Pseudo-crossovers: We think its a lazy attempt from the carmaker to avoid heavy R&D costs in developing an all-new car. However, manufacturers think there is a decent demand for such SUV-inspired hatchbacks.
Skoda did it with the Fabia, VW launched the Cross Polo last year, and the coming Auto Expo will see Fiat (Punto Avventure) and Toyota (Etios Cross) join the bandwagon as well.
In this story, our reader Vikram Viswanathan envisions a Chevrolet Cross Sail, which he has named the Sail UV-X. He has gifted the Sail with plastic body cladding all around and a bootlid-mounted stepney. One rendering shows the spare tire exposed, while the other shows it covered. Roof rails are already part of the Sail's accessory list, with some dealers even offering them as freebies.
We must mention at this point that GM India will not need a Cross Sail if things go according to their plan. The American carmaker will be showing a compact SUV concept at the Auto Expo which keeps the Indian sentiments (of the sub-4 meter length) in mind.
The concept, which will be called the 'Chevrolet Adra', will be based on the Trax's underpinnings, while power will be sourced from the 1.3-liter diesel engine currently powering the Sail twins and the Enjoy MPV.
