Chevrolet Beat vs Nissan Micra: Comparison

Two of the most promising 1.2-litre urban hatchbacks in the country, the Chevrolet Beat and the Nissan Micra have  (Nissan Micra : First Drive) taken small car standards in India to a different level, most of which point upwards. We analyse their strengths and weaknesses (if any) to pick the one we feel makes a bigger statement about its abilities.

At first glance both cars are great to look at, giving consumers a very lasting first impression. But a thorough inspection of both cars will help you spot the differences. Let’s start with the engine that pumps the heart of these hot hatches.

The Chevrolet Beat gets its thrust forward from a 1199cc four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 80.5 PS of power and 108 Nm of torque. An overall mileage (city and highway) of 13.5 km/ltr and a top speed of 156.76 km/hr is the data you will ever need to be convinced that this smart hatch is one phenomenal all-rounder. The revvy engine feels almost like that from a performance motorcycle, and is thoroughly exciting.

The Micra's cute hood on the other hand gives shelter to its 1198cc three-cylinder petrol engine that has sound pedigree on paper - 76PS @ 6000rpm and 104Nm @ 4000rpm. Nissan has done a good job with tuning the engine and has matched it well with the 5 speed manual gearbox to make the Micra peppy and very driveable. An overall mileage of 14 km/ltr isn’t too bad either. The three-pot offers great driveability and accessible torque throughout the rev range.

Priced between Rs 3.55 - 4.26 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) the Beat is surely a bang for your buck. The base model of the Micra on the other hand begins where the Beat saturates its exuberance. It is priced quite steeply from Rs 4.10 – 5.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) making it one of the most expensive hatchbacks in India after the Honda Jazz.

But this is better explained when we compare the list of features on offer with the two cars. Starting with the Chevrolet Beat, which offers most of the commonly found aesthetics and accessories you would expect to find in the modern day hatch, like for e.g Power Steering, an Anti-Theft System, an in-car entertainment system with all connectivity options etc. But, this is where the Micra totally justifies its up to the neck pricing. Micra customers can expect the best in class features with their cars, the likes of Push Button Start Ignition, safety features like ABS and EBD for the high-end variants and also a driver airbag, all of which come together to make this above average small car one of the safest around.

Where expected driving experiences are concerned, the Beat has to be the more fun and exciting car to take out for a spin. Its youth oriented looks also spill into the drive experience of the car, and sitting behind the wheel should definitely put a smile on an enthusiast’s face. With the Micra, the expectations ought to be a bit different, considering its proportions and technology laden interiors and exteriors. Few cars can match up to this Japanese invaders perfectly tuned suspension and oodles of space on offer (both for the driver and passengers). It makes for a perfect mid-sized family car with its safety features galore and sturdy drive abilities even in the worst road conditions.

Verdict:

The Chevrolet Beat has, in a sense, absolutely rejuvenated the styling threshold of the Indian hatchback space, and proved that balance in performance, style and comfort is not unachievable even in small cars – all that bundled with phenomenal pricing. What the Micra has brought with its introduction in India though is a fine blend of technology, sophistication and good looks that makes it not only a more progressive hatchback, but also a very practical one. Car per car, the Micra gets our nod for this quick comparo.