Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.2 LS ABS

Sail Hatchback 1.2 LS ABS Review

Chevrolet India has silently introduced the refurbished version of its Sail hatchback model in the market. Its exteriors are now decorated with a lot of chrome inserts, while the interior cabin gets a new dual tone color scheme. The car maker has also incorporated a brand new 2-DIN audio unit, which can now support Bluetooth connectivity as well. In terms of exteriors, its fog lamp surround along with boot lid appliqué gets a chrome treatment, which gives it a refined look. Currently, it is available in several trim levels among which, the Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.2 LS ABS is the mid range petrol variant. It is equipped with the same 1.2-litre petrol power plant, which is mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox. This mid range variant is incorporated with some of the important safety features including engine immobilizer, ABS with EBD and driver airbag, which explains about its safety quotient. On the other hand, its cabin is packed with several important features like power steering, an air conditioning system and rear flex-flat folding bench seat, which provides a fatigue free driving experience. This hatchback will now compete with the likes of Maruti Swift, Toyota Etios Liva, Ford Figo and Fiat Punto Evo in the Indian automobile market.

Exteriors:

This hatchback has an attractive hawk-wing shaped headlight cluster, which is powered by high intensity halogen lamps and turn indicators. It surrounds a dual-port radiator grille that has a thick chrome surround and is embedded with gold plated company's bowtie. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam and a pair of fog lamps. These have been bestowed with a thick chrome surround, which gives a fresh new appeal to the front. The side profile looks quite stylish owing to its trendy features like body colored door handles, ORVM caps and black B pillars. Its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 14-inch steel wheels, which are covered with radial tubeless tyres of size 175/70 R14. Its has a decent rear profile featuring an expressive tailgate, which is now decorated with a chrome appliqué. Its taillight cluster is quite large and is equipped with powerful brake light and turn indicator. This hatchback is available in five attractive paint options including Caviar Black, Super Red, Summit White, Misty Lake and Sanddrift Grey.

Interiors:

This Chevrolet Sail hatchback 1.2 LS ABS trim is bestowed with a refined interior cabin, which is now done up with a beige and black color scheme. Furthermore, its seats are covered with improved quality fabric upholstery, which is further emphasized by chrome inserts. The instrument cluster gets a slight modification in the form of icy blue color illumination. It houses a digital tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and several other notification lamps. Its dashboard gets a slightly tweaked central console, which is now equipped with refined music system featuring digital screen. Apart from these, all the other aspects have been retained from its outgoing model . Its cabin is furnished with well cushioned seats wherein its rear bench seat has 60:40 split folding and flex-flat folding function, which will help to improve boot capacity. There are several utility features provided inside like dual front sun visors, accessory power sockets, digital clock and luggage compartment lamp.

Engine and Performance:

The carmaker has equipped this hatchback with a powerful 1.2-litre of petrol engine that has multi-point fuel injection system. It is based on DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1199cc . This engine is slightly tweaked to give out peak power of 82.5bhp at 6000rpm along with a maximum torque of 108.5Nm at 5000rpm. This engine is mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox that delivers the torque output to the front wheels. The car maker claims that the vehicle can manages to deliver 15kmpl on city roads, while delivering a maximum of 18.2kmpl on highways. This hatchback can accelerate towards a maximum speed of 145kmph while breaking the 100kmph speed mark in 14 seconds, which is quite decent.

Braking and Handling:

This hatchback is bestowed with a proficient braking system wherein its front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones have drum brakes. It is further incorporated with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution, which augments the braking mechanism. Its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut whereas its rear axle is paired with twist beam type of system. In addition to these, both the axles are loaded with passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers, which helps it to absorb all the jerks caused on roads. The car maker has also integrated a power assisted steering system, which supports a minimum turning radius of just 5.15mm.

Comfort Features:

This Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.2 LS ABS trim is bestowed with numerous important comfort features. It has a refined 2-DIN audio system featuring a digital display and has a radio, CD/Mp3 player along with Aux-in and USB interface. In addition to this, it also has Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and calls function . Its center fascia is fitted with an air conditioning system with heater, which regulates the air temperature inside. The list of other features include power steering with tilt adjustment, remote keyless entry, rear parcel shelf, central door locking, rear power windows, accessory power socket, 60:40 split folding rear seat, power adjustable outside mirrors, digital tachometer and interior courtesy lamp. Furthermore, it also has leather wrapped steering wheel, cup holders, illuminated switches for power windows and a digital clock.

Safety Features:

This hatchback has safe cage body structure, which minimizes the risk of injury in case of an accident. It is incorporated with several important protective aspects including engine immobilizer, 3-point ERL seatbelts, centrally located high mount stop lamp, driver's seatbelt reminder, dual horn, side impact protection beams and child protection door locks . In addition to these, this trim also has anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution system, driver airbag, speed sensitive auto door lock and key-in reminder function.

Pros:

1. A new 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth is an added advantage.

2. Improved interior color scheme with additional new features.

Cons:

1. More updates can be given to its exteriors.

2. Price range can be made competitive.