I love my Beat. Review on Chevrolet Beat

I am driving my Beat for the last two months and covered around 2K kms. Well this is my first car and while buying my first car few points were in the consideration:

1. Budget around 4 lakhs

   
   




2. Did not want a Santro or wagonR as it seems every other car in the road is either a Santro or wagonR. My father drives a Santro and uncle a wagonR and I know they are actually hazard free cars perfectly suitable for the middle class Indian family. But I wanted something else.

   
   




3. My only requirements are: power steering, AC and a decent mileage

   
   

I checked I10 and Ritz and found they are slightly above my budget. Since it was launched I liked the refreshingly new look of A* and so it was my next option. But when I actually checked the car I found the space inside is very less, specially the backseat was very depressing. I tried to seat there with two showroom guys and found we were pushing each other. The boot space was also very less. I decided to check the newly launched Figo. Figo was really impressive with space inside like a sedan. As already I am checking cars outside Maruti and Hyundai family(or should I say outside safe zone?) I decided to have a look at the chevy Beat also. The moment my eyes set on the car I was like “man…what a good looking car!” As per the look till then A* was in the first position of my list, but this car scored far ahead of A. A looks like a younger cousin of Beat. So at first impression Beat beats the rest when it comes to look . The dashboard looked awesome and the space inside was sufficient for five adults. After test drive, I booked the base model Beat PS which suits my budget perfectly. After seven days I received my car. I bought it from Dulichand Motors, Kolkata.

After two months of driving let me tell you my experience. I go to office driving this car and around 35 kms per day I travel.

1. Pick up is very good and there is no such problem as “second gear less throttle” when the AC is off. Yes when the AC is on you can find slight less power in second gear, but I suppose this is a common issue for hatchbacks. You have to press the gas a bit more in the first gear before shifting to second when AC is on. Once the car is in full song, it will give you a sense of pride as the 80 ps machine shows it’s strength.

   
   




2. Mileage is not as high as GM advertised, till now I am getting around 12 as 50% of time I drive without the AC is on. I am yet to hit the highway, so can’t comment, but very soon I will as I am planning for a trip.

   
   




3. The suspension of the car is too good which gives good comfortable ride. AC is too good.

   
   




4. Till now the GM guys are very cordial and helpful and I have no complain about dealer satisfaction.

   
   




5. The car is a head turner and bound to attract attention whenever it goes.

   
   




6. Due to the higher dashboard while driving you may not feel comfortable for first few days but once your driving hands are fixed it will not be a problem.

   
   




7. I am bit worried about the car’s ground clearance. GM should look this as the car will run in Indian roads only.

   
   

Till now I am fully satisfied with my decision to go for the car and will share my experiences with you once I hit the highway.