General Motors India Private Limited (GMIPL), the country's fifth largest passenger car maker, is all geared up towards the launch of its new premium Chevrolet Sail U-VA hatchback in the domestic market by first week of November 2012. The Chevy Sail U-VA was introduced to Indian audience at the 11th edition of New Delhi Auto Expo held in January 2012, where the new hatchback managed to convey to the crowd that General Motors has arrived with its next volume puller for the Indian market.
The yet-to-be launched 2012 Chevrolet Sail U-VA has been pegged to pose a worthy competition against the likes of several premium hatchbacks, such as Maruti Suzuki Swift and Ritz, Hyundai i20, Toyota Etios Liva, Ford Figo, Honda Brio and Skoda Fabia on the domestic turf. At present, the premium hatchback segment of Indian market revels with two great products fighting for supremacy - Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. Accordingly, the upcoming Chevy Sail U-VA will find cut throat competition with Swift and i20, while local car enthusiasts will be wondering what product comes out at top in the end.
As the Chevy Sail U-VA was displayed at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, many prospective Indian buyers are familiar with both interior and exterior attributes of the car. The latest product from the stables of General Motors features several eye catching and modish features, such as dual port chrome grille and a gold tipped Chevrolet's trademark bowtie. Further, ultra stylish headlamps and 12 spoke 14 inch alloy wheels make the Chevy Sail U-VA an exciting product in the jam packed premium hatchback segment of the country.
On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki Swift has been recently given a major facelift with brand new tailgate, stylish front fascia, state-of-the-art front grille amid many other additions. Accordingly, the upcoming Chevrolet Sail U-VA scores slightly better than Swift in terms of exterior appearance, largely because of its fresh and ultra-modish looks.
Coming to under the hood specifications, the soon-to-be launched Chevrolet Sail U-VA is anticipated to come trimmed with a 1.3 litre diesel Smartech power-mill that delivers an astounding fuel efficiency of 22.1 kmpl. General Motors will also introduce the Sail U-VA in a petrol guise as well, which will be powered by a 1.2 litre Smartech motor. Official information regarding the Indian model of Sail U-VA is yet to be received from General Motors.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift comes fitted with a 16 valved 1197 cc, 1.2 litre, K-Series engine, which churns out a peak power and torque delivery of 86 bhp and 114 Nm, respectively. The engine assembly is mated to a five speed manual transmission and the Swift petrol delivers an above average mileage close to 19 km per litre. The diesel variant of Swift is powered with a 1.3 litre, 1248 cc DDiS powertrain that rolls out a maximum power - torque equation of 74 bhp and 190 Nm, besides delivering an impressive mileage of over 22 km per litre. Thus, considering the fuel efficiencies of Sail U-VA and Swift, no certain winner comes out and only time will decide the end result in engine power and performance comparison of the two rival hatchbacks.
General Motors has had an average game in the Indian passenger car market, with two of its small car offerings standing out, among a rather lacklustre product portfolio. The American auto player witnessed great successes with its Chevrolet Spark entry-level and Chevrolet Beat hatchbacks on the Indian turf. Accordingly, a premium offering was greatly missed in the car makers' arsenal that could confront the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. The launch in the middle of Indian festivities could prove to be a master stroke for General Motors, who is leaving no stones unturned towards rejuvenating its brand image and sales in the country.
