Chevrolet Sail 1.3 LS ABS

Chevrolet India has again hit the headlines by introducing the updated version of its entry level sedan, Sail in the country's car bazaar. This latest sedan went through minor cosmetic updates in terms of its interiors and exteriors. It is available in numerous trim levels among which, Chevrolet Sail 1.3 LS ABS is the mid level variant, which is powered by a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel engine. It is capable of producing a maximum power of 74bhp along with a peak torque of 190Nm. This sedan is now bestowed with a lot of chrome inserts on its exteriors, especially on its fog lamp surround and boot lid. In addition to this, it also gets an ABS sticker, which further distinguishes it from its predecessor. Its interiors are now done up with a new beige and black color scheme, which gives a refreshing look to the cabin. Furthermore, this trim gets a refined audio system and a new instrument panel with icy blue illumination. Apart from this, its seats are now covered with a good quality leatherette upholstery, which gives a plush appeal to the cabin. This sedan will face the likes of Ford Classic, Toyota Etios and Fiat Linea Classic in the entry level sedan segment.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced sedan has the same external appearance like its outgoing model. The only difference is that its fog light surround and tailgate gets a chrome garnish. Apart from this, all the other external features have been retained. The front facade has an aggressive stance with a dual port radiator grille, which has a perforated mesh and chrome surround. This grille is flanked by a hawk-wing shaped head light cluster that amplifies the frontage. The body colored front bumper has a large air dam along with a pair of 'Shooting-Star' styled fog lamps. The side profile has neatly carved wheel arches, which are fitted with a sturdy set of 14-inch steel. These rims are further covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 175/70 R14. In addition to these, it has body colored door handles, ORVM caps and high-gloss black B pillars. The rear end gets a radiant taillight cluster that has high intensity brake light, courtesy lamp and turn indicator. In addition to this, its windscreen is accompanied by a third brake light, which adds to the safety. This sedan has a total length of 4249mm along with an overall width of 1690mm. Its overall height measures at 1503mm whereas its ground clearance stands at just 168mm. This sedan has a long wheelbase of 2465mm, which contributes towards ample leg space inside.

Interiors:

This Chevrolet Sail 1.3 LS ABS trim has a modish internal cabin that is now done up with a dual tone beige and black color scheme. The seats have better thigh and back support and have been covered with leatherette upholstery. There are lots of storage spaces available inside like front door map pockets, front seat back pockets, cup holders in the front console and a high volume glove box. Apart from all these, this sedan is bestowed with an attractive icy blue color scheme for instrument panel and and 2-DIN music system. There are a lot of chrome inserts given inside the cabin, especially on door handles, parking lever tip, gearshift knob and AC vent surround, which gives an upmarket look to the cabin. This sedan also gets a new black colored steering wheel with three-spoke design and is further decorated with company's bowtie. It is also high quality leather upholstery, which emphasizes its new look. There is a 370 litre boot compartment available, which can be extended further by folding the rear bench seat.

Engine and Performance:

This mid range variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel engine that has 4-cylinders and 16-valves. It is based on a DOHC valve configuration and has common rail fuel injection system. It 1248cc diesel engine has the ability to produce a maximum power of 74bhp at 4000 rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 190Nm at just 1750 rpm. The car maker has skilfully mated this motor with an advanced 5-speed manual transmission gear box that delivers the torque output to its front wheels. This diesel variant can deliver an impressive mileage of about 22.10 kmpl on highways, which goes down to a minimum of 18 Kmpl in city roads.

Braking and Handling:

Its front axle is fitted with a McPherson strut along with a passive twin tube gas filled shock absorber. While its rear axle is coupled with a torsion beam system that is further loaded with shock absorbers, which helps it to deal with jerks caused on roads. On the other hand, its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes and the rear ones are paired with drum brakes. This variant is also integrated with an advanced anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system that improves its braking mechanism. The car maker has also incorporated with highly responsive power steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of just 5.15-meters.

Comfort Features:

This Chevrolet Sail 1.3 LS ABS is the mid range trim and yet it is bestowed with important comfort features. The list includes a power steering with tilt adjustment, power windows, electronically adjustable wing mirrors, central door locking, a day and night inside rear view mirror and rear seat center arm rest with cup holders. This sedan has an improved 2-DIN music system featuring an FM radio, a CD player with MP3 decoder and input options for AUX-In and USB devices. The car maker has also incorporated features like front height adjustable head rests, remote tailgate release, front passenger's side sun visor with vanity mirror, accessory power socket, an interior courtesy lamp, cigar lighter, luggage compartment lamp, and an ashtray.

Safety Features:

This sedan has a list of safety aspects including a safe cage body structure, 3-point front seat belts, key-in reminder, an engine immobilizer, door ajar warning lamp, a dual horn, centrally located high mount stop lamp, side impact beams, rear seat child protection door locks, driver airbag, ABS with EBD and speed sensitive door auto-lock.

Pros:

1. Refreshing interiors with improved music system.

2. Initial cost of ownership is very competitive.

Cons:

1. More updates can be given to its exteriors.

2. Presence of authorized service stations needs to increase.