General Motors, the well acclaimed American auto maker, is all set to launch the Chevrolet sedan in the Indian auto market on February 1, 2013. Reportedly, the model will be based on the designing platform of its hatchback version, Sail U-VA. The hatchback was introduced somewhere in November 2012, and has been placed in the premium category with a price tag of around Rs. 4.5 lakhs.
Industry experts believe that Chevy Sail will compete against the likes of Maruti Swift DZire, Toyota Etios, Tata Indigo eCS and Mahindra Verito, among others. Although price of the upcoming model has not been revealed by the auto maker, industry experts are expecting it to be placed somewhere between Rs. 6 and Rs. 7 lakhs.
Reportedly, the model will be offered in both petrol and diesel guises, in order to meet with the demands of a larger section of society. Industry experts are expecting that the Chevrolet Sail sedan will feature the same engine, which has been packed within its hatchback version, however some retuning has been forecasted. Following this, the diesel model is expected to feature a 1.3 litre turbocharged powertrain, whereas the petrol guise will come equipped with a 1.2 litre engine.
Along with a performance oriented engine, the model is also anticipated to feature several active safety advancements such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), speed sensitive auto door locks and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The passive safety advancements include features like airbags, crumple zones, seat belts with pre-tensioner, collapsible steering system and side impact beams on the doors.
According to sources, the hatchback model of Sail was designed by the auto maker’s joint venture company SAIC in Shanghai. Auto analysts believe that the model has been provided with relevant modifications, which will suit the requirements of Indian buyers.
With the launch of Sail sedan, the auto maker has pinned high hopes in the Indian auto industry. Presently, the auto maker does not have any model in the entry-level sedan segment and the launch of Sail sedan will surely fill this void with great success.
