Make: General Motors
Model: Chevrolet Sail
2012 Chevrolet Sail Specifications:
Engine: 1.2 litre petrol
Power: 79 hp
Torque: 108 Nm
Displacement: 1199cc
Tyre Size: 155/65 R15
Boot Space: 170 L
Steering: Tilt
Brakes: Front Disk, Rear Drum
Gears: 5 Manual
Trip Meter: 2
Seating Capacity: 5
Expected Price: Rs. 5.5 lacs to Rs. 6 lacs
Rivals: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i10
General Motors introduced its new hatchback model that will soon replace the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA that has been unsuccessful in attracting potential customers in India. This model has been designed with the assistance of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) Motor Corporation. The passenger car designed in China is one of the first offerings of the Sino-foreign joint venture. More specifically, the two joint ventures of GM-SAIC that helped in the development of this new small car are the Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Centre (PATAC).
The company first displayed Chevrolet Sail at the Beijing Motor Show in 2010. The new hatchback model by General Motors will probably be rolled out in the Indian automobile market in the upcoming months. Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director, General Motors India was present at the occasion. He commented, “The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM's mini-car portfolio in India. It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market."
Chevrolet Sail would be available in petrol as well as diesel variants, but initially it would be introduced only in petrol engine. This model will be equipped with the 1.2 litre petrol engine (similar to Chevrolet Beat) that would churn out maximum power of 79 hp and peak torque of 108 Nm. The diesel variant of Chevrolet Sail will be available in the Indian automobile market after the launch of petrol variant, and will be powered by 1.3 litre multijet engine (similar to Fiat).
The engineering team has focused on offering contemporary looks and innovative features to the Chevrolet Sail in order to cater the needs of automobile enthusiasts. Long front and short rear, dual-port grille (adorned with gold bowtie), chrome-plated instrument panel with CD player, radio and Aux-in interface are some of the distinctive features of the new Chevrolet Sail.
Safety has been considered as the most important factor and that is why the company has included 2 SRS airbags, fog lamps, parking sensors and ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic breakforce distribution) in the new Chevrolet Sail hatchback.
Comfort and convenience features include power windows, remote boot, AC with climate control, central locking (remote), rear wiper and controls mounted on steering. Remote fuel filler, rear defogger, rear armrest, tinted glass, leather seats (optional), door mirror (both side electric) and folding rear seats are some of the other features incorporated in the new hatchback model.
The Chevrolet Sail hatchback model will be available between the price range of Rs. 5 lacs and Rs. 6 lacs. Once launched, this model would give fierce competition to Hyundai i10 and Maruti Suzuki Swift, among others in the B+ Segment.
Besides the hatchback, which is expected to be launched in India soon, the company might introduce the sedan version, currently available in China, in the country in near future. The sedan, equipped with 1399 cc, 4 Cyl petrol engine, can produce maximum power of 94 hp and 129 Nm torque. The launch of the sedan variant in India will pose tough competition to models of the C segment, like Maruti Suzuki DZire, Tata Indigo Manza and Hyundai Accent.
