Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LT ABS

Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDi LT ABS Review

Chevrolet Sail Hatchback is one of the stylish vehicles available in the Indian car market. Its latest version is introduced with some changes made to its exteriors as well as interiors. It is available in a few variants among which, Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LT ABS is a top end diesel trim in its model series. The exteriors are designed attractively with some new aspects like chrome highlighted fog lamps, trendy headlight cluster and jewel effect tail lights that gives it a macho look. On the other hand, its chrome highlighted interiors are now done up in a classy dual tone color scheme, which is simply elegant. The instrument cluster has icy blue illumination and the steering wheel is wrapped with fine leather. Moreover, this latest version also includes back-lit power window switches and luxurious leatherette upholstered seats. It also has features like an engine immobilizer, dual horn, dual front airbags, child safety locks and a few others. This trim comes fitted with a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel power plant that is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. This hatch has the ability of achieving a top speed ranging between 150 to 155 Kmph, which is rather good. It has a large wheelbase of 2465mm, while its fuel tank has the storage capacity of 40 litres. It is offered with 3-years or 1,00,000 Kilometers standard warranty, which can be further extended at an extra cost.

Exteriors:

This hatchback has a robust body structure that is equipped with some striking aspects. The front fascia includes a wide windscreen with a pair of intermittent wipers integrated to it. The perforated radiator grille is garnished with chrome and surrounded by a hawk wing styled headlight cluster featuring high intensity headlamps. Below this grille is a body colored bumper that includes a wide air intake section for cooling the engine. This is further flanked by a couple of fog lamps that have chrome surround. Besides these, it has a roof mounted antenna that completes the look of its frontage. Its attractive side profile includes body colored door handles and outer rear view mirrors. There are a stylish set of 14 inch alloy wheels fitted to its wheel arches. These rims are covered with 175/70 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres that offer a superior grip on roads. It also has a spare wheel affixed in the boot compartment along with essential tools required for changing a flat tyre. Coming to its rear end, it has the new jewel effect tail light cluster, body colored bumper and an expressive boot lid that includes company's emblem on it. The large windshield is integrated with a defogger and high mount stop lamp.

Interiors:

This updated version has its interiors decorated in a new two tone black and beige color scheme. The cockpit includes a neatly designed dashboard that houses a three spoke steering wheel, glove box, air vents and an instrument cluster with icy blue illumination. The center stack bezel with a glossy metallic finishing further gives it a stylish appearance. It has well cushioned seats that are covered with new leatherette upholstery. It includes a few utility based aspects like front seat back pockets, cup and bottle holders, front door map pockets and a high volume glove box. The instrument panel features a digital tachometer, driver seat belt warning notification, fuel consumption display, door ajar warning lamp and an electronic tripmeter.

Engine and Performance:

The automaker has incorporated this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LT ABS trim with a SMARTECH petrol engine that has the ability to displace 1248cc . This 1.3-litre motor has 4-cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. It is integrated with a common rail fuel injection system that helps in producing a mileage of 22.1 Kmpl, when driven on bigger roads. This turbocharged mill is skillfully paired with a five speed manual transmission gear box that transmits its torque output to the front wheels. The maximum power produced by this engine is 73.9bhp at 4000rpm and it yields a peak torque output of 190Nm at 1750rpm. This vehicle can attain a top speed in the range of 150 to 155 Kmph, which is quite decent.

Braking and Handling:

This variant has its front wheels fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear ones are equipped with drum brakes. It also has anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution that avoids skidding of vehicle at the time of sudden braking. It has an efficient suspension system, wherein a McPherson strut is assembled on its front axle and the rear one is affixed with a twist axle. These axles are further loaded with passive twin tube gas filled shock absorbers that helps it to remain stable on any road conditions. It is blessed with a power assisted steering system with tilt adjustable function. It is highly responsive and supports a minimum turning radius of 5.15 meters.

Comfort Features:

This top end variant is bestowed with a lot of comfort aspects that gives a pleasurable driving experience. For in-car entertainment, there is a 2-DIN audio unit that has a radio tuner, CD/MP3 player along with four speakers at front and rear. It supports auxiliary input, USB socket and allows pairing up of around five phones through Bluetooth. With the help of a 12V power outlet, its passengers can charge their phones and other electronic gadgets. The front seats have height adjustable headrests and there is 60:40 split folding facility available for the rear seat. The cabin includes an advanced air conditioning unit that cools the cabin quickly. Moreover, it has front sun visors along with vanity mirror on the co-driver's side. In addition to these, this trim includes an interior courtesy lamp, day and night inside rear view mirror, luggage compartment lamp, remote fuel filler and tailgate release, all four power windows, remote keyless entry and power adjustable external mirrors that increases the comfort levels.

Safety Features:

There is a long list of safety aspects available in this Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 1.3 TCDI LT ABS trim. Some of these include anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution , front three point ELR seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter, centrally located high mount stop lamp and child protection rear door locks. Other than these, it includes a safe cage body structure with crumple zones, engine immobilizer, seat belt warning lamp, sensitive door autolock and dual front airbags that enhances the security of its passengers.

Pros:

1. Refreshing exteriors and interior aspects.
2. Leg room is quite roomy.

Cons:

1. Mileage can be made better.
2. A few more aspects can be added.