Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi

Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi Review

Chevrolet India has officially launched the facelifted version of its compact hatchback, Sail UVA in the country's car market. It is available in several trim levels, out of which, Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TDCI is the entry level trim. The company has updated its exteriors as well as interiors for attracting the buyers. In terms of exteriors, it is designed with refreshed headlight cluster and tail lights. The overall dimensions are quite standard. It is designed with a wheelbase of 2465mm and has a minimum ground clearance of 168mm. The overall length is about 3946mm along with a total height of 1503mm and a width of 1690mm. It has a 35 litre fuel tank that is quite good for longer drives. It also has a 248 litre boot compartment, which can be further increased up to 1134 litres by folding its rear seat. At the same time, the changes made to its cabin are a new two tone dashboard with black and beige color scheme, and AC vents. This trim is powered by a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel power plant, which can produce 76.9bhp along with 205Nm. Its suspension mechanism is quite proficient, which is further accompanied by passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers. The company is offering this hatchback with a standard warranty of 100000 Kilometers or three years, whichever is earlier. The owners can also avail a service maintenance package for three years or 45000 Kilometers.

Exteriors:

The company has done up its exteriors very stylishly with an aerodynamic body structure. Its front facade is designed with a dual port radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. It is fitted with a thick horizontal slat that is embossed with a gold plated company insignia in the center. The elegantly designed headlight cluster has high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicators. The body colored bumper has an air intake section. The windscreen is made of green tinted glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The side profile is designed with black colored door handles and electrically adjustable ORVMs. The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a set of 14-inch steel wheels that are covered with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its rear end has a bright tail light cluster and a body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors. The windshield is integrated with a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. At present, it is available in six exterior paint options, which includes Sandrift Grey, Caviar Black, Summit White, Switch Blade Silver, Linen Beige and Super Red metallic finish option.

Interiors:

The new dual tone dashboard is equipped with a few features like a large glove box, AC vents, a refreshed 3-spoke steering wheel and an illuminated instrument cluster. The seats are well cushioned and provide ample room for all passengers. These are covered with premium fabric upholstery. Its amber color interior illumination and a center stack bezel with a glossy metallic paint gives the cabin a decent look . It is bestowed with quite a few storage spaces, which includes a high volume glove box, front seat back pockets, luggage compartment light, adjustable headrest for front passengers, front door back pockets and cup holders in front console. The instrument panel houses a low fuel warning light, a digital tachometer, driver seat belt warning notification, door ajar warning and an electronic tripmeter. 

Engine and Performance:

This Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI variant is powered by a 1248cc diesel engine. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This motor has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 73.9bhp at the rate of 4000rpm in combination with 205Nm of peak torque at just 1750rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the hatchback to deliver a top speed in the range of 150 to 155 Kmph. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 16 seconds. This diesel mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system that helps in delivering 22.1 Kmpl and 18 Kmpl on the highways and city roads respectively. 

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear gets conventional 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. Both axles are accompanied by passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers for keeping the vehicle well balanced. It has a power assisted steering wheel, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling comfortable. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.15 meters.

Comfort Features:

The car manufacturer has given this hatchback numerous comfort features, which makes the journey joyful. The efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heating system. It has a 12V power socket in center console for charging gadgets. The flex flat folding rear seat helps in increasing the boot volume. Apart from these, it also has front power windows, power adjustable outside rear view mirrors, driver side sun visor with ticket holder, interior courtesy lamp, day and night inside rear view mirror, remote fuel lid opener, luggage compartment light, tilt adjustable steering wheel and many other such aspects. 

Safety Features:

This Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI trim has a safe cage body structure along with side impact beams that provide additional safety in case of any collision. It also has a centrally mounted fuel tank, a high mounted stop lamp, rear doors with child safety locks, central locking system, dual horn and key-in reminder. For enhancing the safety, it is bestowed with 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. The advanced engine immobilizer safeguards the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized entry. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

Pros:

1. Affordable pricing is a big plus point.

2. Refreshed exteriors add to its advantage.

Cons:

1. Absence of music system is a disadvantage.

2. Many more comfort and safety features can be added.