Chevrolet has begun testing the India-spec Beat hatchback ahead of its launch early next year. 

 

Different from the all-new Chevrolet Spark unveiled globally, the new Beat for India is an evolution of its predecessor. The India-spec hatchback will be joined by a rugged-looking Beat Activ and the Beat Essentia compact sedan next year. The carmaker had showcased the Beat Activ and the Essentia at the Auto Expo 2016 earlier this year. 

 

The new Beat’s design now looks more grown up and less edgy, and is likely to appeal to more car buyers. This second-gen car, however, continues to offer the passenger-door handle on the pillar  – a trend started by the first-gen Beat, now also seen on models such as the Mahindra KUV100 and likely to be seen on the next-gen Maruti Swift. 

 

The carmaker has not revealed the rear styling for the new Beat, but going by the spy images, it is likely to get the number-plate relocated to its rear bumper. Also, the tail lamps will be a tad larger than those in the current car and will feature LED inserts.

 

Chevrolet has also announced that it will launch five new models in the next 24 months. Three of them are based on the new Beat hatchback and the remaining two are likely to be the all-new Cruze sedan and the facelifted Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV.