Nissan Motor India has launched a mid size sedan Sunny at an aggressive starting price of INR 0.578 million (up to INR 0.768 million). This is Nissan's second locally-made mass-market product after the Micra, which it hopes will give it higher volumes in the festive season.

Prices are uniform across the country, though the sedan will be available initially only as a petrol model. As bookings start from September 21 and deliveries from October 3, the Sunny will compete with cars such as Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Toyota Etios and Volkswagen Vento.

Mr Gilles Normand corporate vice president Africa, Middle East & India Nissan Motor Company said that “With unprecedented levels of sophistication and comfort, we are certain that the Nissan Sunny will redefine the dynamics of the Sedan segment in India. We have been able to aggressively position it thanks to localization in excess of 85%”

Built on Micra's V platform, the Sunny sports a 1.5 litre petrol engine putting out 99 PS of power and a fuel economy of 16.95 kmpl. It targets families and young professionals with a USP of more space in the cabin and boot versus its rivals. This is the 10th generation of the Nissan Sunny, which is an over 45 year old brand and has sold more than 16 million units in 140 countries. With the new sedan, Nissan India expects to sell a total of 40,000 units by the end of the fiscal.

This also includes the Micra, apart from small volumes of the X-Trail SUV, Teana sedan and the 370Z sports car. By 2012 year end, the company expects to sell nine models in India.

(Sourced from BL)