2016 Chevrolet Beat hatchback teased

Chevrolet will reveal the 2016 model year Beat on April 2 and leading up to its global unveiling, the carmaker has released this teaser image. Known as the Spark internationally, the new 2016 Beat will be an all-new model but will sport an evolutionary design to link it with its predecessor.

The 2016 Beat is small hatchback based on the Vauxhall Viva/Opel Karl duo sold in Europe. It is said to be all-new but no details on the car have been revealed yet. On the design front, the 2016 Beat sports similar styling cues as the new Cruze that is yet to come to India. The large teardrop headlights are replaced by long sweptback units, a hexagonal grille takes centre stage while the stubby bonnet and overall silhouette seem to be carried over. The rear doors will get the handle on the C-pillar like the current car and the rising stance towards the rear will remind you of the present Beat too.

Chevrolet hasn’t released any specifications either but expect the petrol engine from the Viva/Karl to be carried over. It is a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated mill producing 76PS of power. The diesel should be carried forward from the current car. It is a three cylinder version of the multijet unit producing 57PS of power.

The new Beat will have some tough competition in the entry level diesel segment from Maruti Suzuki as India’s largest carmaker plans to launch the Celerio diesel in a few months. This small capacity diesel engine has the potential to be fitted in other Maruti models as well and that will give Chevrolet a tough time.