Chevrolet Beat LT

If there is a compact car that looks like it belongs to the 22nd century, then it’s this one. What’s amazing is that the Beat is so true to the original concept first unveiled in 2007 and retains the same creases, bulges and bold shapes. To faithfully translate the cutting-edge design of a concept car into production was a huge feat in itself but one that had to be achieved because there can be no compromise on looks.

Aggressive design and styling is a part of the DNA of every new Chevy and that’s evident the instant you clap your eyes on the Beat. The front looks disproportionately larger than the rest of the car, thanks to the massive, split Chevy grille, huge headlights, high bonnet and deep chin. From the side, the Beat looks very coupé-like with a sharply rising waistline and rear door handles that are housed where the quarter-glass usually is. The massive, sharply cut wheel arches are balanced out by 14-inch wheels (the largest in class). However, fatter tyres would work wonders for the Beat’s stance. The rear is quite distinctive too with the retro-looking twin circular rear lamp clusters and a split lower bumper. From any angle, the Beat is quite a stunner and its futuristic shape is sure to be a big draw.

Under the skin, the Beat is pretty conventional and uses a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a twist beam axle at the rear, which is the universal layout for compact front-wheel-drive hatches. While most other new small hatches have moved to electric power steering (EPS), the Beat’s steering uses conventional hydraulic assistance, mainly to keep costs down.

What impressed us greatly is the build quality, which felt better than any other car in its class. The doors shut with a thud to give the feel of a far bigger car. In fact, the Beat, which weighs 965kg, is nearly as heavy as the larger Swift, and a bit heavier than its immediate competition. The excess weight may not be great for performance and economy but it’s given the Beat good torsional rigidity and a big-car feel that no other car of a similar size can quite match.