GM motor India Limited introduced its new variant SAIL 1.6 on Indian Road. The interiors of the Corsa Sail mirror those of the saloon with the same cabin dimensions and space for occupants. Everything is familiar Corsa stuff carried over from the notchback barring a new brushed aluminium effect garnish on the centre console on the dashboard plus the instrument panel shroud and new fabric upholstery. 

 

The sheer mechanical grip afforded along with the crisp throttle response and that brilliant steering (precise in its directional ability and also in its actions plus with a near ideally weighted feel) makes a car enjoyable driving experience. Suspension upfront employs MacPherson struts with built in anti-dive and crouch characteristics. At the rear there is a crank compound system made up of torsion stabilizer bars working in tandem with gas charged shock absorbers. Power assisted rack and hold down steering gear is standard fitment. Front discs and rear drums constitute the braking system similar to that in the other two Indian Corsas and the Sail rides on 175/70-R13 radials just like them. In fact, for the first time GMIL is also offering the choice of 14-inch radials mounted on alloy wheels as optional extras on the 1.6 of course.

 

The Corsa Sail, like the saloon and the estate, suffers from a lack of space in the footwell for the driver’s feet to move comfortably but clutch and brake pedal pressures required are minimal. The gearshift quality is good but under sporty application it can catch out the unwary if one employs the ham-handed approach.

 

While gear ratios have remained unchanged, the performance has registered a crucial gain, both in terms of outright top speed as also in acceleration and in-gear speeds. Zero to 60kmph comes up in 5.73 seconds while 0-100kmph takes 14.33 seconds. The Corsa Sail zapped the standing quarter mile in 19.44 seconds. Its fual efficiency, in-town the air con switched to the maximum, it gives a figure of 10.6kmpl and 13.8kpl (highway).

 

The Corsa Sail is a very car for the small family offering them more than the smaller B-segment econo-boxes can deliver: high refinement, great stability, frugal consumption and decent power, not to mention ample cabin space and a decently sized luggage area.

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