Spied - Chevrolet Sail facelift fully revealed in China

The Chevrolet Sail facelift is seen uncamouflaged in these latest spy pictures from China.

The Sail gets a new face with heavily redesigned 1-Series style headlights, Chevy's dual-port grille (seen on cars like the Cruze), a new bumper, bigger wing mirrors and a mildly redone hood. Compared to its predecessor which is criticized for its dull and boring looks, the refreshed Sail is certainly a step in the right direction.

Changes at the rear include new taillights (which seem inspired to some extent by the Hyundai Verna) and a new bootlid with an integrated registration plate enclosure. The current Sail has its rear number plate located on the bumper. Like the front, changes at the rear do an ocean of difference in giving the Sail a new identity.

Earlier spy images of the interior hint that a new center console, instrument cluster, steering wheel and seat fabrics will give the Sail an upmarket look. Changes on the mechanical front are unknown at the moment.

In China, the Sail continues to sizzle where it enjoys the status of being the most exported car. In the domestic market, SAIC-GM sold over 3 lakh units last year, making it one of the best selling sedans. In the first five months of 2014, the Sail has finished either in 9th, 10th or 11th position in the ranking table for personal cars.

In India, sales of the Sail sedan dropped from 758 units in January this year to 457 units in May. GM India has been finding it difficult to sell the Sail in a segment dominated by compact sedans like the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent. The company would do good to offer the refreshed Sail soon after its Chinese debut.

Competitors: Toyota Etios, Honda Amaze, Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Xcent, Tata Bolt

Expected Price: INR 5-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom

[Spy images from Auto Ifeng]