Oct 16, 2015 05:35 PM
47854 Views
We bought the Chevy Sail LT(1, 2 Petrol) sedan in 2015 September as an upgrade to our Zen after considering between Amaze, Hyundai Xcent, Etios Cross and Sail. Considering the price, the sail was the largest car in terms of interior space and boot capacity.
Though it was a close tie between the Xcent and the Sail, we closed in on the Sail sedan. Here is the experience so far:
Looks: Looks are sujective, but in general its very acceptable. It looks like a proper sedan(as opposed to the likes of the Xcent/Dzire which look very disproportionate. Also, the lines are clean and simple(we disliked the sharp, edgy designs in newer cars like the Verna and i20)
Excellent drivability in city conditions, very light clutch and good throttle response. Not exactly an enthusiast's car and may feel underpowered with 4 passengers or with 2 passengers and the A/C turned on. However, the engine remains smooth at highway speeds and engine doesn't feel strained.
Handling is average at best. At high speeds, it doesn't feel as stable as a Polo or a DZire, this could be attributed to the extremely lightweight construction. Brakes are sharp but lack the a progressive feel, need some time to get used to, especially if you are upgrading from an older car. Soft suspension is better suited to city roads and absorbs bumps and potholes without much impact. Ground clearance is a little bit on the lower side, I have brushed the underside on couple of speedbreakers, so you'd need to be careful.
Comfort is the main selling point for this sedan. The interiors feel like they are taken from a class above. The twin-tone dash and the layout look well-appointed. There is just a hint of chrome, just enough to look tasteful, not too much to look blingy. Front seats are large, spacious and comfortable, provide excellent support. Driver seat height adjustment is unavailable. Rear seats are extremely comfy and spacious for two people, three people can also sit without much adjustment.
Negatives: Initially there was a lot of tyre and road noise inside the cabin. An additional layer of insulation on the underside helped eliminate the noise to some extent, but that will be an additional expense. Overall, the interiors are not as silent as, maybe, a Honda City. Secondly, the aircon is unpredictable - sometimes it chills the cabin extremely well, and at other times, it tends to act up.
Mileage: 12 to 17 in city, depending on driving conditions and aircon use.
