Yup, after economic slowdown and loss in sales and very shrinking market shares and production cut down, many Indian car companies have strategically testing waters with the sports variants of their existing models to drive up volumes. Yes, Auto manufacturers are launching ‘Limited Edition’ and ‘Sports Edition’ variants of their existing models topped up with accessories, refurnished interiors, cosmetic changes in design and style as a very old way of attracting customers and boost the sales. 

Maruti Suzuki India launched the limited edition of the sports version of its Zen Estilo model last year in India, christened as Zen Estilo Sports. There are no engine or suspension upgrades and sports edition is nearly priced similar to VXi model or approximately Rs. 6000 more than VXi model. The new model consists of the new sport body graphics and sports decal over body panels as well as sport full wheel covers. It also sports an integrated CD player, extended muffler, silencer show pipe, new seat fabric, speakers in all 4 doors, silver ring in AC louver etc. The steering column cover, instrument panel, IP tray, IP centre garnish, door trim are all done with the new sporty look.  

This year, even Maruti Swift Glam was launched which was ‘limited edition’ model of Maruti most popular hatchback Maruti Swift. A person requesting anonymity revealed, “The Glam model was mainly considered as 'stock clearance from Maruti before they introduce their new engine in the upcoming models of Maruti Swift”. 

GM India, in competition of increasing its lineup in the small car segment in India, it launched a limited-production version of its best-selling model, the Chevrolet Spark, priced at Rs. 3,27,000 (ex-showroom) in February this year. The Chevrolet Spark Special edition - Muzic comes with several new exterior features and amenities that make the award-winning small car more sporty and stylish. The car has other exciting features like side body graphics, limited edition badging, body-coloured door handles, ORVMs with turn indicators and four exciting paint colours. Moreover, interiors too are comfortable and stylish like 2-DIN audio system head unit, with a high-fidelity 4-speaker package, sport seat fabric and remote keyless entry. 

Honda Siel Cars India Limited too is not behind, it also launched limited edition variant of Honda Civic which was mainly a sports variant. The new variant sports a 1.8 L i-VTEC engine and was offered in manual transmission only. It also features front under-spoiler, side under-spoiler, rear under-spoiler and a trunk-spoiler along with all the luxury and driving comforts of existing Honda Civic.

The GM also launched Limited Edition variant of Chevrolet Aveo. The special edition Chevrolet Aveo mid-size sedan comes with several new features which improve safety and comfort further. It includes anti-lock brakes, airbag for driver, illuminated key cylinder, and rear armrest with cup holders, leather gear shifter, steering wheel, and upholstery, height adjust feature on driver’s seat, and elegant chrome door handles inside and outside. The special edition Chevrolet Aveo car has the similar price to the existing Aveo model in the market. Toyota Motors too, rolled out a limited edition variant of the Altis - the Corolla Altis Sport in June this year. The car was targeted towards the young, enthusiastic car buyer several interesting features like an aerodynamic front and rear bumper spoiler, a stylish headlamp garnish, sleek side skirts and special rear LED spoilers.

Honda Siel Cars India Limited had also launched limited edition variant of Honda Civic which was mainly a sports variant. The car features 1.8 L i-VTEC engine and was offered in manual transmission only. IT also sports front under-spoiler, side under-spoiler, rear under-spoiler and a trunk-spoiler along with all the luxury and driving comforts of existing Honda Civic.

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 10 August, 2009 4:03:43 PM IST #