Competition in the entry level sedan segment has been heating up with the launch of several new models. Two of these new vehicles are the Chevrolet Sail sedan and the Ford Classic. While the Ford Classic has been around for a while now, the Sail sedan was launched on February 1 2013. Prior to being launched, the Chevrolet sedan was last seen at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.
On the outside, the Sail sedan looks very similar to the smaller U-VA hatchback. Changes that have been made to the hatchback include the addition of a boot and new 8-spoke alloy wheels. A single design curve runs from the front bumper to the rear, which also distinguishes the Sail sedan from the U-VA. Since its wheelbase is same as the U-VA, amount of space is also very similar. Tail lamps are good looking and blend well into the boot. In comparison, the Ford Classic is an independent vehicle, not derived from the hatchback Figo, but a fresh design. Tear drop shaped headlamps add character to the vehicle's looks. Though it may look less muscular than the Sail sedan, it appears to appeal more with flowing design lines across the sides. There are turn indicators on the rear view mirrors, which are not present in the Sail sedan. Similar to the Chevrolet vehicle, the Ford classic is also fitted with 8-spoke alloy wheels.
Chevrolet's Sail sedan can be purchased both in diesel and petrol variants. While the petrol version is fitted with a 1.2 litre engine generating 85 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and a torque of 113 Nm, its diesel variant has the famed 1.3 Fiat Multijet diesel engine to develop 77 bhp of power at 4000 rpm with 205 Nm of torque. In terms of acceleration, the petrol variant managed to complete the 0-100 kmph dash in 15.09 seconds and the diesel version took 15.91 seconds for the same. Top speed for the former is 157 kmph and 162 kmph for the latter. On the other hand, the Ford Classic has a larger 1.6 litre Duratec petrol engine that develops 100 bhp of power at 6500 rpm along with 146 Nm of torque. It also comes with a 1.4 litre advanced common rail diesel engine, producing 67 bhp of maximum power at 4000 rpm along with 160 Nm of torque. So while its diesel power-mill is less powerful than the petrol Sail, the petrol engine has greater punch. Both Sail and Classic come with 5-speed manual transmission.
In terms of mileage, both vehicles are highly efficient and there is very little to choose between the two in this aspect. The petrol Sail delivers an economy of 18.9 kmpl while its diesel variant gives a figure of 22.1 kmpl, as claimed by the company. In comparison, the petrol Classic is good enough for 18.3 kmpl, while the diesel version gives a high efficiency of 30 kmpl, as per figures claimed by Ford.
The Chevrolet Sail sedan can be owned by paying between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7.51 lakh, in comparison to which Ford Classic is available between a price range of Rs. 5.64 lakh to Rs. 7.96 lakh (all prices ex showroom Delhi). While Classic is clearly a shade expensive than Sail, it has a better design and has established itself in the Indian market for a much longer period. Both these sedans would also be competing against the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Indigo eCS, Toyota Etios and Mahindra Verito.
