Maruti Suzuki always showcases special edition versions with much fanfare at the Auto Expo, but seldom has a vehicle made it to production for any of the models. This year too Maruti showcased an extensive range of special editions across the entire product portfolio; however, the company might as well could launch one of these versions in the country. Our reader Naveen Chaliya spotted the SX4 Sport, Ertiga Altair, Alto 800 Browzer and Ritz Jubilo running near Dhaula Kuan, Delhi, all of which were showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo.
The SX4 Sport gets a completely new bodykit inclusive of the new front bumper, new spoiler and a new grille design. The rear on the other hand gets a sporty diffuser, while completing the look are the 15-spoke alloy wheels. The SX4 Sport has been derived keeping a rally vehicle in mind, but won’t sport any changes to the 1.6-litre VVT and 1.3-litre DDiS engines. With the Ciaz sedan ready to replace the SX4, Maruti could launch the SX4 Sport in the country to clear out the last set of stock, if anyone is willing to purchase.
The Alto 800 Browzer does not take inspiration from Chrome, Safari or Firefox but rather Google maps. The special edition gets additional blue accents on the grille, roof rails, bumpers and side skirts coupled with a white paintjob. Taking a quirky take on body graphics, the Browzer edition sports a map (leading to nowhere) on the doors. The special edition carries the same mechanicals with the 800cc engine producing 48 PS and 67 Nm of torque. If the Browzer edition does make it to the showrooms, the map graphics may look interesting to some, but a bit overboard to the rest.
The third vehicle spotted was the Ertiga Altair, which by far has been the most impressive upgrade from Maruti. The Altair package gets some elegant modifications with the blackened headlights, elongated tail lights and chrome garnish across the vehicle for a premium appeal. The vehicle also sports LED lights, but it is definitely the metallic dark red paint job that adds to the sophistication of the Ertiga. Out of all the special editions, we would really like the Altair to make it to showrooms.
Naveen also spoke about seeing the special edition Ritz Jubilo which gets new black headlight and tail light cluster, new paintjob and stylish body graphics. Maruti would normally paste graphics and roll-out a special edition model, but the company might be looking to offer a comprehensive update and then call it a special edition version at a marginally premium price than the standard variants. While Maruti’s exact plans are still uncertain, we could soon hear from the company regarding the fate of these versions.
