Chevrolet to launch Sail sedan, to take on Dzire, Etios and Manza

Last year the company phased out U-VA hatchback and brought Sail U-VA as its replacement. The auto market was abuzz that Sail sedan will also make its debut in India in 2012 only, however the launch was deferred to 2013. Chevrolet Sail sedan is finally ready for its itinerary in the entry-level sedan segment of the Indian auto souk. Sedans like Toyota Etios, Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento pose a strong threat to this upcoming car. Honda too is readying its first entry segment sedan named Honda Amaze which will also be launched in India in April 2013.

Conceived on Sail U-VA hatchback, its sedan version is expected to carry a price tag ranging between Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh. What can work in Sail sedan’s favour is the presence of the diesel motor along with the petrol engine. The petrol variant will be powered by a 1.2 litre engine while the diesel engine will be housed with a 1.3 litre turbo-charged engine.

The 1.2 litre, four pot SMARTECH petrol engine has a displacement of 1,199 cc that pumps out 85 bhp of high power and 115 Nm of maximum torque. On the other hand, the 1.3 litre, four cylinder, SMARETCH diesel motor has a displacement of 1,248 cc that produces 77 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. Basically, this is the same set of engines that powers Sail U-VA hatchback.

Chevrolet Sail sedan will come stuffed with safety features like speed sensitive auto door locks, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution, airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioner, crumple zones, collapsible steering system, and side impact beams in the doors.