Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LS

Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LS Review

For increasing the number of sales in the car market, General Motors has introduced the facelifted version of its compact hatchback, Sail. It will compete against the likes Toyota Etios Liva, Hyundai Grand i10, Renault Pulse, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Fiat Punto EVO and others in this segment. Now it is available with quite a few updated exterior features and interiors that will certainly attract the buyers. It is available in both petrol and diesel engine options in several variants. Among these, Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS is the mid range trim. The internal cabin gets a new dual tone (black and beige) color scheme, which is complemented by ice blue illumination on instrument panel and silver accentuated center console. It also has a new infotainment system with a lot of functions that enhances the ambiance of its internal cabin. In terms of exteriors, its frontage is designed with a revamped bumper, headlight cluster and radiator grille. While rear end gets a jewel effect based taillight cluster. There are no changes to its technical specifications. It is fitted with the same 1.3-litre diesel power plant, which can churn out 73.9bhp and 190Nm of maximum power and torque respectively. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The company is offering this hatchback with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

With an aerodynamic body structure and modified features, its exteriors look quite attractive. The front fascia is designed with a dual port radiator grille that is fitted with a thick horizontal slat in the center. It is embedded with a prominent gold plated company's insignia. This grille is flanked by a radiant headlight cluster that is integrated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Its body colored bumper has a wide air intake section, which is surrounded by a pair of chrome highlighted fog lamps. The windscreen is made of green tinted glass and is integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers. Its side profile is defined by visible character lines and black colored moldings. The door handles and outside rear view mirrors (electrically adjustable) are painted in body color. The pronounced wheel arches are fitted with a set of 14-inch steel wheels, which have full wheel covers and are covered with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless tyres. The rear end is elegantly designed with new jewel effect tail light cluster, body colored bumper with a pair of reflectors and an expressive boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging. The windshield is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp. This hatchback is designed with an overall length of 3946mm, a total width of 1690mm and a decent height of 1503mm. It has a large wheelbase of 2465mm and a minimum ground clearance of 168mm.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS trim is quite spacious and incorporated with a number of sophisticated features. Its dual tone dashboard features chrome accentuated AC vents, a 3-spoke steering wheel, an instrument panel with ice blue illumination and a high volume glove box. Its seating arrangement is very relaxing with well cushioned seats and ample space, which can easily accommodate five passengers. These are covered with premium fabric upholstery, which is giving the interiors a refined look. It has a power steering system, which is very responsive and makes handling convenient. This hatchback is incorporated with a lot of storage spaces such as cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets and door map pockets. It has a 248 litre boot compartment, which can be increased up to 1134 litres by folding its rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

This particular variant is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This commanding diesel engine has the capacity to generate a maximum power of 73.9bhp at 4000rpm along with a peak torque output of 190Nm at just 1750rpm. It is paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which allows the hatchback to attain 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 mill is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which helps in delivering 22.1 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 18 Kmpl within the city.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear have been equipped with a pair of drum brakes. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut type of a mechanism along with a passive twin tube gas filled shock absorber for balancing it. While the rear gets a twist axle along with a set of the same shock absorbers that are fitted to its front wheels. The company has given it a responsive power steering system, which supports a minimum turning radius of 5.15 meters.

Comfort Features:

Being the mid range variant, this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS trim is bestowed with an efficient air conditioning unit, which also has a heater. It has a new 2-DIN audio system with radio, MP3/CD player, Aux-in port, USB interface and four speakers. Then there is Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, mobile hands free that also includes making or receiving a call, caller number identification, automatic reconnection and has the ability to easily pair up to five different phones in it. Apart from these, there are four power windows with driver side auto down function, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, a 12V power socket, height adjustable head restraints (front), remote fuel lid opener, interior courtesy lamp and so on.

Safety Features:

The list of protective aspects include remote central locking with a keyless entry, 3-point ELR seat belts with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel, key-in reminder, a dual horn, rear doors with child protection locks, a centrally located high mount stop lamp and an engine immobilizer. It has a safe cage body structure with side impact beams that adds to the safety of its occupants in case of any collision. 

Pros:

1. Proficient suspension mechanism.

2. Its sleek exterior appearance is a plus point.

Cons:

1. Engine noise, vibration and harshness can be reduced.

2. Poor safety standards is a disadvantage.