The Hindu Business Line : Celebrating with Xfun

Maruti Udyog has witnessed steady erosion in sales of the M800, its basic, entry-level small car. But the Alto has more than made up for this decline by raking in the numbers over the past few years.

Currently, the Alto is the largest-selling single car brand in the country. Widely considered as one of the more fuel-efficient petrol cars in the compact car segment, the Alto offers a combination of a practical entry-level vehicle and the feel and looks of a premium small car.

Alto recently surpassed a milestone — clocking sales of five lakh units (half a million) in six years, the only car in the country to do so in such a short period.

Of this, sales of the last one lakh units have been achieved in six months, which Maruti claims is another first for any car in the country.

In October, the Alto sold 22,294 cars — the highest-ever monthly sales for any model and any make in India. The previous highest was 20,687 units by M800 in March 2003.

To celebrate the Alto milestone, Maruti has launched a limited edition version to enhance the performance association, while building upon the `status and premium' feel to the brand.

The limited edition Alto, christened Xfun, is expected to reflect youthfulness and spontaneity, apart from providing premiumness in a tastefully designed product. It promises to offer the premium features of a high-end A2 segment car at the entry level.

The new features in the Alto Xfun are mostly cosmetic, but should enhance the visual appeal of the car.

Besides the existing features, the new ones in the Xfun are:

Two-tone interiors — available only in high-end cars till now.

Stylish new seat fabric.

Black B pillar masking — currently available only in high-end A2 segment cars (such as the Swift and Getz) till now.

New look instrument console with speedo graphic — stylish and visually appealing.

New gear knob — sporty and adding to interior appeal.

New body colours — Dawn Red and Royal Gold.

Body graphics — sporty and stylish-looking side panels.

Body-coloured bumpers — to enhance the vehicle's appeal.

Body-coloured half-wheel caps — a first in this segment.

Front grille and garnish — to enhance the overall look of the vehicle.

Xfun logo at the back of the vehicle — provides a unique identity.

The ex-showroom prices of the Xfun Limited for Delhi are:

Alto LX Limited — Rs 2,76,665.

Alto LXi Limited — Rs. 2,95,281.

With there being only a nominal price gap of Rs 8,000 vis-à-vis the normal Alto at the ex-showroom level, Maruti has ensured that the pricing for this limited edition, too, continues to be aggressive.

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