2017 Chevrolet Beat & Chevrolet Beat Essentia spied on test

Was expected to launch in India in Q1 2017.

The 2017 Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Beat Essentia sedans have been spied testing in India, courtesy IAB reader Abhishek Joshi.

The models spied are completely camouflaged, although there have been instances where the Beat hatchback has been spied completely undisguised. It features an evolutionary restyling with a newer front fascia, revised taillamps and redesigned tailgate. The Chevrolet Beat Essentia was revealed as a concept at the Auto Expo 2016, featuring the same evolutionary restyling of its hatchback sibling, but with a boot.

Both models will continue with the current Beat's M300 underpinnings. Engine lineup could include the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol and 1.0-litre three-cylinder diesel engines paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard.

Also Read: 2017 Chevrolet Colorado High Country Storm showcased at BIMS 2017

GM has put further investments for India on hold, and the local subsidiary has already issued a notice that production at its Halol plant will cease by April 28, thus ending the production run of the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Tavera. With the Sail and Enjoy falling flat, the two Beat variants could be the last chance for the Indian subsidiary to prove to the HQ that it is on the path to revival and convince it to invest on new models.