Chevrolet launches facelifted Beat in South Africa

Chevrolet has launched a facelifted version of the Spark (Beat in India) for the South Africa market. The car features a host of changes both inside and outside but are mostly cosmetic in nature making this a mid-life facelift.  It was launched globally in 2010 and arrived in the Indian market as the Beat a few months later. 

On the outside, the facelifted Beat/Spark gets a completely redesigned front fascia in the form of a bigger grille, refreshed bumper, headlamps, and side skirts as well as some new decal on the hood. The OVRMs have been fitted with integrated indicators and there are new alloy wheels in two sizes, though the latter will only be available on the top-end variant.  At the back, Chevrolet has refreshed the tail lamps and has also given chrome treatment for the exhaust tip. There is also a new roof spoiler as well as a redesigned bumper.   

Inside, the hatchback is now being offered with four different sets of trim and revised upholstery. Some minor changes have also been made to the design of the central console to improve ergonomics as well as styling.    

The engine line up remains the same as the previous model, a 1.2-litre petrol engine which produces 81bhp and 108Nm of torque.  Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. In India the Spark/Beat is also offered with a petrol/LPG powered engine as well as a 1.0-litre diesel mill which produces 59bhp and 150Nm of torque.

The South Africa spec Beat/Spark is available in five different variants starting with the basic campus model (India spec LS petrol) all the way to the LT petrol which is the same as our LT opt petrol variant but with side airbags and rear park assist. Chevrolet has also introduced a cargo version called the Pronto which has a caged in loading section in place of the rear seats. It has the capacity to carry 876 litres of cargo.

Prices for the South African Beat/Spark begin at 106,110 Rand (Rs 6.4 lakh) for the campus variant all the way to the LT petrol which is priced at 136,500 Rand (Rs 8.3 lakh). Since Chevrolet manufacturers the Beat/Spark in India it is likely that this car will launched here a short while after the Enjoy MPV with a slightly higher price. 

Source: 3D Car Shows