At the Auto Expo 2016, General Motors announced its plans to launch a compact sedan based on next-gen Chevrolet Beat in 2017. It will be based on the India-spec 2017 Chevrolet Beat’s platform. GM India revealed an almost production-ready version of the Beat compact sedan at the Expo. Cristened the Essentia, the new Beat-based compact sedan should help GM to increase its share in the Indian automobile market. Expect the launch of the compact sedan to take place in by June, 2017. You can read more about the Beat compact sedan aka Chevrolet Essentia India launch date, price, images, specs, mileage and details here-
Also See – New Chevrolet Beat Details | 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer facelift
Chevrolet Essentia India Launch Date
| Model | Expected Launch Date |
| Chevrolet Essentia | June 2017 |
Although the Essentia showcased at the Auto Expo seemed to be in a near production-ready state, the Beat-based sub-compact sedan will launch only by June 2017. While the manufacturer is yet to make an announcement of the exact Chevrolet Essentia India launch date, they stated last year the launch will take place in early 2017. Recently, heavily camouflaged units of the Essentia compact sedan were caught undergoing testing on Indian roads.
GM India President and Managing Director Kaher Kazem said, “Chevrolet is focused on delivering to our Indian customers the safe, high-quality vehicles they want backed by the world-class customer experience they deserve. We have a strong plan to launch at least five new Chevrolet models within the space of 24 months, including the new Trailblazer, new Beat, Essentia, new Cruze and Beat Activ.”
This compact sedan will be accompanied by the 2017 Chevrolet Beat hatchback and Beat Activ crossover. This car will be placed below the Honda Amaze, Swift Dzire, Ford Aspire and the likes. Keeping the dimensions in mind, the Essentia is likely to rival the upcoming Tiago based compact sedan.
[source]
Also See – 2017 Chevrolet Cruze | Chevrolet Beat Diesel Review
Chevrolet Essentia Price in India
| Model | Price (Estimated) |
| Base Model | Rs 4.50 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 6.50 lakh |
The Essentia will be cheaper than the current crop of compact sedans such as the Dzire and the Amaze. It will come with an estimated starting price of INR 4.50 lakhs.
Among the chief rivals of the Essentia will be the Tata Tigor. Showcased as the Kite 5, the new Tata compact sedan went on sale in March 2017. Prices of the Tata Tigor start at Rs. 4.70 lakh. Expect similar pricing for the Essentia. Like the Tigor, the Essentia will be available in Petrol and Diesel variants. Additionally, the Essentia might come with a CNG kit keeping the taxi market in mind. Check out the Chevrolet Essentia specifications in the below section for more details.
Chevrolet Essentia Specifications in India
| Engine Displacement | 1 .2-Litre, 4-Cylinder Petrol;1.0-litre, 3-Cyl-Diesel |
| Max. Power | 80.5 PS at 6,200 rpm (P); 57.1 PS at 4,000 rpm (D) |
| Peak Torque | 108 Nm at 4,400 rpm (P); 142.5 Nm at 1,750 rpm (D) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Mileage (est.) | 18.6 kpl (P); 25.44 kpl (D) |
| Dimensions (LxBxH) | 3,640 mm x 1,595 mm x 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,375 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 175 mm |
Talking about current Chevrolet Beat, the hatchback comes with 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.0-litre Diesel engine. The 1,199 cc 4-Cylinder in-line DOHC petrol engine churns out a max. power of 80.5 PS and a peak torque of 108 Nm. On the other hand, the 936 cc 3-Cylinder turbocharged Diesel engine produces a max. power of 57.1 PS and a peak torque of 142.5 Nm. Both the engines come mated to 5-speed manual transmission. The specifications seen in the table above are estimates based on the engine lineup of the Beat model currently on sale.
Chevrolet Essentia India Images
Chevrolet Essentia India – Mileage
| Petrol | 19 KMPL |
| Diesel | 26 KMPL |
As it will get its engines from the current Beat, they will offer more or less the same fuel economy. While the Chevrolet Essentia Diesel could have a claimed fuel mileage of 25-26 kpl, the Petrol variant is likely to offer up to 19 kpl.
GM is planning to export its car from India to Mexico, South Africa and other Latin American markets. It has already started exporting the current Beat to Chile.
Chevrolet Essentia India – Dimensions
| Length | 3640 mm |
| Width | 1595 mm |
| Height | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2375 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 175 mm |
The dimensions of the car are 3,640 x 1,595 x 1520 mm (Length, width, height respectively) with a wheelbase of 2,375 mm and ground clearance of 175 mm.
Chevrolet Beat Essentia Exterior Design
As we mentioned earlier, the Essentia compact sedan will be based on the new Beat that will come next year. It will feature the same front end as the upcoming 2017 Chevrolet Beat. The front end is new and features smaller headlamps. At the back, there are vertical tail lamps that may get LED detailing. While the boot has been designed smartly, it does not gel very well with the overall design of the car. Then again, there aren’t many compact sedans out there that genuinely look good. Other design highlights include 10 spoke alloy wheels, chrome lining for the window sill and chrome applique over the number plate area.
Chevrolet Essentia Interior Design
The interiors of the Chevrolet Beat compact sedan will feature light colour upholstery. The pre-production concept that was on display at the Auto Expo featured the current Beat’s steering. However, new bits include a new touchscreen AVN unit, new speedo and tacho console among others. While rear seat space might not witness a significant increase in space, there could be a generous 300 litre boot on offer. The Essentia gets the same basic dashboard layout as the current Beat. The final production ready form could feature a new steering wheel design and a different colour scheme.
Chevrolet Essentia Compact Sedan Features
- Split chrome grille
- Fog lamps
- Alloy wheels
- Chrome garnish on boot
- Chrome lining on window sill
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Air conditioning (Manual)
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Central locking
- Rear centre armrest
Chevrolet Essentia Compact Sedan Engine and Transmission
All three upcoming Chevrolet Beat derivatives will share engine and transmission options. They will continue using the 1.2 L petrol and 1.0 L Diesel engines that power the current Beat. Both engines will get a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. In its current state of tune, the 1.2 Petrol makes around 80 PS of maximum power and 108 Nm of peak torque. The 1. 0 L Diesel put out a maximum power of 57 PS and peak torque of 147 Nm. Chevrolet might tune these engines for better fuel efficiency. There is no word on the availability of an automatic transmission option yet.
Stay tuned to CarBlogIndia for more on the Chevrolet Essentia India launch, prices, specifications and mileage.
Spy Images Courtesy- CarWale
