GM launches Beat diesel
01 Aug 2011
Since its debut two years back, GM India's popular hatchback Beat has done quite well, and now with the launch of the company's diesel variant consumers who have been asking for a cheaper and frugal version have finally had their prayers answered.
The diesel Beat comes with the smallest diesel engine in the country, which pumps out 58.5 PS @ 4000 rpm with 150 Nm torque, enough to deliver an astonishing 24 kmpl (ARAI certified).
According to Karl Slym, president and MD, the company was focused on leveraging its resources for creation of value for customers in all areas, including price, efficiency, performance, safety, styling and reliability. He added the company was confident the new Beat would be a game changer.
According to industry experts, the Beat diesel has style, comfort and performance to take on the competition and it is believed that the smaller engine was specially
designed for India by GM Technical Centre, India, and GM Powertrain, Europe.
The variant which has overall design and interiors identical to the petrol version is not available elsewhere as of now. It has minor changes on the new oil burner and also its tyre width, that has been downsized from a 170-section to a 165-section on the diesel, on identical 14-inch wheels.
However, according to industry experts, the competition would be hard put to match the version's price, with the base PS model priced Rs4.29 lakhs, the LS for Rs4.59 lakhs, the LT for Rs4.99 lakh and the top end LT for Rs5.45 lakhs. The company is also offering buyers three years (or 1 lakh kilometer) warranty with the purchase of the car.
