AMT-equipped Chevrolet Sail 3 sedan goes on sale in China

The Chevrolet Sail 3 AMT sedan, which comes with an automated manual transmission (AMT) along with the standard start-stop function and hill start assist (HSA), has arrived in showrooms in China. The three variants are priced from RMB 68,900 to RMB 79,900 (Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8.13 lakh).

The Sail 3 AMT is the first model in China equipped with the latest fourth-generation AMT developed by Magneti Marelli. The new transmission’s hydraulic AMT technology uses a hydraulic setup and a transmission control unit (TCU) that takes only two milliseconds to respond. This enables intelligent, automatic control of the clutch and gearshift system along with more precise and smooth shifts. For the first time in China, the transmission is fitted with start-stop technology, which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 3-5 percent.

The Sail 3 AMT comes with a choice of 1.3L VVT or 1.5L DVVT engines that boost power output by 10-20 percent compared to the earlier model. The powertrain combination is claimed to provide best-in-class fuel economy of 5.3 litres per 100 km. All three variants of the Sail 3 AMT are entitled to an energy-saving subsidy of RMB 3,000 (Rs 30,540) as a result of the sedan being listed in the National Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly Vehicle Catalogue.

Based on Shanghai GM’s new small vehicle platform, the model was developed in line with local needs and GM’s global product development standards. It has a modular design, which provides significant improvements in driving performance, and 93 percent of components are newly developed. It also comes with the most spacious interior in its class.

The model utilizes safety cage construction, with up to 5.7 percent of its body consisting of PHS hot-rolled steel. The model also comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC), four airbags and other best-in-class safety features.

The HSA system turns on automatically when the car drives on a slope with an angle of more than five degrees to prevent sliding. Electric power steering (EPS), which also comes standard, makes the steering wheel more stable and heavier at high speeds and lighter and more agile at low speeds.

Chevrolet says the Sail 3 was put through 160,000km of endurance tests, while its powertrain went through 54,000km of tests. Another 24,000 km of tests were conducted at extreme altitudes and temperatures, demonstrating the Sail 3’s adaptability to China’s road and climate conditions.

Since its launch in December, the Sail 3 family has sold nearly 50,000 units in China.