Hyundai Motor India will launch an upgraded version of the premium sedan Sonata this week, at the same price as that of the existing model, in an attempt to boost sales of the vehicle.
Terming it as a 'refurbished' version of the current 'GLS' model, HMIL President B V R Subbu said the new 2.0-litre 'S-20' car would have beige interiors, fully automatic air-conditioning and new music system.
"Rs 15,000-18,000 of new features have been added. But, we will be offering it at the existing 'Sonata GLS' price of Rs 11.30 lakh (Rs 1.13 million), ex-showroom Delhi, due to various cost-cutting measures, including dealer margins," Subbu said.
HMIL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Company, produces 'Sonata' in two other variants- 'Gold' and the top-end 2.7-litre 'V6' which is priced at Rs 16.65 lakh (Rs 1.665 million).
Sales of the 'Sonata' declined by 24 per cent during April-August 2003 to 565 units, which could be attributed to launch of new models from firms like Honda and Toyota.
He, however, ruled out any introduction of a new-look model of its mid-size car 'Accent' before 2005, when cumulative sales touch about 125,000 units.
The Chennai-based firm will expand capacity by 100,000 units to 250,000 units by September next year to cater to surging domestic sales and exports.