
The engine of the Sail is independently developed by Shanghai GM, marking Shanghai GM's first engine with independent intellectual property rights. The Chevrolet New Sail is equipped with a 1.2L and 1.4L high-efficiency engine, with a specific power exceeding 53kw/L and a combined fuel consumption as low as 5.7L/100km, leading among vehicles in the same class and effectively reducing usage costs. Here is an introduction to engine maintenance considerations: 1. Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade: For gasoline engines, select SD—SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, choose CB—CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's specified requirements. 2. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly based on usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level (generally up to the upper limit of the oil dipstick). When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter.

I've been driving a Chevrolet Sail for several years, usually equipped with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine model, producing around 98 horsepower. In city driving, the fuel consumption is about 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers, with smooth acceleration making it suitable for daily commuting. During long-distance trips, the fuel consumption drops below 6 liters, and the engine noise is well controlled. For maintenance, I usually change the synthetic oil and air filter every 5,000 kilometers to keep it clean and prevent carbon buildup issues. Occasionally, there might be strange noises during cold starts, which could be due to dirty spark plugs, but replacing them with new parts solves the problem. Overall, it offers high cost-performance, good durability, and cheap maintenance, but when buying a used one, it's important to check for oil leaks to avoid major repairs.

When working on cars, I often deal with the Sail engine, typically the 1.2L or 1.4L S-TEC II models with 86 or 98 horsepower. Common failure points include ignition coil wear causing unstable acceleration—recommend replacing spark plugs every 20,000 km as prevention. Carbon buildup in the fuel system can be resolved with additive cleaning, and prolonged idling should be avoided as it affects performance. Parts are easy to find, maintenance costs are low, and using genuine oil extends lifespan. The overall structure is simple and reliable, with few major issues—regular maintenance is key.

From an automotive enthusiast's perspective, the Sail's 1.4L engine, derived from the GM platform, delivers ample torque that kicks in at just 2,500 RPM while maintaining low fuel consumption, making city driving particularly enjoyable. It offers responsive acceleration and smooth performance, with stable high-speed cruising capabilities. Although it has limited modification potential, it's more than sufficient for daily use, featuring lightweight construction, compact layout, and excellent overall balance.


