The Datsun Go hatchback has also been a new entrant in the Indian small car segment. The Datsun Go is currently being offered in three variants - D, A and T trims in four different interesting shades. Being a new entry in the tough to compete segment, the hatchback has been doing well in the local market with over 5000 cars reportedly being sold in very less time since its launch. The latest Beat version from Chevrolet was unveiled at the recently ended Auto Expo 2014. The car has received some interesting cosmetic upgrades whereas the basic engine configurations have been retained.
The new Chevrolet Beat is powered by 1.2 Litre petrol and 1.0 Litre diesel engine. Speculations have been doing the rounds that the new version may feature an automatic transmission. For now, Beat's engine has been mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. The petrol hatchback features a SMARTECH II engine that has been mated with Port Deactivation technology, empowering the car to generate about 79.4 bhp maximum power output with 108 Nm of torque. This engine has claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of up to 18.6 kmpl. The diesel version features an efficient XSDE SMARTECH Common Rail diesel engine that generates about 57.6 bhp of maximum power with 150 Nm of top torque. The diesel version returns an impressive mileage of 25.44 kmpl.
The new hatchback features an upgraded bumper that looks a bit bigger than the earlier version. The front grille looks smarter and the roof spoiler adds up to its sporty quotient. The interior is different too as it takes on a new center console, the storage space is now bigger and looks better with a change of color. A new set of alloy wheels compliment the new design pretty well. As per sources the face-lifted Chevrolet Beat shall also sport a central rear height-adjustable headrest. Petrol version of Beat starts from Rs 4.06 lakh to Rs 5.25 lakh, the LPG version starts at Rs 4.59 lakh, and the diesel hatchback version is priced between Rs 4.89 lakh and Rs 6.1 lakh.
The international car-maker boasts about Go hatchback being a reliable car. The 5 door Datson Go hatchback is powered by a 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. The fairly powered engine is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox and delivers a fuel efficiency of around 20.6 kmpl. As per sources, the diesel version is anticipated to be launched at a later unreleased date. The hatchback is said to be based on the Nissan Micra platform, with slight change in its overall length. Comfort is something that comes as a regular feature in this hatchback. The front seats in the Datsun Go has been designed keeping in mind the natural curve of the spine to support the pelvis and chest, thereby relieving pressure off your back. The cabin is spacious and has great noise insulation. The Go hatchback is slightly bigger than a regular hatchback and boasts of around 256 Litres of luggage space. The front seats are connected for easy sliding across the other side while navigating in tight parking spots.
Overall, the vehicle is built on a light frame structure to focus on better performance and efficiency ratios. Ride quality is fairly decent with McPherson strut with double pivot lower arm suspension system for front and H-Type Torsion beam with linear damper for the rear. Moreover, the hatchback gets Speed Sensitive Electronic power steering as a standard feature. Amongst a list of hatchback cars in India, the Datsun brand faces the stiffest competition from the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The car maker has also paid special attention to the safety factor; the hatchback comes with engine immobilizer, manual central locking and child lock feature. The hatchback is offered at a price of Rs. 3.12 lakh for the entry level model, while the top spec model costs Rs. 3.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
