Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 2012-2013 LS Diesel

Sail Hatchback 2012-2013 LS Diesel Review

Chevrolet India is one of the popular car manufacturer of the country and it has quite a few formidable cars in their stable. Among the various vehicles, Sail UVA is a stylish hatchback model. The company is selling this four wheeler in several variants, out of which, Chevrolet Sail Hatchback Diesel Base is the entry level trim. It is powered by a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel power plant, which can produce 76.9bhp along with 205Nm of torque, while displacing 1248cc. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system that has the ability to generate close to 22.1 and 18 Kmpl on highways and city roads respectively. At the same time, with the help of five speed manual transmission gear box it can attain a maximum speed in the range of 150 to 155 Kmph, which is rather good for this segment. On the other hand, the exteriors have been designed with a lot of striking features such as dual port front grille with gold plated company emblem, hawk wing style headlamps, body colored bumpers and many other features. The overall dimensions of this hatchback are quite standard. It is designed with a wheelbase of 2465mm and it has a minimum ground clearance of 168mm. The overall length is 3946mm along with a total height of 1503mm and a width of 1690mm. It also has a 248 litre boot compartment and a 35 litre fuel tank as well.

Exteriors:

The company has done up the exteriors very stylishly with an aerodynamic body structure. To begin with the frontage, it is designed with dual port radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. This grille also has a thick horizontal slat, which is embossed with a gold plated company insignia in the center. This radiator grille is surrounded with a neatly carved headlight cluster that is incorporated with a halogen headlamps and turn indicators. The body colored bumper has a large air intake section for keeping the diesel engine cool. The windscreen is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers and a sleek bonnet has a few character lines that enhances its appearance. The side profile is designed with black colored door handles and manually adjustable ORVMs . The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a set of steel wheels that are covered with radial tyres. On the other hand, the rear end comes with a bright tail light cluster, a wide windshield that is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp and a body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors. The roof is mounted with an antenna for better reception of the FM radio as well.

Interiors:

The dual tone internal cabin of this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback Diesel Base variant is designed with style. It comes with a smooth dashboard that is equipped with features like glove box, AC vents and instrument cluster. The seats inside the cabin are well cushioned and provide ample room for five passengers and are covered with fabric upholstery. The company has given this variant a three spoke steering wheel, amber color interior illumination and a center stack bezel with a glossy metallic paint. While there are quite a few storage spaces inside this hatchback, which include a high volume glove box, where we can store a number of small things in it, front seat back pockets, luggage compartment light, adjustable headrest for front passengers, front door back pockets and cup holders in front console. The advanced instrument panel is equipped with quite a few features, which are low fuel warning light, a digital tachometer, driver seat belt warning notification, door ajar warning and an electronic tripmeter as well.

Engine and Performance:

The company has powered this variant with a 1.3-litre CRDi diesel power plant, which is capable of delivering a healthy mileage as well as good acceleration and pick up. This motor is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves using a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valve configuration. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 76.9bhp at the rate of 4000rpm in combination with 205Nm of peak torque at 1750rpm , which is rather good for this segment. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels.

Braking and Handling:

The braking and suspension mechanism of this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback Diesel Base variant is quite efficient. The front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear gets drum brakes. On the other hand, the front axle is equipped with a McPherson strut , whereas the rear is assembled with twin axle type of mechanism. The front and rear axle of this vehicle are further accompanied by passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers for keeping the vehicle well balanced. This variant is blessed with a power assisted steering wheel, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling comfortable.

Comfort Features:

The car manufacturer has given this hatchback numerous comfort features for the convenience of the occupants, which makes the journey joyful. For in-car entertainment it is blessed with an advanced 2-DIN audio system , which has radio with AM/FM tuner, CD/MP3 player along with Aux-in interface and USB port. The efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heating system. Apart from these, it is bestowed with front power windows, power adjustable outside rear view mirrors, day and night inside rear view mirror, driver sun visor with ticket holder, interior courtesy lamp, a 12V power socket on center console for charging electronic devices, flex flat folding rear seat and many other such aspects.

Safety Features:

The company has given this hatchback a safe cage body structure along with side impact beams that provide additional safety in case of any collision. For enhancing the safety of the features, it is equipped with 3-point ELR seat belts. In addition to these aspects, it also has a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, rear doors with child safety locks, central locking system, dual horn and driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel.

Pros:

1. Exteriors of this hatchback are quite impressive.

2. Affordable pricing is a big plus point.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy is not up to the mark.

2. Many more safety features can be added.