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 during the third quarter of 2012. The launch is set to take place sometime between July and September this year.
Expect the Sail to hit the market with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that does duty in the Chevrolet Beat to take advantage of the excise duty cut for sub 1,200cc. This means the new 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.
Chevrolet is also likely to plant the 1.4-litre petrol engine from its Aveo sedan in the Sail for those who seek more power. But if more power is the idea, then the 1.6-litre petrol engine from the Optra Magnum would have been a more lip-smacking alternative. If such a thing happens, then the 1.6-litre variant of the upcoming Chevrolet Sail will take on the 1.6-litre versions of the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.
GMI has confirmed their plans for a diesel motor for the Sail and have said that they will lay emphasis on diesel variants of the car. However, considering the near 50 percent demand for diesel passenger vehicles in India, Chevrolet will have to rummage through the massive General Motors global portfolio to source a diesel motor under 1,500cc to plonk under the hood of the upcoming Sail hatchback.
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 be appreciated.
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, however, 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 upcoming Sail with its spacious cabin and attractive design language can be a serious competitor in our potent premium hatchback market.
Chevrolet’s other plans for India includes launching the new Captiva and a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in 2012. GMI is also planning to increase the current 6.5 percent market share of Chevrolet in India.
“The high interest rates and the rise in fuel prices had made the market sluggish but we expect it to improve shortly. We hope to increase our market share significantly," said Managing Director L.C. Paddock.
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