The Hindu Business Line : Lancer Cedia Selects LPG

Faced with dwindling sales of the Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia and to provide more choice to its customers, Hindustan Motors (HM) has lined up a new dual-fuel option for the premium sedan.

The Lancer Cedia Select is now being introduced with a factory-fitted dual-fuel option that is just as powerful and fuel efficient while running on petrol and LPG. The new variant will attempt to widen the target customer base for the Lancer Cedia by being a relatively attractive option for fuel-efficiency-conscious buyers, though it is doubtful that the number of such customers will be sizeable.

This dual fuel Cedia Select will also be lower on emissions with the fuel combination being petrol or auto LPG (ALPG). HM says that the Cedia Select’s advanced microprocessor-controlled technology will make it possible for the car to deliver better fuel efficiency on two different fuels without compromising on performance. Cedia Select incorporates ‘Sequent’ type technology for effective performance on LPG. This technology, sourced from BRC Italy, uses a 32-bit microprocessor that syncs real time with the engine ECU (electronic control unit).

The controls are precise and automatic, delivering great performance, be it on petrol or on auto LPG, says HM. With a ‘full tank’ of 50 litres of petrol and 48-63 litres of auto LPG, the Cedia Select should be capable of covering well over 1,000 km at a stretch on the highway.

This factory-fitted Cedia variant, with all the premium features (air bags, ABS with EBD, MP3 CD player, wood and titanium finish, chrome door handles, windshield antennae, and alloy wheels) is priced at Rs 8.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The running cost is expected to be about Rs 3 per km in city driving while the auto LPG is in use.

Raining promos

Meanwhile, to boost sales during the monsoon, HM is offering the Mitsubishi Lancer at special prices. During the promo, the Lancer will be available at Rs. 6.54-7.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

According to the company, the highest selling variant in the Lancer range is the diesel LXd variant, which is fully loaded and during the monsoon promo, it is to be offered at Rs. 7.5 lakh.

However, following the policy of ‘One country, one price’ HM is offering this special price to Lancer buyers across the country. The LXd model of Mitsubishi Lancer is said to provide the right balance of driving comfort, ownership cost and value for money. It comes with premium features such as power windows, MP3 player, electric mirror control, rear AC ducts, height adjustable seat belts, gas filled shock absorbers, keyless entry, central locking, tilt steering and driver’s foot rest. The Mitsubishi Lancer LXi (petrol) and LXd (diesel) are available in six colours at 37 dealerships across the country.

S. M.