Frankfurt, Sept 14: The Indian subsidiary of South Korean automaker Hyundai plans to introduce a diesel engine version of its flagship car 'Santro', its managing director J I Kim said. The 1.1-litre engine which would be based on common rail diesel injection (CRDI) technology was currently being developed by Hyundai Motor Company's subsidiary in Korea, KIA Motors, and is expected to be commercially launched by 2005, Kim said in an interview here.
"Previously, we had dropped the idea of developing a 1.1-litre CRDI engine for the 'Santro'. But, now it has been revived. When it is developed by KIA, it is possible that the engine may be used for the 'Santro'," he said.
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) makes the compact car 'Santro', mid- size model 'Accent' and luxury sedan 'Sonata' at its plant outside Chennai.

It is now gearing up to roll-out a premium compact car 'Getz' and premium sedan 'Elantra' next year.

While the 'Getz' would be powered by a 1.3-litre petrol as well as a 1.5-litre CRDI diesel engine, the 'Elantra' would be offered with 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel options, he said.
For this, HMIL is investing about $ 72 million in addition to the $ 200 million which have been allocated for expansion of production capacity by one lakh units to 2.5 lakh vehicles next year.
Bureau Report