet another long weekend this time it took me about 6 hours to complete 380 km and what i felt ki avg has dipped marginally last time it was 20.5 and this time around 19 well tht was obvious as i hav not let my heart beat to fall below 100. And all the fuss about pickup is nothing but shit coz this time really i tested it with i10 matiz and swift. Well all the owners and non owners i accept ki there is little difference in pickup even with i10 and ofcourse dont compare the pickup of swift. but believe me when full throttle is given i10 remains far behind. there was somwhat like race between me , i10 and matiz initially both the cars raced ahead of me momenterilly but as soon as the road was clear they were left just gazing ki beat aayi aur gayi.look everyone shud accept tht there r some rather 03 minus points in beat but forgive some grammer teachers who r trying to give review of beat. isnt it disgusting ki guys r comparing beat with jazz how will it look if i compare u with ur superior and say ki u r not giving as much output as him so stop becomming negative forever for beat and try to c some gud things which most of us r able to c xcept u so shourya if ne of my views hurt u then i m sorry none of the view is meant to hurt u but just to make u realize ki comparing equal things is justified. thanx
Hi Sid, Drive safe! Remember, the road is not a race track !
Cheers!
Shourya
well thanx for the advice ofcourse road is not meant for racing but the track was clear and there was need also so i opened the throttle fully and with that i hope that now u r clear with the fact that beat really beats others in mileage, looks, power and features in this price thanx
Who ever is given this review is the XXXXXXXX XXXXXX, u have given photos of Beat LS or Ps model, just go and look at LT model, this car is much cheaper than any other of its class, and it defiantly has good sporty looks, and if ur not going to race with it it hardly matters what force engine gives,and one more thing try thinking better than refrigerator, I think you dnt hv enough money to buy car, just go and buy handle of refrigerator,
XXX XXXX XXX XXXX
Hello Pri,
Your comments are more than welcome & you have all the right to express your views.
But please keep in mind that we can not accept these kind of words for our Authors. We have high regards for our team & the kind of work they do.
I will reiterate that we don’t have any ill-will against anybody.
Please keep that in mind in future when you comment on ICB otherwise your comments will go to garbage next time.
Thanks.
Admin
Hi Pri,
‘if ur not going to race with it it hardly matters what force engine gives..’ ? Good luck Fred Flintstone. :)
Cheers !
Shourya
Mr Shourya, give your comments on other parts of my review also,Y have you given photos of PS model, have even seen LT model ? And dont think you are the Michael Schumacher, Your review is not good thats the fact, accept or be in dreams only……..
Hi Pri, Michael Schumacher doesn’t drive and review cars. Get your P’s and Q’s right. I come to believe that you have bought the Beat LT, congratulations !
Cheers, Shourya
Stop thinking about my P & Q ‘s only thing is you are impossible and you hate Beat, besides thank you very much , yes i have ordered Beat LT.
Hi am sure that shourya babu was not given any decent test drive or he is in a wrong job, for which he is taking out his frustration on Beat.
I am not an owner of Beat but have driven Swift, Ritz and Beat. Beat is real VFM… In 4.20 for LT with features like Auto Climate AC, Nice Music System, 14″ Wheel, all power windows, excellent or probably the best quality interior plastic, crash proof bumpers it’s the best deal in the market till date.
We discussed back seat then let me say that I drove both Ritz and Beat with my pregnent wife wife sitting on the back seat and Beat was much much more comfy then Ritz as it has Gas filled shocker which again it’s compititors are missing till date.
We all can see that you have personal problems with beat but that is not going to change the fact that it’s the best 1.2 L car in the market in this price or you pay 50K extra and buy Ritz ZXI (which may give you all these feature in 4.79L).
You are an author and should right honest comments then such things which no one on the site is ready to agree on.
Hi,
First, congratulations on the new member in the family!
Second, congratulations on the new car!
Third, Drive safe and get a good baby seat for the li’l one!
Cheers!
Shourya
Hi Shourya,
Thanks for your good wishes. But I am not a beat Owner.
oh! just XXXX , i think this guy has bought any other car just before the the launch of beat and is very frustrated that such a great and VFM car has slipped from his hands……….
Hi Sanju,
You want VFM, buy a Polo. You want a lawn mower, you buy a lawn mower, why buy a Beat? You get what you pay for, there is no such thing as reduced price. The Beat is rubbish in every department I deem necessary. Period.
Good luck,
Shourya
hey guys dont try to make a specialist understand that beat is better than others lagta hai shourya g aap nahi badloge i tried u to make u understand with facts but still u remain the same 3 idiot ka principal waala character neways nice to hear u i thought ki ab tum badal gaye ho but i was wrong something/guys are meant to be adamant n rock solid like u cheers tc yeah 1 thing more plz tick out the grammatical and spelling mistakes out of my quote
What the crap is all this.
Let me start by saying that Beat is the best looking car of the 1.2L hatch segment. The only car that can live up to its looks is the Grande Punto.
Have you ever seen better interiors than LT. The driver console is mesmerizing.
Performance is not in the league of Swift/Ritz/I10 1.2 but better than Punto, vista, astar, estillo, wagonr, santro. It is actually the 2nd and 3rd gear that feels sluggish. and that too at low RPMs (Below 2.5K). However in 4th and 5th is is surprisingly quick. It can even accelerate from 40Kmph in 5th with AC on.
Beat is incredibly refined at idle. But above 4500 RPM it becomes noisy and feels stressed. But power delivery at that range is good.
Handling is not satisfactory. there is a good amount of body roll. Along with it it runns on skinny tires.
To make up for the handling it has the wonderful ride quality. Best in class.
A few personal dislikes.
- Rear seat thigh rest is not sufficient.
- Visibility is not good.
- Poor torque at low RPM and noisy at higher RPM.
- Good amount of body roll
- Skinny tyres
- Small boot
What I liked
- Looks
- Ride quality
- Interiors
- Gear shift not bad
- Good FE
- Small turning radius
- Incredibly refined at Idle
- Automatic climate control
- Good built quality
- 3 yrs warranty
- Cheaper than the competition by approx 40K
Upgrade to wider tires as that will take care of the handling issues.
In my opinion he Beat is a very competent car but not exactly for ENTHUSIASTS.
Hi
@Shourya
I have been hearing some reviews from you. (which I felt biased). But those reviews can be true if you are comparing it with the twice expensive jazz, or even swift.
How would you compare Beat with Astar. As both of them are in the same price range.
You’re comparing Chevy Beat with Swift Dzire! Enough said :-D
@Buzzsaw: both are so ugly you cant tell their ass from their elbow. Performance wise, the Beat is 200 CC and a cylinder more than the A-star and yet the a-star beats the Beat to 100 kmph. I frankly couldn’t be bothered about both.
@Raj: comparing? you DO read astutely….NOT ! :)
Please some body tell Mr. Shourya to not used XXX words for Beat, as many of users here didnt like his review, why website admin is not stopping him from giving biased versions ,He is not behaving mature, there is no need to say more, Just stop this guy, its all enough.
@ Pri: Yes, the world revolves around you. If you don’t fancy what I write, don’t read it :) No gun-to-the-temple here..
@ Shourya.
Do you now anything else other than 0 to 100. In india 0 to 100 means crap. What is more important here is the pass by acceleration or someone would say in gear acceleration.
And as far as 0-100 is concerned
Beat-14.8
Astar-15.5
Figo -15.5 (claimed) I would add another 1 sec.
I10 1.1 – 16
(Arom the autocar magazine)- Check for yourself
http://www.autocarindia.com/roadtest/chevrolet-beat-lt
I am not saying beat is the best. But I am saying there are much more sluggish cars than beat.
And what do you really want. A Mercedees at the price of a Maruti.
If you trust AucoTar for your reviews, you are beyond hope, automotively :) AucoTar is for people in golf trousers and hats and who have anoraks.
Come to ICB if you want an unbiased review. Like i said, if you don’t like it, don’t read it.
Cheers!
P.S.: you can add a billion more seconds to the other cars and reduce a billion more with the Beat, it makes no difference. You jazz up an elephant and you still get an elephant. It’s surprising to see you haven’t mentioned the 1.2 Kappa’d i10.
First of all I am not just a regular customer. I do all kinds of tests regarding Fuel efficiency, Performance,(with and without AC) Emissions, Power-torque curves, Gradient climb and lots of other shit. both on car and dynamometers.
And the results we got was very close to what autocar claimed. And you want me to call ICB unbiased.
The reason I didnt mention I10 1.2 and maruti’s K12 is that these 2 engines are way better than Beat’s 1.2. But it is justified for the price it is offering.
Hi, I was planning to buy a Beat but looking at all whats said abt it im having doubts, Shourya why is it that every auto magazine praises the Bean and you have all bad things to say abt it..
well….i read ol d reviews n ol r soundnd lyk ol r fighting with each other..boss m planning to buy this car will anybody let me know 3.7 lacs is worth for dis sexy looking car or should i go for santro-xing
Hi Yashin
Let me tell you honestly about buying cars. Never go by reviews. There should be 3 things to concentrate about.
1) Take a test drive
2) Choose a reputed company. (Fiat and Skoda may produce wonderful cars but their service sucks)
3) See whether it fits in your Budget.
In my opinion-
BEAT IS ONE OF THE BEST 1.2L CAR IN 4 LAKH BUDGET.
Hi Anshul, I always get excited when I hear someone buying a car, so, congratulations :) I digress. I felt the Beat is rubbish. Sure it’s sticker price is attractive but quality comes at a price, please, pretty please do not EVER forget that. The Santro is surely a proven performer but it’s time has come. Hyundai are (most probably) giving the Santro a one last hurrah with the interior upholstered. But nevertheless, buying the Santro now is nothing but shooting yourself in the foot considering its life. If your only other choice is the Santro and you cannot increment your budget, go for the Beat. You might like it. Me? no, it surely doesn’t bake my biscuit.
Cheers,
Shourya
BEAT is a Great CAr!
Dont listen to a XXXX here who dosnt know anything about cars…..and has been behaving like he is an enemy of GM. god knows what happend btween him and GM! :))
and BTWAY GM makes great cars….and if u want some biscuits baked go to a BAKER X XXX!
Hi, I have come across reviews that say that the Beat has some serious gearbox issues with some calling it a Korean make also issues with the rear suspension..are these reviews right..Pls advice.
i own a BEAT LS, and just returned from my first outstation trip driving it around 600 kms in 2 days on bangalore-coorg circuit. agree with Shourya on the performance and handling aspects. it does feel like a diesel on the highway and on ghat roads there is good bit of roll.
i owned a wagonR for 7 years before this one, and it was more peppy and responsive on the highway.
ride quality: excellent for its category.
looks: each to his own.
Hi Yashin,
Yes it’s true the Beat has Korean roots. It’s a spawn from the GM takeover of Daewoo. The Beat was originally intended to be Daewoo Matiz replacement.
Gearbox and suspension issues can only be ascertained on a long-term report. I have my doubts with the Beat. Like I always say, and I maintain, quality comes at a price.
Cheers,
Shourya
shourya…thanx a ton 4 ur advice,,….
wat u think about a-star..can i go 4 dat…
@MSP: Agreed
@Anshul: Give me your budget and your location, quick.
Hi Shourya,
I am also looking for a good CAR in the range of 3.75 Lac to 4.00 Lac (Ex-ShowRoom Price).
Can you suggest me a good car in this segment. also i am going to buy it in Bangalore.
Hi Amit, You are lucky. There are a few niec cars to choose from in that bracket. There is the Figo, the Indica Vista, V2, the Getz Prime, the Palio Stile and if you dont mind tall jap looks, there is the Ritz with a great engine. Do let me know your intentions – daily drive distance, family etc and I will be glad to help you out.
Cheers,
Shourya
Thanks for Suggestion !!
I have looked the model suggested by you and i have some concern with it.
1. Ford Figo – New in market, similiar to ford fusion and after sales service is pathetic of FORD.
Parts cost are high for Ford.
2. Indica Vista, similar to Indica(they are lot in market as TAXI), and after seeing the condition(Saftey Issue) of TATA NANo, i cant trust TATA’s Vehicle.
3. Palio Stile – is good Car.
4. Ritz – personally i dont like the look the design of this car.
I think Palio is good for me, also Nissan Micra is going to be launched, i can wait for that.
Thanks Shourya !!
Hi Amit,
No problem. You do your research well. I’m glad you chose a Fiat but the problem with Fiat’s are they depreciate faster than an american on Jupiter. Consider th Ford Figo. Its a nice car. Do read our test drive review of the Figo: http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/road-test-report/ford-figo-review-6078/
Cheers,
Shourya
my budget is 4 lacs nt a single penny more….n m in delhi.
hi shourya
my budget is 4 lacs nt a single penny more….n m in delhi.
Hi Anshul, another reader, Amit, had a similar query. Four lakh is a good amount of money. I suggest newer cars like Ford Figo, Indica Vista, V2 rather than little older models like Palio stile and Getz Prime. The palio and getz are great cars, mind you. Do let us know what your main travel will be.
Cheers,
Shourya
@anshul
If your budget is strictly 4 Lacs. I will you are looking for something tith ex-showroom 3.5 lacs.
The cars that you should look out for is
1) FIGO- great car. Great dynamics and space. But looks depressing and most importantly its a ford which means costly spares and high depreciation. Major drawback is the underpowered 70BHP engine. Keep in mind rear windows roll down only 60%.
2) BEAT- Good all rounder. Killer looks. Breathtaking interiors. Wonderful ride quality. 3 yrs warranty. Good FE. Just average performance. Not so good handling. Claustrophobic rear with a bit less thigh support. Smallest boot.
3) A-Star – Purely driver’s car. Wonderful performance for a 1L engine. Excellent handling and FE. Maruti service. Stiff ride. Practically no rear leg space. Smallest boot.
4) I10 irde – Good allrounder. Decent performance for a 1L engine. Great interiors. Easy to drive. Uncomfortable rear. No steering feedback. Poor handling.
If you are driving alone – blindly choose Astar.
Or else – you can opt Beat or I10. (both are good)
If your want a bit more space and dont have any problem with its rear windows go for Figo.
Hi Shourya,
I am in great confusion here. Seen many cars but could not zero in on single. I have read almost all reviews, feedbacks. Somewhere I read hatchback customers are spoilt with choice, Thats really really true. Below are shortlisted mine.
I have budget of 5-5.5 lakhs.
1. Beat – I like outer look.
2. Ritz – I love heart of this machine, Rear looks little odd. (My wife said once we are in how does outer look will bother us – I agree)
3. Vista – I liked exteriors, I loved the interiors at first sight, Driver height adjust is great. Feels little underpowered.
Please guide (I am a short heighted guy (5.2)) . I am going to buy in 1-2 weeks.
Requirements – Good FE, Good Power for weekend drives, Good city drive, Good looks, Peace of mind,
Just to add to above, my mother had to put efforts to get in backseat of beat, but in Ritz she got in easily.
Hi Shaurya,
I have atlast bought my Beat LT, excellent FE (16KM/L) on the very first drive and initially thought that it had slow pick up but car did not disappoint after I got familier with its power ratio and its paddles. Cooling and driving comfort is much higher then ritz. Ritz is still doing with oil shockers. I see that one of the user is struggling to buy the right car in 5.5L, I recommend swift. Its bigger and better in all terms and if you have money then swift is the right choice.
If you budget is less than around 4 lac then go for Chevrolet BEAT LT(Right Choice) otherwise if budget is more than 5 Lac then Go for maruti SWIFT (It is old car but the powertrain is excellent, and exterior also not aged till date )
Hi Deepak,
With 5.5 lakh as your ceiling, my man, you are bloody spoilt for choice, or are you.
You sound like a mature buyer with decent wants. Considering you might be taking elders on your trips, and you want complete peace of mind, and a good driving position, and decent power, and fuel efficiency.. :), may i suggest the Polo as an all-round performer. If you want a little class with your car, the Punto (the 1.4 petrol/1.3 diesel) and if you want the perfect driving position with oodles of space, the Ford Figo (diesel).
If I might, why dont you check out the Indigo Manza as well?
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya,
It will be my first car and I don’t prefer sedan for now. I read figo is little sluggish. Please guide. I am going for Figo test this weekend. I think punto will be overbudget for me. (Onroad for 1.4 petrol and 1.3 diesel will be quite high with Mumbai registration).
A Star has been designed taking City commutating in mind. In a car where daily need is met we cant expect great cabin space. check the fuel efficiency of the car. the refreshed stylish design.no other car in this segment cannot compete with a-star
@ Deepak
Dont go for Polo. Polo diesel is sluggish. Polo petrol is a 3 pot. So the engines does not justify the price. Or else the car is good. 1.6 petrol is something that one should wait for.
Figo diesel is a wonderful car. It will be a very good choice.
But if you want good power and FE along with reliability it comes down to just 2 cars.
1)Ritz – It has an amazing engine with wonderful FE. Descent space and everything you want.
2)Swift – Mind it the new Swift feels more punchier than the Ritz. Thanks to the calibration engineers. You will also get better handling at the cost of ride quality.
With a budget of 5.5 Beat makes no sense.
Thanks all for your feedback.
I am getting inclined towards Ritz VXI (ABS). Yesterday I was Polo on WEH, It looks stunning but again its engine is not comparable with 85 BHP Ritz. I can live with some ugly looking exteriors but not with the weaker heart. I should get satisfaction while driving not while looking at car.
I love Steel Grey color, whatever may be the car.
Will update with the progress in buying. Anybody can help, what normally bargained with dealer. One dealer quote on Ritz 15000 discount + 2000 corporate discount. Does bargains change with dealers?
typo in previous post. Its “I saw Polo……….”.
WHAT A XXXX OF A REVIEW. AND NO AM NOT SHOUTING JUST BECAUSE I TYPE IN ALL CAPS. BUT NEVERTHELESS YOUR REVIEW IS XXXXXX
Hi,
The article is so sluggish , so bad that i cannot digest it have write my views. Any new thing in india, new design, new work is not accepted by indians so easily & we all follow a like flock buy wt majority ppl will buy run behind where all ppl gather no use of our own brains. Just follow ha ha
BEAT is really stylish, new design & Fresh. I have compared with all small cars in terms all price & drive.Its Price is the BEST in its class & in all aspect buy it man.
U ppl will just run behind maruti & Hyundai any new change by these guy u appreciate & if done by others is sluggish come on give me a break. Remove this article & make some real comments.
Regards
Anish
want to buy car in 1.2 ltr segment, my buget is 3.75-4.5 lakhs, a little bit confused between
1.Ritz
2.Beat
3.i 10 1.2 kappa sportz
4.maruti swift(little older)
please suggest me
my requirements:good pick up, good looks, good a/c, good music system.
tell me what is the difference between engine of i10 kappa and beat………at present wanted to go for beat…….will be waiting for your comments.
also if you can suggest me some other cars, with difference.
Hi Vivek,
The new Swift is a good car for your demands. Also, do have a look at other cars like the Figo and the new wagon R. If you’re able to stretch your budget a little more, include the Polo and the Punto in there as well.
The difference between the i10 Kappa and the Beat 1.2 is simple: Astronomic. The i10 is better. The i10 has superb acceleration.
Cheers,
Shourya
This guy’s review, shows attitude of a small child who has dropped his lollipop.
He even goes around trying to prove all those people owning the car, and loving it, wrong.
I wonder if he is even qualified to write.
I know it is useless to tell you anything, but if you are a sport … a review is supposed to be neutral, with all the good points and bad points laid out clearly. It is the reader who decides whether he wants to buy the product.
You on the other hand are very derogatory … even to the people who own the car, and more than satisfied with it.
There is no limit to the money you can spend to get a better car, and even then there will be better cars … for a buyer of this segment, it is about economy. And the beat is good economy.
Good engine, good styling, decent space, great city car.
In the morning, in the cruel climate of New Delhi, i want to go from point A to B, as confortable as possible with a minimum budget, and reach my destination fresh. The Beat is part of that freshness.
I hope my english is sufficiently good for you to comprehend, and satisfy.
… and yes i will drive safe, and be safe … I am driving a Beat remember ?
Hi Vikram, I wouldn’t know how you’d judge if a person is qualified to write but I digress. The car appeals to some but not to discerning drivers. There are plenty of city ‘runabouts’ out there that score much better. I’ve had GM tell me the looks will ‘grow on you’, speaks a lot of the styling. It’s simple where they messed up, really. They haven’t kept it simple and unpretentious. Good on you that you bought the car though. Let me know how that turns out. We’d be doing a survey of sorts a bit later on and we’d like user’s thoughts.
I hope this time around my attitude is more mature for you to reason and approve, because that’s all I live for.
Cheers,
Shourya
This is the most XXXX review that I have ever read.
Why dont you just say that you got fired from General Motors
Guys, i own Beat LT model & have completed almost 4000 Kms. Let me share some of the issues faced by me…
1. Sluggish pickup, but trust me it….it gets better by time…its just that you get use to the upshift of gears (Upshifting at proper rpms)
2. Unstability & roll at higher speeds (at turnings especially)….i have upgraded the tyres to overcome this issue
3. Boot space is small & hence cannot carry enuf luggage for long distance.
Other than these points am really happy with the quality of drive…
I have driven almost all the new hatch backs…from A star till I 20- Automatic (except Jazz)& came to the conclusion that it is not the best 1.2 Hatch Back car on indian road…but when you compare the prices with other same segment cars, you find the difference & i personally found it best (initially i was going to buy Ritz VXI)
I was aware of the above mentioned issues before buying it…but still got this car because finally it depends upon an individual & his utility (parameters or features required & compromised)
No car is perfect….you can find flaws in Aston Martin & Maserati cars….So guys lets not argue…
Talking about looks…is a complete personal view & hence not a major point of discussion
Some say it is a pure Bakwaas (haven’t found a single person…except this thread)& some say it gives a 2 door sports car look…
Guys lets put down actual reviews/experiences & help our friends in their decisions
Hi Sagar, Congrats on your car mate! Do stick around because I’d like to know how the car does it over a long period of time. This includes service and the works. Thanks for your insight and drive safe!
Cheers,
Shourya
@Ram
he he he ….I like that!
gays is beat an good are to buy and is beat better than i10,wagonarand ,alto,also new alto
gays is beat an good car to buy and is beat better than i10,wagonarand ,alto,also new alto
Hi Anu, I’m sure you mean’t ‘guys’ :) and the answer to your question is NO.
@ANU
DOnt listen to some stupid people out here….who think are the best to comment on cars.
take a test drive yourself……and you will be convinced that BEAT is the one you have to buy.
and dont forget to see the crowds reaction when you are driving one :P
Hi Shourya,
Your review was right, but you make it look like the beat is awful. It is not awful just bad & that too when compared to good cars. But most of us look at pricing too.
Yes i test drove a lot of vehicles including a beat & landed up with a Ritz. Only reason not to go for a swift was that it is one too many on the road, just wanted something different & new.
I am a 6 footer & felt a bit cramped in the Beat. & the car did not seem peppy to me. the worst part was that the car which was brought for a test drive was making a strange noise when i took a deep turn & the sales person said that the car was 2000 kms old & that is why the sound. I started wondering what after 30000 kms.
Guys, Swift, Ritz, I10, I20, Jazz & Punto are good cars. You get inclined towards maruti for their pricing & most important Service.
Hi Mohan, Congrats on the Ritz! Is it for a family or just for you? Keep us posted on how that works out for you. Drive safe.
Cheers,
Shourya
hey why beat not a good car when compared with i10 120 ,alto,wagonar. and another thing those who had tested beat should reply
hi Shourya why you think beat is an rubbish car
The Ritz is driven only by me. On weekends it is family outings. Otherwise it is pretty much office to home.
The torque is excellent & Mileage is also pretty much decent. I get 13.5 on road in city with AC.On the highways it is around 17-18.
Nice! Do touch base with us once you service the car. We’d like to know how much the figures fluctuate, if at all.
Cheers,
Shourya
is beat better than i10,wagonar, please reply
It Seems this reviewer is a loser who cannot afford to buy this car and is wasting his time like a frustrated movie critic who keeps labeling every damn movie as a flop
Dude, were you drunk while writing this review??
Trust me, i just booked a red chevy beat and let me tell you all that since this was my first car, I’ve done hell lot of research before deciding… I am 6ft tall and i didnt feel congested at all.. infact i even sat on the rear seat along with 2 sales guys from the showroom (trust me, we were much comfortable than my dad’s hyundai santro)…
Heres what i need to say about its cons:
> BOOT SPACE 170 Litres – Does it matter that much?? I dont travel in city with baggages?
> REAR HAND POSITION – I would rather call it an unconventional design, rather than refrigerator…
> “The Beat feels like it’s a diesel with a very bad turbo lag” – I think u test drived Nano, instead of beat… Or maybe an autorickshaw…
Heres my message to the people: In 4lacs, you cant expect a luxury like Benz and performance like BMW..This is a good value for money car in looks as well as in performance as compared to its competitors….
The guy who has written this review must be an 65 yrs old UNCLE who has a 1965 bajaj scooter as his only prime possession and has a belief “Dont buy a car and dont let buy”
This car is definately for the YOUNG INDIA….go for it, DUDES..
Worst review ever for any car….door looks like a refrigrator !!!! sluggish 80 bhp
Im trying to finalize a car for myself, and i have started a thread for the same here – http://www.erodov.com/forums/suggest-car-yup-thats-me-asking/34279.html
I am a bike collector, and though the family cars are tested and selected by me, i seldom drive em. I wrote a review for the Tata Nano, when it had just hit the showrooms, and i got a chance to drive it as well.
The Beat has me stumped with its looks, and features on offer for the price asked. Everything said and done, the only next comparo is the Figo which is about 12k more in the on road price.
The i10 is the segment leader ( and since we already got one in the house, dont want another one ), and everything is pitched against it.
@Review writer – In a way its good you are using pics of the base model, since generally that is the one that everyone buys. But a ref pic of the top model wouldve been helpful as well.
Real world mileage for any hatch in city is between 12-14 kmpl, depending on your driving style, So there isnt much to capture or give away here.
The indian mindset( of which i am a proud part), of first cost, and second “mileage kya hai”, seems to have added a third faction, being ” mine is faster than yours!”. Well none of the cars including the i10 are designed to be driven fast and hard because they are space economizers and not really driver’s cars.
Anyways, Im still debating over my purchase, and this review wouldve been more helpful if a short TD was also part of it.
Hope to read some more articles here!
Cheers
Hi Jaideep,
Point taken about the pictures. Honestly though, if you find the Punto sluggish, the Beat is in the same league. At least the Punto has its looks working for it. My take, go for the Figo. It is a no nonsense car, lots of space, pleasant looks, nice driveability and the diesel is the cherry. Th only iffy bit – the lack of rear power windows in the top end version. Hang around for a report of the Micra.
Cheers,
Shourya
There are some points that I agree with you some others I dont.
Exteriors- (4/5) -This is the best looking car next to punto.
Interiors- (4/5) – Excellent design par with I10. Base model not so good though.
Performance- (3/5) – Nowhere close to ritz, swift or I10. But definately better than Punto, Micra.
Handling- (2/5) Not at all a handler. Suspension too soft. Tyres too punny. Steering has no feel. Its slightly better than I10 and Micra. However Figo, Punto, Polo, Swift are leagues ahead.
Ride- (4/5)Never expected such a ride quality from this car. This is the only thing I was taken aback by. It filters out road undulation and small potholes with ease.
Space- (2/5)Though not a spacious car. Rear legroom is descent. Boot though is compromised. Rear seats are awful. Also claustrophobic.
FE- (3/5) People claim they get 14 in city and 17 on highway with AC. Not bad.
Price- (5/5) Killer price. You can only get an Astar at that price.
Mr Shourya… only few words for u.
Get urself a life. Get Beat :)
Hi Gauti, Thanks for them words of wisdom. But if I had to get myself a frog on steroids, I would have done so long back. Cheers and drive safe!
Shourya.
Test drive the Beat with remapped ECU and please comment.
u r somewhat correct but looking at the price tag gm offers max facilities than any other car in this segment mind it
Hi All,
I have to purchase a car within month.. but I am confused with the coices available.
My budget is 3.75 to 4.00 L (on Road Price)
and purpose is weekend family outing and weekdays office (around 500 kms/month).
I have few choices in my mind but I don’t want to name them here otherwise again I may get a biased response.
Please suggest…
Thanks in advance… ?:-)
beat LT is the best in its segment…the author is *EDITED*
Admin Note: Pls mind your language and respect the author.
This is one hell of a biased review. Please refer to other sites autocar, zigwheels etc. But I strongly recommend Team-bhp.
Its a Zero maintainance CAR. After 2 servicing also it’s smoother then any Ritz on bumpy Roads.. Gear shift is so smooth … and Air Conditioner is so Powerfull..Initially it was little slow on Pick up but after 1st first servicing they made some changes in Software system of the car and it runs like Cheetah now :-)
I met with one accident few weeks back and broke my front bumper. New costed me 1200 Bucks :-) No kidding
My Son broke the Sun Glass Holder and company changed it for free. Dropped cold drink on the car Seat and got a free dry cleaning from Service station. Fog lamp bulb got fused because of the shock of that accident and company changed it for free of cost .. even things like whiper are covered for 3 years replacement Warranty. What else do you want from this car. Me and my Family is loving it and we had nice and cool summer in our beat (thanks to it’s extra ordinary AC) :-)
It’s Value for money!
Hey Shourya,
I also booked a beat LT white in kerala. I read all the comments posted here. I am afraid u r not aware that there is no car in this segment with this much options packed in this cheaper price. Personally u may be against GM or Chevrolet… seems like u are compelling ur opinion to others..
I own a Beat LT. All I can say is I feel the author is wrong on most counts. It’s best to test drive a car personally before deciding. As for the Beat, I like it’s features, interiors, and specially it’s comfortable ride.
Hello,
I want expert comment. I am planning to buy BEAT. shall i go for it or not…
I don’t have car & it will be my first care.
Dear Mr. Shaurya,
Its good to see your view regarding the car, but I dont agree with that.
Even i Test drove the beat, & u know, its real fun to drive it. Pick up is much better than Santro, & equivalent to that of an i10.
And as far as looks are concerned, Santro looks like a shoe box yaar, i10, little better.
And when I had to choose, I booked the Beat Ps model, cause i couldnt afford the LT model.
Delivery is expected in a weeks time.
And again, I am not disagreeing with you coz I have booked the Beat. In fact, I read your article before booking, & your article put me in confusion !!!
But after test driving the Beat, man, its an awesome car.
Captain Khanna
hi shaurya…
no doubt that its an objective case not a subjective but the point is here u need 2 write subjectively as well….
It looks that u wrote a biased article i dont know whether u have some bad feeling or grudge with GM.
I have gone through many reviews and article as i regularly do being a mechanical engineer.
either u tried to write different or anything else but when you write an article on topic like this you should be clear.
thanks
frog on steroids !! refrigerator handle !!
hats off to your creativity.
Hi Guys,
Does anyone have an update of the performance of the New Smartech engine on the Beat…GM claims better mileage and a smooother engine.
It is true that Beat HAS some probs. All the cars do have some. Nothing is perfect.
Beat is overly satisfying car. In fact according to JD, it is one of the least problematic car.
I do have one and bought after reading this review and found most of the points are baseless.
@Saurya
The review is *EDITED* :-D . In fact I think u wanted to prove urself something different, so this *EDITED* :laugh: review has been given from ur side.
Quote: “Having said that though, it’s meant to attract people who have no aesthetic sense, who think a few lines and slashes is ‘contemporary’, who think a Swift Dzire is a car and who think driving is… ‘Ah! Who cares about driving?’”
You can say you do’nt like the looks of the car, which you have, but you have no right to ridicule people who like the design. The administrators should not have allowed this comment.
i am intarested on BEAT.
@ Ram
“Why dont you just say that you got fired from General Motors”
Hilarious!
@ Shourya
Loser!
@ Readers
Trash the main article and go through all the comments, you will find the honest review about the car and authour’s disgusting attitude.