Today we compare the Chevrolet Beat with Toyota’s only hatchback, the Etios Liva. Both the cars are comparatively new in the Indian market and have been getting good response from the small car buyers. Coming from the portfolios of high profile players like Toyota and Chevrolet, both the cars are expected to provide great quality in both ride and built. Both Toyota and Chevrolet have had similar journeys in India and are now relatively stable in the market.

 

On the first look, both cars seem to have been made to cater to different kind of audiences. The Liva is made on a bigger chassis with a wide body and a long wheel base. The Beat on the other hand is the tall boy kind, with a shorter wheel base but greater ride height. Speaking about design, The Liva is the Gentlemen’s car, with is straight lines, plain design and colour schemes. It looks elegant and yet has a sporty feel to it with it rear and side profile. The sportiness of the Liva can also be seen in the Dirt prototypes used by racers in dirt conditions. It is a mature and elegant car with subtle style.

 

The Beat on the other hand is for the young boy. It has bold curves; sharp lining and the height give it a very sporty and adventurous look. The Beat looks more refreshing than the Liva but making a choice clearly depends on the consumer. On the Inside, the Beat is small as compared to the Liva. The Liva is more comfortable and spacious. It has good cushioned seats and the trademark good finish of Toyota. The Beat on the other hand continues the sporty influence on the inside and looks an altogether different car with its finishing and colour tone inspired by racing. On the Downside though, the Beat is not as comfortable for 5 people as the Liva, with its wider body.

Under the hood, the Beat comes with a 1.0Litre XSDE SMARTECH diesel engine. It produces a maximum power of and a maximum torque of 150Nm@1750RPM. The Liva is powered by a 1.4Litre D4D CRDI Diesel engine, producing a maximum power of 67PS@3800RPM and a maximum torque of 170NM@1800-2400RPM. In overall performance, the Liva is better car to drive, with its more responsive engine and the reliability of the old and tested D4D engine. In terms of ride and handling, both cars are equally good but, the Liva with its longer wheel base has less body role and better control.

The Beat is priced from Rs. 3, 81,605 to Rs. 5, 86,751 (Ex. Showroom Delhi). Liva comes in the price range of Rs. 4, 09,998 to Rs. 6, 32,281. (Ex. Showroom Delhi).Being around the same price range, the verdict finally depends on the consumer. If he wants a modern hatch, which can seat 4 people and is a bit stylish, the Beat is the right choice. But, it he wants to seat 5 people comfortably and take longer journeys, not caring much about exterior looks, the Liva is the correct choice.