The car, which would be introduced in a notchback version in India, would initially be launched in a petrol version with a 1.4 litre (1400cc) and a 1.5 litre (1500cc) engine, the officials, on condition of anonymity, said here on the sidelines of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 1.4 litre version would be priced at around Rs 5.5 lakh while the 1.5 litre variant would sport a price tag of slightly over Rs 6 lakh. Both the cars would be introduced in the Indian market within a gap of three weeks.

Besides, the company is also working towards introducing a diesel-powered variant of the same at a later stage, the officials added.

In addition, General Motors India Ltd (GMIL), the wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of GM corporation, is all set to launch a limited edition version of its existing Opel Astra in October. The new car, only 100units of which would be produced, would have a new badging, a rear spoiler and alloy wheels. It would also come at a special price, which would be higher than the existing Astra. "The exact tag is presently being worked on."

This, the officials said, is as part of the centenary celebrations of Adam Opel AG.

GM is also actively looking at making India a production base for the much-touted Asia car that it intends to produce under a joint initiative with Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan.

Earlier, GM had said a strategy is being chalked out to foray into the semi-urban cities and small towns with its 973cc small car `Corsa', slated for launch around September next year.

"Corsa would be our mass sale vehicle and we would be targetting even the smaller towns and semi-urban cities with this car. The first small town dealer would be appointed by March next year," company officials said.

The new strategy, the officials said, is aimed at improving its presence in every nook and corner of the country. "Ourpresent vehicle, the Opel Astra, is more of an urban and big city car. So, we will be using the Corsa to see that the company's rate of penetration is increased in the smaller towns."

The markets would be categorised according to population and average income. The idea is to initiate more competition in these areas where the disposable income generally comes from agricultural or business activity, the officials said. The Corsa would be positioned as the prime revenue spinning model for these markets.

"Today, we do not expect the disposable incomes in these towns to be so high to purchase an Astra but the Corsa would be the vehicle for them."

The company officials further stated a plethora of variants of the Opel Corsa would be introduced in the Indian market. The variants would be with different power plants and hatchback options, but all in the same platform.

"To start with, we would just introduce a standard diesel model which would have all the luxury features. Later, we might get in metro variantsof the same as has been done in the case of the petrol version."

GM has till date invested around $20 million in the venture which manufactures the Opel Astra cars. The joint venture has achieved a localisation level of 41 per cent with its cars and hopes to cross 50 per cent by the end of 1998.