Spied - Chevrolet Sail U-VA

Varun Kulkarni, a big fan of Indian Autos Blog, while passing through Paud Road (Pune) spotted the Chevrolet Sail hatchback. Varun didn't let go of the opportunity to get us some close-up shots.

Meanwhile our friends at Auto Junction have reported that General Motors' upcoming hatch could bear the name Sail U-VA. The exact launch date of this model is dodgy, but Autojunction.in has asked its readers to expect it in showroom in the next two months.

Autojunction.in writes that the Sail carries a weight of expectation. They are right as the Sail is one of the most important launches of GM India in recent times as it puts the bowtie back in the heart of the Indian auto market - in the diesel-powered B+ segment.

As we reported from the Auto Expo, General Motors India will drop the Aveo twins and replace them using the more recent Sail siblings. The delay in the launch of the Sails could be attributed to the change in GM India's strategy to launch both variants simultaneously. At the Auto Expo, GM did not show the Sail sedan.

If GM India can benchmark the Etios on price, we expect them to be in a much better position this year. The hatch will get a 1.2L engine (used on the Aveo U-VA, perhaps after being upgraded using Smartech technology) qualifying for excise benefits while the sedan is touted to receive the bigger 1.4L petrol motor. Both cars will be fitted with the crucial diesel option which comes in the form of the Talegaon-made 1.3L Fiat-licensed diesel mill.

From what we've seen, the Sail and Etios make the Swift feel like a C-Segment hatchback. The quality, value and the low maintenance offered by the Swift twins is very difficult to match for the competition though Chevy's Sails could have the value and low maintenance factors covered with a shock pricing strategy and extending the three-year free maintenance plan. The question is, will that be enough?

[Source - AutoJunction.in]