Chevrolet Beat - Value for Money Pick

Writing this review 45 days post- delivery and after driving for 1000 kms. I have the Chevrolet Beat base model with power steering and A/C (both are basic – no models without those features)

Background

My wife and I bought the Beat after a lot of evaluation of cars in the hatchback and entry level sedans.

The criteria: a fuel efficient car that can comfortably seat 5

The Drive

I usually drive in the city to commute to office and back in Mumbai - daily 45 kms, 30 kms freeway and the rest in traffic.  I drive with a combination of air conditioning off and on depending on the time of the day.  I don’t race beyond 80 kmph and prefer to drive at 65 even on the highways.

I got an average of 12.6 kmpl after initial check up and first servicing. I am expecting this to improve over time.

I don’t want to comment on the looks and upholstery of the car as that is purely a matter of personal choice. To summarize the positives and negatives:

Positives:

·         Value for money : 1200 cc car with a good average

·         Comfortable ride

·         Optimal spacing inside the cabin – leg room, head room is good

·         Decent fuel economy

·         3 year warranty program

Negatives:

·         A/C pulls down the performance noticeably

·         Acceleration is a bit tight (this can be worked upon though I think)

·         Pick-up suffers in lower gears.

Overall Verdict:  Satisfied. More updates when I get to 5000 kms.