Chevrolet Sail back in 2010, was the first passenger car created in China by a Sino-foreign joint venture. This entry-level sedan was developed by Shanghai GM (General Motors) and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), both GM-SAIC joint ventures. In addition to being sold in China, the Sail sedan was specifically made to be exported to other emerging automobile markets of the world.
The Chevrolet Sail was initially available with a choice of class-leading 1.2-liter S-TEC II and 1.4-liter S-TEC III engines. The 1.2-liter engine offered best in class fuel economy under comprehensive road conditions of 17.5 km/liter. It also generates power of 64 kW, enabling the Sail to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.9 seconds. The 1.4-liter engine offers power 76 kW, goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, and has fuel economy under 5.9 L/100 km.
The Sail quickly become a popular car in its class and was later offered in countries including India, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, the Middle East & other developing countries in North Africa. There was a hope for its introduction in Pakistan since Nexus Autos, the official partners of GM used to operate here, but since they packed up there is no hope for such cheap & affordable cars for Pakistani consumers.
After the new auto policy has surfaced, several automobile companies are interested in exploring Pakistani market; however there is still no news from Chevrolet or Nexus regarding their comeback.
The Sail however is currently in its 3rd generation, offered in both sedan as well as hatchback forms. It comes with a choice of 1.3 liter VVT or 1.5 liter DVVT engine both mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while in compliance with Euro V emission standards. Based on a new architecture using the SGM 308 platform, the sedan is 51 mm longer than the model it replaced, in addition to 45 mm more width, its wheelbase is stretched by 35 mm.
Key features offered with Chevrolet Sail are Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Locks, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Engine Immobilizer, Mp3/ USB/ Aux connectivity, Airbags, Seat belts with Pre-tensioners, ABS+EBD, Speed Sensing Door locks & Keyless Entry System, Euro V engine with start/ stop system (eco-idle), MyLink Telematics, 4.2-inch Color Screen, Blue-tooth Connectivity, Voice Recognition (optional). Price of the 1.3 liter Sail sedan starts from RMB 59,900 which converts into PKR 9.3 lac only.
It’s a pity that an auto consumer in Pakistan has to pay twice as much amount to buy a sedan which doesn’t even offer half of the features listed above. It is high time for auto companies to introduce vehicles in the competitive low-budget segment rather than offering cars above 30 lac range, which caters to an extremely limited set of buyers in the market.
Browse the Chevrolet Sail gallery below:
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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