The Chevrolet Sail III 1.3 (103 hp) is a subcompact sedan produced by General Motors’ joint venture with SAIC Motor in China, beginning with the 2014 model year. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Sail III aimed to provide affordable transportation in the rapidly growing Chinese automotive market. While not sold in North America, it represented Chevrolet’s commitment to offering a range of vehicles tailored to specific regional demands. The Sail III, built on the Gamma platform, was a significant update to the previous Sail generations, offering improved styling, interior space, and features. This particular 1.3-liter variant, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, served as the base engine option for the model.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sail/S-RV |
| Generation | Sail III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 (103 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm, 120.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 4000 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | LEW |
| Engine displacement | 1349 cm3 (82.32 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1057 kg (2330.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 366 l (12.93 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4300 mm (169.29 in.) |
| Width | 1735 mm (68.31 in.) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1477 mm (58.15 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1468 mm (57.8 in.) |
| Front overhang | 856 mm (33.7 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 944 mm (37.17 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 14.0° |
| Departure angle | 18.0° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Dependent spring suspension with transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
INTRODUCTION
The Chevrolet Sail III 1.3, launched in 2014, was a key model in Chevrolet’s strategy to capture a larger share of the Chinese entry-level sedan market. It represented a move towards more modern design and features compared to its predecessors. Built on the Gamma platform shared with other GM vehicles, the Sail III offered a practical and affordable option for first-time car buyers and those seeking a reliable city commuter. The 1.3-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission combination was the base configuration, designed for fuel efficiency and affordability. It sat below the 1.5-liter variants in the Sail III lineup, which offered more power but at a higher price point.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Sail III 1.3 utilized the LEW engine code, a 1349cc inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, incorporating variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize performance and fuel economy. The LEW engine was known for its simplicity and reliability, prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright power. Fuel delivery was managed by a multi-point fuel injection system. The five-speed manual transmission was a standard offering, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for maximizing fuel economy and providing adequate acceleration for urban driving conditions. The engine produced 103 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm.
Driving Characteristics
The Sail III 1.3, with its 103 hp engine and manual transmission, offered a modest but adequate driving experience. Acceleration was not its strong suit, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11.8 seconds. However, it was perfectly suitable for navigating city streets and highways at moderate speeds. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for fuel efficiency or to extract more power when needed. Compared to the 1.5-liter versions, the 1.3 felt noticeably less powerful, especially when fully loaded or climbing hills. The gear ratios were relatively tall, prioritizing fuel economy over quick acceleration. The steering was light and easy to use, making it maneuverable in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base Sail III 1.3 typically came equipped with basic amenities, reflecting its entry-level positioning. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional but simple design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and a rear parking sensor. Higher trim levels of the Sail III offered additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and upgraded interior materials. The 1.3 trim was often chosen by buyers prioritizing affordability and essential features.
Chassis & Braking
The Sail III featured a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a dependent spring suspension with a transverse stabilizer in the rear. This suspension setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were disc brakes, while the rear brakes were drum brakes – a cost-saving measure common in this segment. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety. The chassis was designed for durability and affordability, prioritizing practicality over sporty handling characteristics. The relatively lightweight construction of the vehicle (1057 kg / 2330.29 lbs) helped to offset the modest engine power.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Sail III 1.3 was generally well-received in the Chinese market as an affordable and reliable option. Critics noted its fuel efficiency and practicality, but also pointed out its lack of refinement and modest performance. Compared to other entry-level sedans in China, such as the Geely Emgrand and the Chery Arrizo, the Sail III offered a competitive price point and a well-established brand reputation. The 1.5-liter Sail III variants offered a noticeable performance upgrade, but at a higher cost. The 1.3-liter version appealed to buyers who prioritized fuel economy and affordability over outright power.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Sail III, including the 1.3-liter variant, remains a common sight on Chinese roads today. The LEW engine, while not known for its high performance, has proven to be relatively reliable and durable. In the used car market, the Sail III 1.3 is often sought after by budget-conscious buyers looking for a dependable and fuel-efficient vehicle. While it may not offer the latest technology or luxurious features, its simplicity and affordability have contributed to its enduring popularity. The Sail III represents a significant chapter in Chevrolet’s efforts to establish a strong presence in the Chinese automotive market.
