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Amitabh Bachchan launches Maruti Versa

Super Star Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday launched Maruti Versa- India's first multi-purpose vehicle.

The Versa is powered by a four-stroke, 16 valve, 1300 cc MPFI engine and has a manual transmission, five forward and one reverse synchromesh gears.

Three variants of Versa were launched. Disproving the speculation about prices, Khattar said the deluxe model is priced at Rs 515,000, DX 2 at Rs 545,000 and SDX at Rs 580,000, all ex-show room New Delhi prices.

The two deluxe variants are eight-seaters and and the super deluxe version is a seven-seater.

Maruti managing director Jagdish Khattar, who drove Bachchan in the new vehicle to a colourful launch ceremony said Versa is the first in Maruti's foray into several new areas like insurance.

It is the first time that Maruti has engaged Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek as Maruti's brand ambassadors, at a cost of more than Rs 45 million.

However, Abhishek, who was busy shooting in Ooty could not be present at the launch ceremony.

Bachchan said he was delighted to be part of the Maruti campaign for its wonderful new model, which "everyone would like to park in his parkway".

Recalling his past association with Maruti, Bachchan said he was very close to Sanjay Gandhi, who started Maruti. Khattar later presented the first Versa to the Bachchans.

In keeping with its brand name, the Versa has versatile characteristics to ensure driving pleasure, easy maneuvering, spacious interiors, safety and flexibility.

With three rows of seats, twin air conditioner option and flexi seating for enhanced luggage space, Versa is "two luxury cars in one", pointed Khattar.

He said though the market is not very good, Maruti expects a sale of 1000 Versas a month initially. The automobile market is facing a negative growth, but Maruti has registered a six per cent growth and established a 60 per cent market share, he said.

Maruti spends about Rs 4 billion for any new model, he said, while adding that Versa has 70 per cent local content. Suzuki is manufacturing the Versa in China, Indonesia and Japan besides India.

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