General Motors unveiled the all new 2016 Chevrolet Spark (Beat in India) for international markets, but the car will not be launching in India before 2017.
The next generation Chevrolet Beat hatchback for India will not be based on the new international-spec car’s M2 platform, but it will be heavily upgraded version of the already available model. The new Indian model is likely to be a upgraded version with comprehensive exterior and interior changes, as the international model is expected to be too expensive for the price sensitive Indian market.
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The current model of the Beat is based on M300 platform, and the same would be used in the next generation model.
However, the platform will share several bits from the new international version.
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The new Beat will also share a lot of parts with the 2016 Spark, especially in terms of design and equipment.
Chevrolet India, according to rumours does want the new Beat to have the grown-up interior seen on the 2016 Spark, which could mean that it will also receive the new Chevrolet-signature three-spoke steering wheel design, a normal digital-analogue instrument cluster, redesigned dashboard, etc.
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But the 7-inch touch-screen multimedia system found on the 2016 Spark is expected to feature in the new Beat.
A smaller unit will be installed in the car to keep the costs low.
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The LCD screen on the instrument cluster found on the Spark could be replaced by a more basic screen on the new Beat.
The Beat 2016 will be powered by a smaller version of the Spark 2016’s 1.4-litre Ecotec motor petrol engine, it could be a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder motor.
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The 1.0-litre diesel engine powering the current Beat diesel model will be improved upon and carried over.
Meanwhile, PTI reports that GM India will hike the prices across its existing product portfolio with effect from July 2015. The hike would be in the range of 1-2% depending on the model and would be aimed at offsetting added cost pressure due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
(With inputs from PTI)
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