According to Hyundai officials, the film star has expressed interest in being among the first customers for the 1500 cc mid-segment car to be launched on October 14, 1999. ``Shah Rukh will also endorse the new car in his home production Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,'' said senior Hyundai officials. In the movie -- which is being produced by Khan's Dreamz Unlimited and is scheduled to hit the silver screen early next year -- Shah Rukh Khan would be seen driving the Accent.

The Bollywood `Badshah' has done a series of campaigns for the Korean chaebol's small car, Santro. However, the Khan will not be starring in the Accent's print or television advertising for the Accent. Officials explained that it was important for the company to have Shah Rukh showcase the Santro alone as part of Hyundai's brandname strategy in the country. ``However, the Hyundai brandname is now well-established in the country and the Accent will leverage on our brand equity,'' the official added.

The Accent international launch took place on Septmeber 14, 1999 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. The Indian version has been built on a brand new platform that is 10 centimetres wider than the earlier Accent platform. With distinct European styling, the mid-segment vehicle will be powered by the 1500cc, 12 valve, 4-cylinder MPFI Aplha engine. Targetted at the segment occupied by Mitsubishi Lancer and Honda City, the Accent will have an indigenisation level of over 70 per cent to begin with.

The car will have two variants each-standard and premium -- in petrol and diesel versions. The difference in price of the standard and full-featured models would be around 15 per cent, officials said. Industry analysts expect the Accent to park in the price range of Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh.

Hyundai expects to sell around 1,000 vehicles a month in the current financial year -- or rather 999 cars, once the Khan revs off into the sunset.