General Motors has been extensively testing the Sail Sedan in India. The American automaker wants to leave no stone unturned with the Chinese vehicles, as it looks to increase market share in the B and C-segment. GM has performed poorly in these segments with the Aveo twins not selling in good numbers. The company will pull the plug on the Aveo twins later this year and has already stopped production of this car. The Aveo twins will be replaced by the Sail twins, with the Sail U-VA being launched in the next 4 weeks, while the Sail sedan seeing a launch later this year.
The Chevrolet Sail is not really a modern vehicle but GM is hoping to cash in by pricing it very aggressively. The Sail twins are also armed with India’s national diesel engine, the 1.3-litre Multijet motor which powers all the top selling diesel cars in the country. MotorBeam reader Harshad Vyawahare spotted the Sail sedan on test in Pune recently. The spy picture shows the heavy camouflage the company has used to prevent on-goers from identifying the car. GM is yet to unveil the Sail sedan in India and had showcased the Sail hatchback at the 2012 Auto Expo.
Recently we reported on GM’s plans to power the Sail hatchback with the 1.4-litre petrol engine. This could mean that the Sail sedan might get the 1.6-litre petrol engine, resulting in slightly higher prices. GM will be discontinuing the Optra later this year, resulting in a big void being created between the Sail sedan and Cruze. This void gap can be filled by bringing in the Sonic sedan next year. It remains to be seen how GM completes its portfolio, which currently has three hatchbacks (including the Aveo U-VA). The company will also launch an mild facelift on the Spark and Beat in the coming months.
