Jul 25, 2012 10:42 PM
40404 Views
I had an opportunity to Test Drive a Chevrolet Beat Diesel (LT version) with Sundaram Motors, Anna Salai, Chennai.
A rep named Aravind was very nice with me in explaining the features. Having taken just a test drive, I feel myself eligible at least to cite out a few inconveniences I faced during the ride hoping that this would be useful for future planners of this car who have not test ridden it or have not noticed the below flaws in the car.
Ride Quaity - Good
Mileage assured 25.44 km/l by Company. Rep assured 20-21 with AC in City and 24-25 in Highways with AC
CONS / DRAWBACKS in the CAR noticed during Test Drive:
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- Vision Problem
The A Pillar in the front part of windshield is an issue. I was not comfortable with the road view. I know Chevy has done this as a Top Notch Aerodynamic step in building the front part of the body. But for a family man like me, I care for safety of the other road users too. Hence, it is a safety issue to 3rd party.
- Seat Height Adjustment
This issue also speaks with the previous one. I am less than 6 feet tall and I had a pain in getting out of the vehicle as my feet has to bang on the lower part of the steering cluster. If a person who is 6 + feet tall, then definitely an issue. Moreoever, road visibility is not good enough as I feel not high enough to view the road clearly. There is no Seat Height Adjuster even in the LT version which is a top end one. Chevvy should have thought of this.
The scene is something like neither a short person nor a tall person can comfortably use this car. Short person won't have road visibility and A pillar issue to add with. Tall person will feel very difficult to get out of the car fast.
- Gear Shift
Gear shift was as smooth as I had expected before the drive. Not as it was in Honda Brio Petrol. It is almost equivalent to Nano Gear Shift... Chevvy should defnitely listen to this.
- Hand Brake
The moment I started the car, I had a tough time to release the handbrake. The button in the hand brake would not get pressed with my broad strong thumb. Again a CON...
- 936 CC Engine
Underpowered when compared to Swift (1.3L ) engine. Rep says Beat can be stable even more than 120 kmph speed, but I could never convince with that no. With the kind of 7 km in traffic test drive I had, I can assure that the maximum stable speed of this vehicle should not be more than 100 kmph. So active bye pass riders need to consider this before ending up on Beat.
MERITS of CHEVY BEAT DIESEL over the Diesl Hatchbacks of Same Segment
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- Fuel Efficiency - Good Figure
Obviously mileage (25.44 kmpl promised) should give at least 23-24 in highway and 19 in city. And its not a big surprise since the car is just less than 1000 cc which is underpowered. No big deal.
Comparatively Swift delivers 22.9 kmpl (by company) and even more to riders on highway with its powerful 1.3 L Engine.
- Price Tag
Beat PS (Basic Model) with AC and Pwer Steer comes for Rs. 5.34 lacs , which is around 1 lac less than Swift LDI ( currently Rs. 6.45 lacs ) .
Beat LS (with front power windows, better interiors, 60:40 rear seat fold) comes for 5.65 lacs.
Metallic colours obviously cost more.
- Ride Quality
Was quite okay. Little sluggish in dead slow speeds with full AC on. Enough for a 936 cc Smartech Engine.
COMPROMISES needed to save 1 lac compared to Swift LDI
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Underpowered Engine 936 cc (Swift 1.3L)
No Seat height Adjusters (Swift has a heigh seating position)
A Pillar issue (Swift has no A Pillar Issue - No vision problems - Clear road visibility)
Very average gear shift quality and also steering smoothness (little better in Swift)
WHO SHOULD GO FOR BEAT DIESEL:
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People who are particular on their budget and need basic things in car for a 5.5 L budget for Diesel Hatchback, who do not need much out of it.
People who are not power-liking, speed-liking, thrill-loving while driving in highways as Beat could hardly be stable @ 100+ kmph speed.
People who need a sexy mileage figure. (1000 cc Engine can give this)
90% City riders (to get a better mileage of 20-21 as per diriving habits)
WHO SHOULD NOT GO FOR BEAT DIESEL
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People who need good power on highways as well as Citi of 1200cc + Engines.
People who want to speed in highways around 130-140 kmph
People who want comfort even in long drives.
People WHO CARE ABOUT THEIR and others safety on the road due to A Pillar and low eating height reasons.
One more thing, I am not personally against Chevvy. Chevvy has wonderful cars like Tavera. This is a budget car with of course little Value for Money, but think twice of the compromises you need to make for saving that 1 odd lac rupees.
Beat D Planners please go for a test drive and cross check all the CONS I have mentioned in the car that I felt and then take a decision. This review is just a guidance to you planners.
Thanks and Regards
Kumar S
kumarquality@hotmail.com
