Chevrolet Sail and CN 100 MPV comes out of cocoon

General Motors India today unveiled the first two products from its joint venture with SAIC, the Chevrolet Sail premium hatchback and the Chevrolet MPV Concept, at the 11th Auto Expo in New Delhi. “The introduction of the Sail hatchback and MPV Concept demonstrates our commitment to take advantage of the global resources of GM and our partners inIndia for India,” said Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of General Motors India.

“The two products have been tailored for local market conditions and the need of local consumers for economical, user-friendly personal transportation.” Paddock said, “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.”

The Sail hatchback, which will go on sale later this year, is built for the world’s emerging markets. Engineers at the GM Technical Center – India in Bangalore spent the past year and a half engineering the platform for India to ensure that the Sail hatchback and other vehicles built on the platform will meet the requirements of the Indian market and Indian car buyers.

The Sail hatchback’s exterior and interior design exudes Chevrolet’s sporty styling. The front view features Chevrolet’s signature styling cues, including a dual-port grille adorned with a gold bowtie. The hood features muscular cut-lines that provide a three-dimensional look. From the side, the unique waistline gives the Sail hatchback a dynamic stance. Its body proportions offer a perfect ratio of a long front and short rear, with a lower stance in front that moves upward to a higher stance in back. The interior of the Sail hatchback is spacious, airy and bright, with Chevrolet’s dual-cockpit design.

The sporty instrument panel with chrome-plated accents contains a radio, CD player and music Aux-in interface. As a family car, the Sail hatchback can seat up to five people in comfort. With its fuel tank placed in the middle of the car and short front and rear overhangs, the Sail hatchback maximizes interior space. Its high roof design offers ample headroom even for taller passengers.

A series of well-thought-out storage spaces provides room for passengers to stow their belongings. The Sail hatchback will be powered by GM India’s latest Smartech engines, which present an excellent combination of high power, high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both petrol and diesel engines will be offered. In line with Chevrolet’s global focus on safety, the Sail hatchback features safety cage body construction supported by the extensive use of high-strength steel. The fuel tank is protected by steel beam-rolling ribs, ensuring the utmost safety for driver and passengers.

“The Chevrolet MPV Concept is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones,” said Paddock. The multi-purpose vehicle, engineered for the MPV B segment in India, was developed for the world’s emerging markets. It offers space for large families, with flexi-seating and a choice of seven or eight seats.

British automaker Lotus worked with the GM Technical Center – India for more than a year and a half to tune the chassis. Safety was given paramount importance in the development of the MPV Concept. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel are used in the body and chassis. Both the Sail hatchback and the MPV Concept will be tested on different terrains and in different climate conditions across India.

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