[Mpower]

Mod Note : Team-BHP's Chevrolet Sail Review has been uploaded at this link. Please continue the hatchback discussion on the review thread

The Sail Sedan has been launched too. Please continue the discussion in our launch thread here


The Chevrolet SAIL, a small, 'sub-AVEO' sedan in terms of size & price has just launched in China. Notice the cut price interior and the similarities to its M300 sibling ...the Beat. Will GM bring it to India to compete with the Dzire..while moving the Aveo more upmarket and axing the Optra?

This is the Chevrolet Sail, a B-segment sedan just introduced in China. We’re not too sure about its positioning, whether as an eventual replacement for the Chevy Lova (Aveo Sedan) which had a facelift in May, or to be sold alongside the booted Aveo. But while the Aveo is a global GM product, this Sail is said to be Shanghai GM’s “first own brand vehicle” with the Chinese holding intellectual property rights. Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC.
The Sail measures 4249mm and has a wheelbase of 2465mm, which means it’s slightly smaller than the Aveo Sedan (4310mm/2480mm). The overall shape looks more modern and dynamic though, but those front bumpers remind us of the Honda City’s.
The Sail is powered by either a 87 bhp/115 Nm 1.2-litre or 103 bhp/131 Nm 1.4-litre engine. Both are chain driven DOHC 16-valve units but only the bigger motor comes with Chevy’s variable geometry intake system, VGIS. Besides the standard manual ‘box, a five-speed AMT gearbox can be specified. Equipment includes a sunroof and power retractable wing mirrors.

Source: PAULTAN etc

[AyAn!]

This looks interesting! Should do well in India if GM brings it here.Will be a nice little addition to the Indigo Manza/Swift Dzire segment.

[Rudra Sen]

It may work as next AVEO but face looks too much like CRUZ. 103 bhp/131 Nm 1.4-litre engine can possibly be their entry engine. Considering current mid size sedans available here, they surely need bigger power to compete here..

[theragingbull]

This looks like an interesting car. The front is very similar to the Cruze and gets the same kind of front grill as all other M300 siblings. If this replaces the ageing Aveo here, it might turn out to be a good Fiesta competitor.

[Vid6639]

Car looks promising. Problem with GM India is the engine options. They don't have too many good engines to choose from.

MUL has the K series 1.2L and the 1.3MJD, Hyundai has the 1.2L Kappa petrol.

I see GM only has the 1.2L S-TEC 2 engine from the Beat. All the other engines are pretty old and their performance and FE are not that great.

The Aveo and U-VA can become decent sellers if they had better engines IMO.

[Jaizcrzy]

Handsome car. would be a great if it's a replacement for Aveo. Depending on the engine specs it should be good competition for entry level sedans.

[McLaren Rulez]

Wow, those baby Cruze looks give it quite an upmarket feel. This car has some real potential to do what the Aveo never did.

[Sumeetstoic]

This surely looks promising. It could replace the present Aveo. The interiors too look neat.

OT: Didn't know china has LHDs.

[amtak]

Reminds me of the Altis is you look at the lamps!

[agspins]

Looks good..a mini Cruze.Would do well if positioned against Dzire, i think it would do better than the Aveo sedan here if launched.

[Shardul.YamahaF]

great built
looks smart
purely Baby Cruz

now what will matter is the price Tag
it has to Compet with Dsire and Manza with 1.3MJT engine

[Pallavi]

I like the looks, like a smaller Cruze. Interiors are ok. Any chances of it being introduced in India? Aveo is not selling in great numbers in India. This would be a good replacement for it.

-Pallavi

[oops]

Most of the design elements seems to be copied from City09 - Curves on front bumper (below headlight), Bonnet, Side Stance,etc.
This car is expected to come to India by end of 2010 as a replacement of Aveo.
Also expect many Chinese cars in India in 2011 under Chevrolet badging

[TheARUN]

I think GM has spoiled its name beyond repair. I don't think they have too good a future in India what with the parent company on Bankruptcy protection.

They have to resort to things like 3 year free maintenance to sell their cars, and most of the products are DAEWOO products.

[Zappo]

This car looks a little too plain jane if you ask me. No really defining feature as such. Also, it is a pretty small car and I do not see it as an Aveo replacement simply because a car with smaller overall length as well as a smaller wheelbase can not possibly replace a bigger car. Heck, they call it a B segment sedan?!! I mean hello! What is that category? Next, we will probably see A category sedans.

Finally, the IPR on this car is held by the chinese and not GM directly. Remember, GM China is a JV between GM of US and SAIC of China which is the majority stake holder in the venture. So if that car has to at all make it here it will probably come through the new JV route that GM, SAIC, Wuling Automotive Co. are planning to target the Indian market rather than directly through GM India (via GM US).