Chevrolet Sail 1.2 Base

Sail 1.2 Base Review

General Motors India has introduced the latest version of its stylish sedan, Sail in both petrol and diesel engine options to choose from. Among the few available trim levels, this Chevrolet Sail 1.2 Base is an entry level petrol variant. It receives minor updates to its exteriors that gives it a captivating look. It has a newly designed headlight cluster at front that surrounds a chrome plated radiator grille. In terms of interiors are also modified with a new dual tone color scheme and the seats get fine quality fabric upholstery. It also includes a stylish instrument cluster that has an attractive icy blue illumination. The roomy cabin also includes a high volume glove box, air conditioning unit, tilt steering wheel and some utility based aspects as well. This trim is available with some standard safety aspects like side impact beams, child safety locks, dual horn and a few other such features. The car maker has incorporated it with a 1.2-litre SMARTECH petrol engine that is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. This motor has the ability to generate a peak power of 82.4bhp in combination with torque output of 108.5Nm, which is quite good considering the Indian road conditions. It is bestowed with disc and drum braking mechanism that is quite reliable. The customers can choose it from the available six exterior paint options. These include Switch Blade Silver, Caviar Black, Linen Beige, Summit White, Sandrift Grey as well as Super Red metallic finish. This sedan comes with a standard warranty of 3-years or 1,00,000 Kilometers whichever is earlier. This period can be further extended by one or two years at a nominal price. It will compete with Tata Zest, Toyota Etios, Ford Classic and a few others in this segment.

Exteriors:

To begin with its front fascia, there is an aggressive dual port radiator grille with a golden bowtie, which is treated with chrome. It is surrounded by a new hawk wing styled headlamps that is equipped with high intensity headlamps. The body colored bumper includes an air dam, which cools the engine quickly. The frontage also has a windscreen with a couple of intermittent wipers fitted to it and the visible character lines on bonnet further adds to its appearance. Its side profile looks stunning with aspects like door handles and outside rear view mirrors. It has a set of 14 inch steel wheels fitted to its wheel arches, which are further covered with radial tubeless tyres of size 175/70 R14. Whereas, its rear end is designed with a trendy tail light cluster that surrounds an expressive boot lid, which has the company's badge engraved on it. Besides these, it has a wide windshield and a body colored bumper that completes its rear profile. The automaker has built it with an overall length of 4249mm along with a decent width and height of 1690mm and 1503mm respectively. The wheelbase of 2465mm is quite good and indicates to a roomy cabin, while the ground clearance comes to 168mm.

Interiors:

The internal cabin is quite spacious and provides comfortable seating for five people. It is beautifully decorated with a dual tone black and beige color scheme that gives a pleasant feel to its occupants. The seats are wide and well cushioned, which are covered with a new fabric upholstery. It has a neatly designed dashboard that is fitted with some equipments. These include an instrument cluster and a three spoke sporty steering wheel that is further engraved with company's insignia on it. The center stack bezel with metallic paint as well as the chrome garnished parking brake button further adds to its stylishness. This trim is available with some utility based aspects like a high volume glove box, cup holders in front console, front seat back pockets and a few others. In addition to these, it has boot space of 370 litres, which is good enough for storing a lot of stuff.

Engine and Performance:

This Chevrolet Sail 1.2 Base variant is equipped with a SMARTEC petrol engine that displaces 1199cc. This double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This mill is integrated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which helps in producing a mileage of 18.2 Kmpl on expressways. It can churn out a peak power of 82.4bhp at 6000rpm and yields a maximum torque output of 108.5Nm at 5000rpm. This motor is paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits torque output to its front wheels. This sedan can attain a top speed in the range of 145 to 150 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in about 12.9 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

This variant has its front wheels fitted with a robust set of disc brakes, while the rear ones have drum brakes. It has a proficient suspension system wherein, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and the rear one gets a torsion beam. These are further loaded with passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers that enhances this mechanism. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of 5.15 meters.

Comfort Features:

The manufacturer has packed it with some comfort aspects that can make the journey enjoyable. It has a manually operated air conditioning system with heater that helps in regulating the temperature inside. The front seats have height adjustable headrests, while the rear seat has center armrest with cup holders. The steering wheel is tilt adjustable, while there are power adjustable outer rear view mirrors. It has a 12V power outlet that is quite useful for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices. Apart from these, it includes luggage compartment lamp, remote fuel lid and boot opener, co-passenger vanity mirror on sun visor and an interior courtesy lamp that enhances the comfort levels.

Safety Features:

There are some crucial safety aspects available in this Chevrolet Sail 1.2 Base trim that offers protection its occupants. The list includes a safe cage body structure, three point ELR front seat belts, rear seat child protection door locks as well as front and side impact beams. The notifications on instrument panel like driver's seat belt reminder and key-in reminder alerts the driver. Other than these, it has a dual horn, centrally located high mount stop lamp and an engine immobilizer that adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Striking exterior aspects improves its appearance.

2. Engine's performance is good.

Cons:

1. Quality of interior plastic can be improved.

2. After sales service can be made better.