Chevrolet Sail compared against all entry-sedans

The Chevrolet Sail sedan offers surprisingly good value for money at the price point that it has been launched at. It is directly priced against the Maruti Dzire, which is the current sales leader in the entry sedan segment, and the Sail is also highly competitive against other entry sedans such as the Toyota Etios, Tata Manza, Ford Classic and Mahindra Verito.

We’ve been getting a number of queries on how the Chevrolet Sail sedan compares with most of the cars in its segment. This quick comparison with each of the cars should give you a fair idea on what to expect with the Chevrolet Sail. Also read:Chevrolet Sail first-drive impression: Practical, but uninteresting sedan

First a look at what the Sail offers. It comes in two engine choices – a 1.2 litre petrol putting out 85 bhp of power and 113 Nm torque and a 1.3 litre diesel engine putting out 77 bhp of power and 205 Nm of torque, both with five-speed manual transmissions. Each has four variants, with the top three in each sporting features such as a driver’s airbag and electric mirrors. It is priced between Rs. 4.99 lakh and Rs. 6.41 lakh for the petrol variants and Rs. 6.29 lakh to Rs. 7.51 lakh ex-showroom for the diesels.

Chevrolet Sail vs Maruti dzire comparison

When you compare the Chevrolet Sail sedan to the Maruti Dzire, it is indeed surprising how Chevrolet has priced the Sail at a par with the Dzire, considering Maruti Dzire is under 4-metres in length and attracts just 12% excise duty, while the Sail is in the 24% bracket, being a larger car at 4.2 metres in length. Of course, it’s also a lot more spacious than the Dzire, offers equivalent power, has more boot space (370 litres). Variant for variant the Sail offers more features than the Dzire, except in the top-end where they are more-or-less even (Sail has manual AC, Dzire has climate control. Sail offers Bluetooth, Dzire does not).

The Sail would make more sense to buyers who want the practicality of more space, but if you want more features in the top-end variant, but don’t want a large car, the Dzire would suit you. Also read: Chevrolet Sail vs Maruti Swift Dzire: Practicality vs Popularity

Chevrolet Sail vs Tata Manza

The Tata Manza and Chevrolet Sail are virtually the same size, but the Manza offers far more luggage space and also a bit more interior room. In terms of engine choices the Manza offers a 1.4 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel. The diesel engine of the Manza puts out slightly more power than the Sail at 90bhp. The Manza also has more features to offer in its top-end variant, such as a touch-screen GPS navigation system, leather upholstery and climate control. However, the Manza is also about Rs. 50,000 more expensive than the Sail. In the lower end variants, the Sail offers much better value compared to the Tata Manza. Fit and finish is about the same on both.

The Sail would make a better overall choice if you are on a tight budget because the lower variants are better in terms of safety features compared to Manza. However, the top-end variant Manza is more feature-rich compared to Sail. Pick Manza if you are primarily chauffeur driven. Also see: Maruti Dzire vs Tata Manza diesel comparison

Chevrolet Sail vs Toyota Etios

The only car that really gives the Chevrolet Sail a run for its money when it comes to space is the Toyota Etios. The Etios has a huge 595 litre boot that is its talking point as well as a spacious rear seat and flat floor. However, even the top-end Toyota Etios has hardly any features in it apart from the basic safety features. It is too plain, not that the Sail feels any better either. However, the Sail offers more features variant for variant, and it’s nearly Rs. 80,000 cheaper in comparison with the top-end model.

The Toyota Etios’ one advantage is its space and the fuel efficiency with the diesel engine. For everything else the Chevrolet Sail would be a better car. Pick Etios if you need a spacious car for both people and luggage or Sail if you want a more complete package.

 

Chevrolet Sail vs Ford Classic

The Ford Classic is a car that appeals to driving enthusiasts – especially the 100 bhp 1.6 litre petrol variant, while the 1.4 diesel has legendary fuel economy and is equally nice to drive. However, the car is beginning to show its age. The Sail trumps the Ford Classic in terms of basic safety features across variants as well as some convenience features such as power mirrors and Bluetooth (Classic only offers this in the top-end Titanium variants).

Pick the Chevrolet Sail if you are on a tight budget, as it is about Rs. 50,000 cheaper than the Classic. But if you are a person who loves driving, the Ford Classic would still appeal better. Also read: Chevrolet Sail vs Ford Classic detailed comparison

 

Chevrolet Sail vs Mahindra Verito

The Mahindra Verito is a rather understated car. It has plenty of interior space, good ride quality and good luggage space. The Verito is also cheaper than the Sail variant for variant by about Rs. 30,000. It, however, offers safety features only in its top-end variants. It comes with a 1.4 petrol engine and a 1.5 litre diesel engine, the latter of which is more popular and has fuel economy of over 20 kmpl. However, it does not have a modern image, with its boxy design (although it has improved quite a bit after the refresh). Compared to the Verito, the Sail offers more value in its lower and mid variants, although at the top-end the Mahindra Verito is almost evenly matched (it has only 1 airbag, however). The Sail feels better to drive than the Verito. Also read: Pros and Cons of the Mahindra Verito

If you are a person who has a chauffeur and want a point A to point B comfortable sedan pick the Verito. But if you want a family sedan that would largely be self driven, the Sail makes for a better choice.

There is more competition coming for the Chevrolet Sail soon in the form of the Honda Amaze, which will sport Honda’s first diesel engine as well. This car could prove to be another strong competitor.