Special effects

The Indian auto industry is passing through a challenging phase. With sales going flat, brands are constantly trying to innovate, not just with new products but also with existing cars. Enter special or limited edition models, that are sometimes launched to cash in on the popularity of cars, and at other times to boost dwindling sales. Here’s a look at five such special edition offerings that have hit the Indian roads in the recent times.

Toyota Innova Hycross Exclusive Edition The Toyota Innova Hycross is one of the most successful cars in the market. The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has been commanding long waiting periods ever since it was launched two years ago, and there’s hardly ever a discount on offer. The Exclusive Edition has been launched with the intention of giving the owner a distinct identity within the Hycross family, looking at the large number of cars already present on the roads. Based on the top-of-the-line ZX(O) trim of the MPV, the Edition has a premium of Rs 1.24 lakh over the standard model, which means it is priced at Rs 32.44 lakh, ex-showroom. The edition gets exclusive black elements on front grille, roof as well as alloy wheels. Adding to the looks are wheel-arch moulding and garnishes on grille, mirrors as well as on rear door. The interiors get a dual-tone scheme while the exterior gets two colour options — pearl white and super white. According to Toyota, the Hycross Exclusive Edition will be on sale for just two more months till July. The sale started in May.

Honda Elevate Apex Summer Edition Japanese carmaker Honda entered the extremely popular and ultra-competitive mid-size SUV segment with Elevate. However, the brand hasn’t seen the kind of success enjoyed by its rivals Hyundai and Kia in this segment. The Elevate Apex Edition aims to attract more customers towards the SUV and comes with special ivory and black interior panels, ambient lights, black spoilers and a special ‘Apex’ logo on the fender. It is based on mid V trim of the SUV and comes at an additional cost of Rs 50,000. The model is available in both manual and CVT versions of the Elevate. Honda has also cut down the prices of the V trim by around Rs 35,000 and it is now priced at Rs 12.39 lakh, ex-showroom. The Apex Summer Edition additionally offers a 360-view camera with the Elevate for the first time. The installation of this kit will happen at the dealership level. Mahindra XUV700 Ebony Edition Based on the top AX7 and AX7L trims of the Mahindra XUV700 is the Ebony Edition. It has been launched in a special stealth black colour and gets black alloys, grille and skid plates. Ebony Edition badges have been fixed on the driver door and tail gate. The SUV already has a black vehicle in its fleet but for the first time, it also gets all-black interiors in this Ebony model. This includes dark chrome finish on steering wheel and AC vents, while the dash and seats are finished in black. There are a whole lot of drive/train options to choose from in the Ebony Edition. It is available in petrol and diesel engines and both are offered with manual as well as automatic gearbox options. Prices for this limited edition start at Rs 19.64 lakh, ex-showroom, which is Rs 15,000 more than the regular AX7 petrol manual variant.

Citroen Dark Editions French carmaker Citroen is looking to increase its sales in the market and its latest bet are the Dark Editions based on its mass cars. These are the Basalt Coupe SUV, C3 hatchback and Aircross SUV. The Dark Editions are based on the top models of all cars and are more expensive by around Rs 23,000. The C3 Dark is priced starting at Rs 8.38 lakh while the Basalt Dark starts at Rs 12.8 lakh. The 7-seater Aircross Dark starts at Rs 13.13 lakh, all prices, ex-showroom. The cars get an all-black theme inside and outside. The Citroen logo, grille as well as mouldings are all finished in black. A special Perla Nera Black adorns all the cars. In the cabins are black leatherette seats with contrast red stitching and a carbon black colour theme. Jeep Wrangler Willys ’41 Edition Wearing a unique military-green paint scheme, the Jeep Wrangler Willys ’41 Edition is an ode to the original 1941 Willys MB that served the US military during the Second World War. The shade has been christened as ’41 Green and the year 1941 decal is placed prominently on the hood. The Edition is based on the more off-road focused Rubicon variant of the SUV and has features like grab handles, dual-dash cams, all-weather floor mats and electronic side steps. The Wrangler Willys ’41 edition is quite exclusive as just 30 units are up for grabs. It is priced at Rs 73.15 lakh, ex-showroom, Rs 1.59 lakh more than the standard Rubicon. — The writer is associated with carandbike.com

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