Reference Auto

General Motors or GM has created quite a spark in India with the rollout of the new Sail U-Va but that may not be the case with the new Spark.

General Motors India has rolled out the new version of its high-end U-Va hatchback christened Chevrolet Sail U-Va, which carries a price tag of between Rs 4.52 lakh and Rs 6.74 lakh (ex-showroom). The car will come in four variants in the 1.2 litre petrol version and three types in 1.3 litre diesel.

The petrol option will be priced between Rs 4.52 lakh and Rs 5.68 lakh and the diesel models would come for between Rs 5.97 lakh and Rs 6.74 lakh.

The exteriors have been overhauled with the Sail U-Va looking somewhat like the Cruze. The looks are no doubt better compared to the previous model.

The new Sail U-Va comes with a dual-port grille with a gold bowtie, snazzy-styled headlamps and fog lamps, bigger side windows and the rear door opens wider. The legroom has also gone up significantly at 1,134 litres.

The power is 78 PS@ 4,000 rpm and torque is 205 Nm@1,750 rpm. Mileage of the diesel variant is around 22 km to a litre, which is commendable.

The Chevrolet Sail U-Va also offers enhanced safety features. The Safe Cage structure rids 80% of the force during front impact and its three-point resistance structure prevents congregate force from entering the cabin space.

The Sail U-Va comes with remote keyless entry, dual airbags, anti-lock braking system or ABS, electronic brake force distribution or EBD and child protection.

GM also launched an upgraded version of its small hatchback, the Spark. The car carries a price tag of between Rs 3.26 lakh and Rs 4.10 lakh.

The hi-tech SMARTECH engine of the new Spark offers maximum power and torque at lower speeds.

The engine’s operation is smooth and is suitable for a long drive even on rough roads. The mileage of the new Spark is a tad disappointing at 18 km to a litre.

The looks of the new Spark have been improved and comes with a stylish bumper grille in the front.

The new Spark offers premium fabric seat upholstery and comes with youthful design inserts along with a distinct colour upgrade to light and dark urban.

The ‘quotation style’ front headlights and the rear lights wear a snazzier look. The new instrument cluster, inspired by a ‘wing design,’ also enhances the looks of the new Spark.

The Sail U-Va could create ripples in the premium hatchback market but the new Spark is a tad disappointing, and so, it seems only the new U-Va could create a spark post Diwali.