GM India launched the Chevrolet Sail U-Va (hatchback) in November, replacing the outdated Aveo range in the process. The subcompact hatch is built on GM’s new global small passenger car platform designed specifically for fast-growing emerging markets, and has a starting price of 444,000 Indian Ruppes (roughly $8,100 using current conversion rates).
Engine Choices
The car is offered in India with a choice of two engines — a 1.3 liter diesel and a 1.2 liter petrol unit.
The 1.3 liter Smartech common rail diesel engine was developed by the GM Diesel Engine Tech Center in Turin, Italy with support from engineers in Pune and Bangalore. The diesel-burning four-banger makes 78 PS (76 horsepower) @ 4,000 RPM and 205 Nm (151 lb.-ft.) of torque, while achieving 22.1 km/l (50 MPG) @ 1,750 RPM.
Meanwhile, the 1.2 liter Smartech gasoline burner was developed entirely in India and makes 86 PS (84 horsepower) @ 6,000 RPM and 113 Nm (83 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 5,000 RPM.
Both engines are built at GM’s flexible engine plant in Pune, India. Interestingly, the car’s fuel tank is placed in the middle of the car to maximize interior space and provide ample legroom (we wonder why GM didn’t think to do the same in the 2013 Malbu).
Centrally-placed gas tank
Exterior Colors
The Sail is offered in seven colors, including:
- Super Red
- Switchblade Silver
- Summit White
- Caviar Black
- Linen Beige
- Sandrift Grey
- Misty Lake
Sometimes we wonder why GM doesn’t rename its Silver Ice Metallic color (available in North America) to Switchblade Silver… because that just sounds so cool.
Infotainment
The Sail offers the “Fun-Wide” audio system that features Bluetooth functionality and supports up to five phone pairings. Audio streaming is part of the package, as are 4 speakers (2 in the front and 2 in the rear).
Testing & Validation
GM says that its engineers at the Technical Center in Bangalore, India “spent nearly two years adapting the platform for India to ensure that it would meet the requirements of the Indian market and Indian car buyers.” We can’t imagine it took that long to tweak an already-existing vehicle (the Sail has been sold in China for the last few years); as such, we have a hunch that the time was spent testing and sourcing local parts, as Indian law requires a high percentage of local content to meet local requirements.
To that end, The General says that 1,567 parts and components were subjected to the same stringent global testing procedures that apply to GM’s other offerings.
The Sail hatch is expected to be joined by its sedan counterpart as well as the Sail MPV — which is really a rebadged GM-Wuling Hong Guang microvan. We’ll be here to report on when that takes place.
Comments
The Sail is a good looking car, and shows the classic Chevy grille. What doesn’t GM offer it in America as a wagon version? Or rename it as a wagon version of the Spark? GM has no small CUV, yet many imports do.
Everything is good in this car. it would meet the requirements of the Indian market and Indian car buyers.