Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LS ABS

Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LS ABS Review

The facelifted Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS ABS is the mid range trim in its model line up. It is launched with a few exterior and interior update for increasing its sales. This variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel power plant, which can produce 73.9bhp along with 190Nm. Its suspension mechanism is quite proficient, which is further accompanied by passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers. In terms of outer appearance, it is designed with a refreshed headlight cluster, chrome highlighted fog lamps and jewel effect tail lights. 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 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. On the other hand, its internal cabin gets icy blue illumination on instrument panel, new two tone black and beige color scheme and redesigned AC vents. The company is offering this hatchback with a standard warranty of 100000 Kilometers or three years, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

To begin with the frontage, it is designed with a perforated radiator grille, which has a thick horizontal chrome slat. This grille is flanked by a chrome surround headlight cluster. It is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section for cooling the engine. This air dam is surrounded by chrome highlighted fog lamps. Its windshield is made of green tinted glass and integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers. Coming to the side profile, it has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with side turn blinker. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a robust set of 14-inch steel wheels, which have full wheel covers. These rims are further equipped with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its rear end has a body colored bumper that is fitted with a set of bright reflectors. It also has a new tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid that is embossed with variant badging. The windscreen is integrated with a defogger and a high mounted stop lamp. Lastly, it also has a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS ABS trim comes with a new black and beige color scheme. Its dashboard is equipped with a few aspects like a large glove box, AC vents, a 3-spoke steering wheel and an illuminated instrument cluster. Its amber color interior illumination and a center stack bezel with a glossy metallic paint gives the cabin a decent look. The manufacturer has given this variant a number of storage spaces, which includes front seat back pockets, luggage compartment light, adjustable headrest for front passengers, front door map pockets and cup holders in front console. The seats are well cushioned and provide ample room for all passengers. These are covered with premium fabric upholstery. The instrument panel with ice blue illumination houses a low fuel warning light, a digital tachometer, driver seat belt warning notification, door ajar warning and an electronic tripmeter.

Engine and Performance:

The manufacturer has incorporated this stunning hatchback with a 1.3-litre SMARTECH petrol engine that has the ability to displace 1248c c. It has 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This turbocharged mill is integrated with a common rail fuel injection system that helps in delivering a mileage of 22.1 Kmpl when driven on bigger roads. It has the ability to produce a maximum power of 73.9bhp at 4000rpm and generates a peak torque output of 190Nm at 1750rpm. This motor is paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box that transmits its torque output to the front wheels.

Braking and Handling:

This mid range trim has a robust set of disc brakes fitted to its front wheels, while the rear ones are equipped with drum brakes. It is further assisted by anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that prevents skidding of vehicle during emergency braking . The suspension system is quite proficient wherein, it front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and the rear one has a twist axle. Both these are further loaded with passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers that helps in improving this mechanism. On the other hand, it is blessed with a power assisted steering system that has tilt adjustment function. It offers good response and minimizes the efforts of driver besides supporting a minimum turning radius of 5.15 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LS ABS variant is bestowed with numerous comfort aspects. The list includes a power steering wheel, day and night inside rear view mirror, digital tachometer and interior courtesy lamp. It is blessed with an integrated 2-DIN audio unit that a radio tuner, CD/MP3 player along with four speakers at front and rear. It supports USB socket, auxiliary input and allows pairing up of around five phones through Bluetooth. The front seats have height adjustable headrests, while the rear seat has 60:40 split folding facility. The occupants can charge their phones and other electronic gadgets using the 12V power outlet. It has front sun visors with vanity mirror on co-driver side. Moreover, it has an advanced air conditioning unit that cools the cabin in no time. In addition to these, it includes all four power windows, remote fuel filler and tailgate release, rear parcel shelf, remote keyless entry, luggage compartment lamp as well as power adjustable external mirrors that adds to their convenience.

Safety Features:

The automaker has loaded this trim with a number of safety features that enhances the security of its passengers and the vehicle as well. It has a safe cage body structure with crumple zones that reduces the impact of collision and offers protection. The anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution keeps the vehicle under control on low friction surfaces. The engine immobilizer prevents unauthorized access and protects it from theft. Several important notifications like seat belt warning, door open indicator and key-in reminder on its instrument panel keeps the driver alert . Furthermore, it has dual airbags that keeps the front passengers safe in the event of collision. In addition to these, it has central door locking, front three point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seat belts, centrally located high mount stop lamp, speed sensitive door autolock, child protection rear door locks and a dual horn.

Pros:

1. Anti-lock braking system is a plus point.

2. Initial cost of ownership is affordable.

Cons:

1. A few more features can be included.

2. Engine performance can be improved.