Chevrolet Sail Hatchback 2012-2013 LT ABS

Sail Hatchback 2012-2013 LT ABS Review

Chevrolet’s attempt with a large sized hatchback was the previous Aveo U-VA which failed to raise any sales for the company. However, taking the feedback of the consumers seriously and correcting the flaws which the hatchback had, GM brought in their Chevrolet Sail UVA hatchback to India. The hatchback with its diesel LT ABS model sits comfortably at the top of the range of 2012 Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS  line up.  The predecessor, Aveo UVA’s major drawback was the absence of a diesel model which GM has covered up in the Sail line-up. The new Chevrolet Sail hatchback diesel LT ABS model is powered by a very responsive 1.3-litre diesel engine which churns out a maximum power of 76.93bhp at 4000rpm. The maximum torque churned out by the vehicle is close to 205Nm at 1750rpm. One very pleasant and positive thing about this car is the space that it offers in the cabin. The car has large dimensions with a length of 3946mm, width of 1690mm, height of 1503mm and a wheelbase of 2465mm. These dimensions make the car one of the largest hatchbacks in India. The ground clearance of the car is about 168mm and it can hold up to 248-litres cargo. The seating in Chevrolet Sail U-VA is very comfortable due to the large space which the cabin has to offer. Not just comfort but Sail also offers a very performance. The car returns a mileage of 18.1kmpl in the city and about 22.1kmpl on highways and can zip from 0-100kmph in about 15.2 seconds.

Exteriors

There is nothing very unique about the car, nothing very catchy but yet the looks of 2012 Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS are such that fondness for the car grows as one spends more time with the car. The LT ABS version of new Chevrolet Sail U-VA diesel gets the family grille with a large golden Chevrolet bowtie in the centre. The Hawk wing styling headlamps are not just stylish but also give a very high illumination by its spread out structure which gives higher visibility during night driving. The car also gets fog lamps, full wheel cover, body coloured ORVMs along with body color front and rear bumpers.  Adding to the sporty looks of the car are the alloy wheels that the car stands up on.

Interiors

2012 Sail U-VA comes with coffee beige dual tone interiors with fabric upholstery which gives the hatch a very subtle look. The three spoke sporty steering wheel along with amber color interior illumination , the car gets a very blend of sophistication and sporty character in the cabin. The chrome inside door handles, chrome parking brake button, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, all together add to the feel of the cabin of new Chevrolet Sail U-VA hatch. The cabin is not just good to look at but the material used and fitments are of a high quality as well.

Comfort features

Apart from a smooth and refined drive and good looks and fitments, Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS comes blessed with multifold features like an aptly weighed power steering which can also be tilted, a very effective air conditioning system along with front and rear power windows. The ORVMs are power adjustable and the inside rear view mirror is a day/night rear view mirror which helps in avoiding a glare during night driving. The other features include a digital tachometer, remote fuel filler and tailgate release, central locking, digital clock, rear defogger, remote keyless entry and a rear wiper washer. The hatchback also comes fitted with an integrated audio system with 2 speakers . The system is compatible with Bluetooth, AUX-in and has a USB socket as well. One can very conveniently use mobile by pairing it with the system where one can make a call, receive a call and it also shows the number of the caller.

Engine and performance

Engine powering the Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS is the 1.3-litre Small diesel engine which is sourced from Fiat. The engine is quite refined but there is a very little bit turbo lag which one can’t help but notice, although in comparison to the other competitors, the lag is a blink and miss. The engine noise as well is very less as compared to the others in the segment, like the Figo and even Maruti Swift. The diesel engine is capable of 76.93bhp of power at 4000rpm and produces a torque of 205Nm at 1750rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5 speed manual transmission . The diesel engine 2012 Chevrolet Sail hatchback can zip from 0-100kmph in about 15.2seconds which makes this large hatchback quite appealing in terms of the performance. This engine returns a mileage of 18.1kmpl in the city and about 22.1kmpl on the highways .  

Braking and Handling

The suspension system of Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS is tweaked to suit the Indian roads and the passive twin-tube gas filled shock absorbers, further enhance the ride in the hatch. The Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS ABS delivers a ride which is not just comfortable but also very controlled with its efficient disk brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear. Further the aptly sized and weighed steering system also helps give the driver a good control over the big sized hatchback car which comes from the stables of Chevrolet.

Safety features

Chevrolet Sail UVA LT ABS ABS, as the name describes, come with the ABS with EBD system which gives the car a very good grip even in most tense situations. The car comes with passenger and driver airbag along with side impact front and rear door beam. The front seat gets 3 point ELR and for the safety of the car , the hatchback comes with an engine immobilizer as well along with a security alarm system. The rear seats get child lock for safety. The cage of the car in itself is a very solid one. The speed sensitive door autolock, key in reminder and centrally located high mount stop lamp are the other features available in the hatchback.

Pros 

Good quality interiors and exteriors, performance, space, price

Cons 

Turning radius is little wide for city road