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Daewoo to launch CNG-powered Cielo in October

Daewoo Motors India Limited will introduce its mid-size sedan, the Cielo, in a compressed natural gas-driven avatar in October 1999.

This would be followed up with its luxury car, the Nexia, in a similar CNG option, company sources said.

Both the cars would come in a bi-fuel option, running on both petrol and CNG.

However, there are no plans to introduce its small car, the Matiz, in a similar option.

The final price of these vehicles would be decided later, sources added.

This is part of the company's efforts to tap the growing consumer base of CNG-driven cars.

Daewoo had recently stopped production of the GLE and GLX versions of the Cielo and replaced them with the Cielo Executive.

''The brand Cielo is not being phased out. The Cielo Executive is the basic Cielo version with the best features of both GLE and GLX. Besides, the Nexia that was introduced last month, is an upgraded version of the Cielo,'' senior copany officials said.

Incidentally, the Cielo is marketed in Europe under the Nexia brand name.

The face-lifted Cielo -- the Cielo Executive -- is powered by a 1.5 litre single overhead cam engine which delivers 80bhp at 5400rpm.

The Nexia and the Cielo Executive were introduced in India close on the heels of three stripped-down versions of its small car, the Matiz.

The Nexia has the largest wheelbase with internal refinements giving the occupants maximum space and comfort. Powered with a four cylinder, 1.5 double overhead cam engine, the Nexia's powerhouse develops 92bhp power at 5600rpm, claimed the company.

The car also comes with a large diameter front disc brakes with c-type callipers for powerful braking. It is also fitted with three-stage bumpers, front and rear fog lamps, side impact beams, monocoque body, child safety lock, central locking, variable intermittent wipers and high mounted stop lamp in the rear spoiler, officials stated.

UNI

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