Chevrolet launches third generation Sail in China

Limited edition of Chevrolet Sail Sedan with price tag of Rs. 5.36 lakh

February 20, 2013: Chevrolet India has launched the limited edition of Sail Sedan in Indian car market with few worth mentioning changes including body decals, limited edition badge, turn indicators mounted in wing mirrors, qualitative seat covers and pillows, chrome garnished boot lid and rear parking sensors. Company has however not made any mechanical changes and continues the same engine configuration.

GM to upgrade Sail sedan interiors

12 April, 2013: With the competition heating up in the entry level sedan segment, GM is set to raise the standard of Sail sedan too as the performance of the car leaves a lot to be desired. Chevrolet has already planned the refreshed version of the sedan with better plastic trimmings as the current version cabin area did feel a bit low class in comparison to its rivals.While GM India actually improved with the new Sail sedan interiors, the steering wheel is expected to get a metallic Chevrolet Bow Tie badge. The refreshed version is expected to make it to the Indian market in late 2013 or first quarter of 2014.

Chevrolet Sail launched at Rs 4.99 lakh

February 01, 2013 : Chevrolet Sail sedan has been launched in India today at the price starting from Rs 4.99 lakh. The diesel engine powered Sail is tagged at Rs 6.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The car has stunning features and advanced safety features. The Sail petrol is powered by a 1.2 litre engine and ensures 18.2 kmpl of mileage. On the other hand, Sail diesel is installed with a 1.3 litre motor that is designed to deliver 22.1 kmpl of fuel economy. It has been offered in seven exciting colours with 3 years of warranty.

Chevrolet Sail Review by Expert

The Chevrolet Sail sedan model was one of the much awaited General Motors (GM) India portfolio cars in the Indian market, which has finally entered the Indian car bazaar. The super stylish Chevrolet Sail was first unveiled to the world market in the year 2005 at the Shanghai Auto Show. The second generation Sail sedan was launched in the Chinese market in 2010 and there it is rated as one of the most successful sedans so far from the GM stable. Chevrolet Sail range is available worldwide in a 4-door hatchback and 5-door sedan body style. To start with, GM has launched the Chevrolet Sail hatchback avatar in the festive season of Diwali'2012 that has been grabbed with both hands by Indian car buyers.

The Chevrolet Sail sedan study by industry insiders suggests that its USP (Unique Selling Point) is its futuristic and bold exterior designing which appears somewhat similar to the GM's popular premium sedan Chevrolet Cruze. There are a number of designing and styling cues that have been directly borrowed from Cruze sedan. For instance, its broad and clear headlamps will make you believe, Cruze sedan, from a distance, albeit the story won't be the same when you reach nearer. Being a proper size vehicle there is an apt size boot at the rear of Chevrolet Sail sedan.

In the interiors parts, Chevrolet Sail is equipped with some classy features that comprise of a range of comfort & convenience along with comfy elements such as efficient air conditioning system, dual tone fabrics with fabricated interiors, large interior space with as many as good number of storage spaces, an integrated music system with radio and speakers and many more. The interiors are inspired by Chevrolet Corvette that includes dual cockpit design, rising Sun meter console and dual tone interior arrangement. The Chevrolet Sail sedan boasts all adequate active and passive safety features to ensure ample protection to the occupants..

The midsized proper sedan Chevrolet Sail has been launched in the price segment of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7.51 lakh, which is challenging the stability of Maruti Swift Dzire, Mahindra Verito, Toyota Etios sedan and Tata Indigo etc.

The US based automaker is playing safe, as it did with Chevrolet Sail U-VA, and without any hesitation it rolled out both the fuel choices together i.e. petrol and diesel. The Chevrolet Sail sedan petrol holds the 1.2L SMARTECH powertrain, while diesel trim will be 1.3L SMARTECH turbocharged mill that is developed internally by GM. The two engines return a very welcoming fuel economy numbers, which has been company's USP these days.

Chevrolet Sail sedan rivals

The ideal challenger for Chevrolet Sail sedan, as it is volume seller, are Maruti Swift Dzire; another mass segment puller produced by Maruti Suzuki. Though it’s a pre-assumed fact that it certainly cannot beat the success rate of Swift sedan, but still it can provide a reasonable threat to Maruti along with others in the segment. 

Chevrolet Sail sedan Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The Chevrolet Sail sedan mileage of petrol and diesel variants are literally providing a decent threat to the most fuel efficient cars present in the entry level midsized sedan segment. By now, General Motors know what it takes to pull Indian car buyers into the showroom, and that is big fuel efficiency. The petrol Chevrolet Sail sedan with its powerful 1.2L petrol power train will offer a mileage of 15-16  kmpl and on city roads whereas, on the highways is will mark nearby 18.2 kmpl. On the other hand, the another variant in the form of 1.3L diesel engine holds lot of promises as far as fuel efficiency is considered, this engine is capable of outpouring optimum mileage 19-20  kmpl in city traffic and 22.1  kmpl on smooth highways.

Chevrolet Sail Models and Features

Compare Chevrolet Sail Models

Chevrolet Sail Colors

The good size hatchback from GM, Chevrolet Sail UVA is put forward in some very ravishing shades. There are in all 7 scintillating colors of Chevrolet Sail U-VA that provide this exclusive hatch with a submissive and welcoming posture. Therefore, Chevrolet Sail Sedan has been launched in 7 attractive and alluring color shades, comprising of Switchblade Silver, Velvet Red, Summit White, Linen Beige, Caviar Black, Misty Lake and Sandrift Grey.

Velvet Red	Caviar Black	Linen Beige	Misty Lake	Summit White	Sand Drift Grey	Switch Blade Silver

Click Here to See More Chevrolet Sail Pictures

Chevrolet Sail Engine, Power and Performance

The very polished looking Chevrolet Sail sedan is launched in two engine choices that include petrol and diesel versions, consisting of four petrol and four diesel variants. Both these engine has some eye catching performance numbers that is enough to put its competitors at corner. The Chevrolet Sail sedan with 1.2L will churn out nearly 86 PS of fitting power at 6000 rpm along with 113 Nm of pure torque at 5000 rpm with its petrol-run motor. The petrol motorized engine is mated to a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox.

Furthermore, with responsive and fuel efficient 1.3L diesel engine, it will generate nearby 78 PS of maximum power at 4000 rpm together with 205 Nm of maximum torque at 1750 rpm. This engine is an outcome of alliance between GM and Fiat. This Chevrolet Sail diesel power train is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Similar engine is witnessed ruling the bonnet of existing Sail hatchback version.

Chevrolet Sail Pick Up and Acceleration

The acceleration of this mass segment sedan from GM is not the one that is seen in a sports car, but is appropriate and carries an edge over its opponents in the segment. Firstly, the Chevrolet Sail diesel variant wrapped with 1.3L multi-jet engine (78 PS, 205 Nm) showcases some impressive work while achieving the 0-100 kph mark as it takes just 16-17 seconds. This is the same engine that performs duties under bonnet of Chevrolet Sail UVA too. Furthermore, the Chevrolet Sail top speed is 150-160 kmph.

The 1.2L petrol motor (86 PS, 113 Nm) is responsible to showcase some peppy figures in the acceleration criteria. The car variant is capable of attaining a top speed of 145 kmph to 155 kmph, along with a pick up at its best with marking 100 kph from standstill in mere 14 seconds.

If the above estimated Chevrolet Sail pick up and acceleration sees the sun it will be tough for rivals to defeat it on this front.

Chevrolet Sail Interior and Features

The Chevrolet Sail interiors surely compliment their own brisk fresh looking exteriors. The Chevrolet Sail sedan is a spacious 5 seater car. The full size Sail sedan shows off some futuristic design characteristics inside the cabin with every bit neatly placed. The car cabin here has been designed keeping in mind the comfort level required for the driver as well as for the occupants.

The Chevrolet Sail sedan has a two tone Coffee beige interiors along with waterfall design at the centre console and use of decent quality plastic material on the dashboard. The Chevrolet engineers have surely utilized every inch of the interior of the car to provide a number of different storage spaces inside. There are a number of different storage spaces inside Chevrolet Sail. Moreover, the boot space of Sail sedan is more than sufficient, while the hatchback will possess a reasonable space of nearly 370 liters.

The outer structure has tall image, like the Maruti SX4, which turns out that the car possesses good amount of headroom, shoulder room and legroom for the front as well as rear occupants. The seats of the Chevrolet Sail sedan are aptly comfortable for longer journeys. Nevertheless, the modern convenient features include an efficient air conditioner with circulative vents together with steering mounted audio controls and music system with USB and Bluetooth interface. Moreover, the feature of electrically powered steering and power windows for front & rear windows are kept standard from base variant of Chevrolet Sail notch to create an up market feel.

Chevrolet Sail Sedan Exterior & Features

The Chevrolet Sail is the first mass segment volume seller sedan for General Motors, as Maruti Alto was for Maruti Suzuki. As a result, the outer surface of the vehicle carries a price conscious image with a bit less on the trendy part; hence Chevy Beat sort of design language is not here. The unique selling point of the Chevrolet Sail sedan is its disciplined exterior design, which makes it stand-out among all other sedans in the entry level segment. The exterior designing and styling of Chevrolet Sail sedan is carrying a number of engineering similarities with popular premium sedan Chevrolet Cruze.

The styling of the Chevrolet Sail exteriors is enhanced with a range of road presence and sophisticated features that comprises of bold wheel arches with wheel covers. The Hawk Wing Style clear headlamps, curvy body lines and distinctive front radiator grill alongside body colored bumpers and door handles etc make Chevrolet Sail sedan model very alluring. The front grille of Chevrolet Sail comes with bigger Chevy bowtie along with the dual slat grille, which is now seen on every new General Motors vehicle launched these days.

A fitting look has been offered to the side profile of both the vehicles of some smooth appearing sidelines. The side-look features a finishing touch that includes Body colored ORVMs (outside rear view mirrors) for safety aspect. The aerodynamically designed roof line of the Chevrolet Sail sedan brings out the beauty of the car. On the rear part, the company leaves no stone unturned in creating a wow factor. The major attractions at the rear of the Chevy sedan include clear cornering tail lamps. Moreover, there is high mounted stop lamp at the windscreen’s lower base alongside multi reflectors on rear bumper. The creaseless boot of the sedan provides an impression of Renault Logan boot, which is now known Mahindra Verito.

Safety Features in Chevrolet Sail

The full proof safety of passengers has always been major focus in the General Motors cars, and the Chevrolet Sail model is no exception. The use of high strength steel and a number of safety beams, ensure the impeccable safety of passengers, car, and even pedestrians.

The major Chevrolet Sail safety features include Antilock Braking System (ABS) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) for total control of the vehicle along with dual SRS airbags for driver and front passenger. While the other safety aspects comprise of central locking, seat belts for all occupants, and child safety locks, key in reminder, engine immobilizer together with many others.

Chevrolet Sail Driving and Handling

The car comes blessed with the aerodynamically efficient design that has been successfully serving across the globe is comparatively easy to control. The Chevrolet Sail sedan has been rigorously tested for extreme driving and controlling conditions worldwide. The perfect combination of well-organized styling and smooth engine of Chevrolet Sail sedan surely keeps the grip of the car on road, even on high speeds. The power to weight ratio is significant compared to other competitor’s cars. Moreover, the impact proof bumpers of sedan and hatchback assists in driving the car in bumper to bumper traffic conditions of metros and major cities of the country. With all this and much more Chevrolet Sail driving is definitely endowed with irresistible driving experience for the driver.

Chevrolet Sail Conclusion

At present the identity or say specialization of General Motors in India seems to be only in hatchback or small cars like Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Spark that are earning bread for the American auto company every passing month. Apart from them as of now there was no vehicle that can provide threat to the sedans like Maruti Swift, Mahindra Verito and Tata Indigo CS, but now Chevrolet Sail Sedan is here to conquer all. Here the successful launch of Chevrolet Sail sedan was certainly crucial, which has resulted in the adieu of dud Chevrolet Aveo, from company’s perspective as well as buyer’s view point as he gets variety to choose in the segment.

The pricing of Chevrolet Sail sedan has played a decisive role, as it has been priced near to that of Maruti Swift Dzire that is around INR 5-6 Lakh. Besides price, impressive ARAI mileage figures also make the game interesting as it did with Beat models. Moreover, the best part is the parallel launch of both the versions petrol as well as diesel in order to make a clearer approach towards the masses.