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The Country's second- largest car maker, Hyundai Motor India Ltd ( HMIL), on Wednesday launched a new version of its mid- sized sedan Verna, priced between Rs 6.56 and 9.22 lakh ( ex- showroom, Delhi).

The Verna Transform will have the same two engine variants of 1.6 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel as the existing models but comes with a new sporty look and refurbished interior.

The 1.6 litre petrol variant develops a power of 103.2PS @ 5500 rpm and torque of 14.9kgm@ 3000 rpm. The 1.5 litre diesel version develops a power output of 110 PS@ 4000 rpm and a torque of 24kgm @ 1900- 2750 rpm.

Commenting on the launch, H. W. Park, managing director ( MD) & chief executive officer ( CEO), HMIL, said, “ The Verna Transform is all set to boost Hyundai’s line- up of products in India by raising the benchmark in the sedan segment, even further.” The firm has sold 82,076 units of the old Verna, which was launched in September, 2006. Hyundai is also likely to unveil a small car that will compete with Maruti Suzuki’s Alto at the next Auto Expo to be held in New Delhi in 2012. An HMIL official disclosed that the small car is currently being developed at the Hyundai R& D centre in Korea.

Alto is the highest- selling car in the Indian market with sales of 2.40 lakh units a year and is priced between Rs 2.28 to 2.8 lakh ( ex- showroom, Delhi).