Chevrolet Sail

The Chevrolet Sail Sedan was offered with two engine options in India: a 1.2-litre SMARTECH petrol engine and a 1.3-litre SMARTECH diesel engine. The petrol unit produced around 82 bhp and 108 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine, known for its efficiency, delivered approximately 74 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The engines provided adequate performance for daily city driving and highway cruising, with the diesel variant being particularly lauded for its strong low-end torque and impressive fuel efficiency. The ARAI-certified mileage for the petrol variant was around 18.2 kmpl, while the diesel variant offered a commendable 22.1 kmpl. In real-world conditions, owners reported figures ranging from 12-16 kmpl for petrol and 16-20 kmpl for diesel, depending on driving style and conditions. When evaluating a used Sail Sedan, listen for any unusual engine noises, excessive smoke from the exhaust, or signs of clutch wear, especially in high-mileage examples. Some owners reported electrical issues affecting components like headlights or the CRDI unit, so a thorough check of the electrical system is advisable.

Ride and Handling

The Chevrolet Sail Sedan offered a ride and handling package that prioritized comfort and ease of driving, particularly for city conditions. Its suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a twist axle at the rear, was tuned to absorb road imperfections reasonably well, providing a relatively pliant ride over broken surfaces. This made it a comfortable vehicle for daily commutes and family outings.

The steering was light, contributing to easy maneuverability in urban traffic and during parking. While it offered decent stability on highways, some body roll was noticeable during spirited cornering, typical for a car in its segment focused on comfort. The turning radius of 5.15 meters made it quite agile in tight spots. Overall, the Sail Sedan provided a predictable and comfortable driving experience, prioritizing passenger comfort over dynamic prowess.

Stepping inside the Chevrolet Sail Sedan, one immediately senses a focus on practicality and space. The cabin felt airy and relatively spacious for its segment, a key selling point for families. The interior design was simple, with a dual-tone theme (typically beige and black) and hard-wearing plastic materials. The seats, while not overly plush, were designed for comfort during city commutes and offered decent support.

For a used Sail Sedan, thoroughly examine the condition of the power window mechanisms, as some owners reported issues with their reliability. Test the effectiveness of the air conditioning system, as AC problems, including gas leakage or radiator fan issues, were occasionally reported. Listen for any persistent rattles or squeaks from the dashboard or door panels, which might indicate loose fittings. Also, check the seat upholstery for tears or excessive wear, especially on the driver's seat, and ensure all seatbelt mechanisms are functioning correctly.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Chevrolet Sail Sedan was basic, reflecting its positioning as an affordable and functional vehicle during its production years. Most variants came equipped with a simple 1-DIN or 2-DIN audio system that offered AM/FM radio and sometimes USB and Aux-in connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity was available only in higher variants, and a touchscreen or smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto were not offered.

The controls for the audio system were straightforward, typically consisting of physical buttons and knobs. While the system provided basic entertainment, it lacked the advanced features and connectivity found in modern cars. When inspecting a used Sail Sedan, ensure the existing audio unit powers on and all basic functions (radio, USB/Aux if present) are operational. Given Chevrolet's exit from India, sourcing OEM replacement parts for the infotainment unit would be challenging, making aftermarket solutions the only viable option for upgrades or repairs.

The exterior design of the Chevrolet Sail Sedan embodied a straightforward and unassuming aesthetic, prioritizing functionality over flamboyant styling. It presented a simple, clean sedan silhouette without aggressive lines or elaborate detailing. The front fascia featured a modest grille and conventional headlamps, while the overall body shape was designed to maximize interior volume.

When considering a used Sail Sedan, pay attention to the panel gaps, as inconsistent fit and finish were sometimes noted. Inspect the headlights for any signs of fogging or yellowing, which can affect visibility and indicate aging seals. Check the condition of the door handles and window frames for any looseness or wear. Given its utilitarian nature, also look for signs of rust, particularly around the wheel arches and lower body panels, especially if the car has been exposed to harsh weather conditions or poorly maintained.

Safety in the Chevrolet Sail Sedan was a significant area of concern, especially by contemporary standards. The vehicle underwent a Latin NCAP crash test in 2016, where the version tested (manufactured in China and assembled in Colombia, without airbags) received a dismal zero-star rating for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant protection. The test highlighted poor structural stability and a high risk of life-threatening injuries to the driver's head and chest in a frontal collision.

In India, higher variants (LS ABS and LT ABS) of the Sail Sedan did offer basic safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a driver airbag. The top-spec LT ABS variant also included a passenger airbag. While these additions improved safety compared to the base models, the fundamental structural integrity remained a limitation. Prospective buyers should be aware that the Sail Sedan's safety credentials fall significantly short of modern vehicles, and its lack of advanced safety features is a major compromise.

In the used car market of 2025, the Chevrolet Sail Sedan primarily competes with other budget-friendly compact sedans that were popular during its active sales period. Its main rivals included the Maruti Suzuki Dzire (older generations), Honda Amaze (first generation), and Tata Zest.

Compared to these competitors, the Sail Sedan offered a spacious cabin and competitive fuel efficiency, especially with its diesel engine. However, its biggest disadvantage in the current used market is the complete exit of Chevrolet from India. This significantly impacts the availability of genuine spare parts and the quality of authorized service, leading to higher maintenance complexities and a much lower resale value compared to its rivals from brands like Maruti Suzuki or Honda, which have extensive service networks and readily available parts. The Sail Sedan's dated design, basic features, and particularly its poor safety rating (Latin NCAP 0-star) also make it a less attractive option against more modern and safer used alternatives. Furthermore, the 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol vehicle ban in the NCR region will limit the usable life of many Sail models, making them unsuitable for purchase in those areas.

The Chevrolet Sail Sedan, as a used car in 2025, is a proposition primarily for buyers seeking maximum space and fuel efficiency at the lowest possible acquisition cost. It served its purpose as a practical and economical family sedan during its time, offering a comfortable ride and decent engine options.

However, prospective buyers must approach a used Sail Sedan with caution. The most significant hurdle is Chevrolet's complete withdrawal from the Indian market, which translates to considerable challenges in sourcing genuine spare parts and accessing reliable authorized service. This factor severely impacts its long-term ownership viability and contributes to its very low resale value. Moreover, its poor safety rating (Latin NCAP 0-star for the non-airbag version tested) and the impending 10-year diesel/15-year petrol vehicle ban in regions like NCR significantly limit its appeal and usable lifespan. The Sail Sedan is best suited for buyers with a very tight budget, who prioritize cabin space and fuel economy, and are prepared to navigate the complexities of maintaining a vehicle from a defunct brand, ideally outside major metropolitan areas with strict emission regulations.