The Indian small car segment has got fiercer with the launch of Maruti Suzuki Celerio AMT (automated manual transmission), which has been doing well in terms of sales. Now, the company introduced the new Celerio diesel that will rival against its diesel counterparts – the Chevrolet Beat and Ford Figo.
The Chevrolet Beat diesel has always been a hot choice among fuel-conscious Indian buyers. The Beat, that received a mid-life facelift in February 2015, is admired for its sporty styling, well-equipped interior and decent engine performance. Though, the new Maruti Celerio diesel will prove to be a tough competitor with class-leading mileage and affordable pricing.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio’s Launch Date Leaked
Talking about the exterior and interior styling, the Beat with has an upper hand over most of its rivals, including the Maruti Celerio diesel. With substantial updates, the new Beat looks a lot better product than the old model. The Celerio, on the other side, carries Maruti’s conventional styling with few tit-bits. The interior, too, isn’t as well-equipped and comfortable as the Beat.
The Beat’s diesel engine is more powerful than the Celerio’s 0.8-litre turbocharged unit. Though, in terms of fuel efficiency, Maruti’s hatchback will be an unparalleled player in its league. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Celerio diesel is claimed to return a whooping mileage of 27.62kmpl that makes it India’s most fuel efficient car. Powering the Celerio is the Suzuki’s self-developed 793cc twin-cylinder DDiS diesel engine that claims to offer a higher torque/ cc of displacement than the Fiat’s 1.3-litre, four-cylinder DDiS engine that does duty to several Maruti Suzuki cars. This all-aluminum powertrain weighs 89kgs that makes it lightest diesel engine in the passenger car segment. It also contributes to the engine’s fuel efficiency and performance.
So, if you want to buy a highly efficient and affordable car, the Maruti Celerio could be the best pick for you. Though, the Chevrolet Beat diesel makes a decent choice with sporty styling, interior comfort and decent engine performance. Here’s the spec comparison between both the hatchbacks.
Chevrolet Beat Diesel vs Maruti Celerio Diesel
| Specifications | Maruti Suzuki Celerio Diesel | Chevrolet Beat Diesel |
| Engine | 0.8-litre, two-cylinder turbocharged diesel | 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, SMARTECH diesel |
| Displacement (cc) | 793 | 936 |
| Power | 47bhp at 3, 500rpm | 56.3bhp at 4000rpm |
| Torque | 125Nm at 2, 000rpm | 142.5Nm at 1750rpm |
| Mileage/ Fuel economy (kmpl) | 27.62 | 25.44 |
| Transmission/ Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (mm) | 3600 | 3640 |
| Width (mm) | 1600 | 1595 |
| Height (mm) | 1560 | 1520 |
| Wheelbase(mm) | 2425 | 2375 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 165 | 175 |
| Fuel Tank (liters) | 35 | 35 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | MacPherson strut with coil spring | MacPherson strut |
| Rear | 3-link rigid axle with coil spring | Compound Link type |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Disc | Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
| Front tyres | 165/70 R14 | 165/65 R14 |
| Rear tyres | 165/70 R14 | 165/65 R14 |
| Seating capacity (person) | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (liters) | 235 | 170 |
| Price (ex-showroom, New Delhi) | Rs. 4.65 lakh – Rs. 5.71 lakh | Rs. 5.1 lakh – Rs. 6.3 lakh |
