Chevrolet Sail to launch on November 2

In 2011, we spotted the next-generation Chevrolet UV/A that will be called the Sail, testing in India. The car was later unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. General Motors India (GMI) has now confirmed its plans of launching the Chevrolet Sail some time around the festival season. 

Expect the Sail to hit the market with the same 1.2-litre, 80PS petrol engine that does duty in the Chevrolet Beat to take advantage of the excise duty cut for sub 1,200cc. This means the Sail will take on the premium hatchback segment and go head to head with the likes of the bestselling Maruti Suzuki Swift, the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20 and Fiat Grande Punto. The Sail will also come in a diesel spec, powered most likely by the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, developed jointly by GM and Fiat. The diesel Sail will be the key volume driver for Chevrolet considering the current popularity of diesel cars in the wake of constantly rising petrol prices.    

As can be seen from the pictures here, the new Sail is not a bad looking car with its sharp styling features, and that wide front grille reflects the current Chevy design language. Although, it keeps up with the times, a few more progressive design cues like those on the Beat would have been welcome. 

Another key criterion for the Sail to succeed in India will be its interiors and trim levels. While the current Aveo UV/A may have an extremely spacious passenger cabin, it is not attractive in anyway. It would do Chevrolet good to spice up the interiors with dual-tone upholstery, chrome detailing and better plastics as well as fit and finish. Also, the new car should come loaded with equipment at par, if not more, than its rivals. If Chevrolet takes care of all the details, big and small, the Sail with its spacious cabin and attractive design language can be a serious competitor in our potent premium hatchback market.

Of course, what will eventually decide the hatchback's fate will be the pricing. Starting prices are expected to be Rs 4.5 lakh and Rs 5.5 lakh for the petrol and diesel models respectively, which should give the Maruti Swift a tough fight. However, Sail owners will have one major benefit over the Maruti -- GM's three-year maintenance package, which should help keep overall cost of ownership in check.  

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