Geneva show: Multiple special editions unveiled

A NUMBER of manufacturers including Kia, Peugeot, Maserati and Alpine have revealed special-edition models at the Geneva motor show, and some of them could eventually make their way into Australian showrooms.

Maserati has shown its Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante models in blacked-out Nerissimo Edition form, a variant based on the GranSport trim that adds a number of dark trim elements.

Nerissimo Editions score a deep black body paint colour, black chrome trim on the upper part of the grille frame, Trident badge, side air vents, boot, and badging on the C-pillars and rear of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the grille bars, door handles, exhaust tips and window trim are also finished in black.

Ghibli and Quattropotre versions come with a dark finish on the LED headlights, and the choice of 20-inch Urano or 21-inch Titano alloy hoops finished in gloss black, while the Levante gains front and rear underbody protection, black foglight rings and the choice of two black 20-inch and one 21-inch alloys.

Inside, the Ghibli receives heated front and rear sport seats, heated steering wheel, tinted windows, power rear sunblind and Dark Mirror interior finish, with Black Piano and carbon-fibre trims available as options.

The Quattroporte comes with either carbon-fibre or Black Piano trim, as well as tinted windows, rearview camera power bootlid, HomeLink system and keyless entry for rear doors.

Finally, the Levante also gets the sport seats shared with the Ghibli, four-zone automatic climate control, power foot pedals and the Easy Entry system.

Maserati Australia has confirmed that the Quattroporte Nerissimo will lob mid year, while the Levante and Ghibli versions will hit showrooms in October.

Peugeot has unveiled a First Edition version of its all-new 508 mid-size liftback, with a number of enhancements over the regular version that is set for an Australian debut, as new local distributor Inchcape goes about reviving the brand Down Under.

The 508 First Edition comes in two exterior paint hues – Dark Blue and Ultimate Red – and scores 19-inch Augusta alloys in two diamond-set hues with a grey dust coating.

Its interior is made with zebrano-type wood decorum, Alcantara trim and black leather upholstery with copper stitching lines.

Peugeot Citroen Australia national PR and corporate affairs manager Tyson Bowen said there was currently no plan to bring the First Edition to Australia, however the importer would consider bringing it based on its reception in other markets.

Kia showed off its European-spec, Slovakian-built Cee’d Sportswagon, but given Kia Australia sources its small car, the Cerato, from South Korea, the Cee’d is not be destined for Australia.

One model under consideration for Australia is the Rio GT-Line, which adds a number of visual touches over the regular version of the light hatch that currently tops out with the $22,990 SLi variant.

The GT-Line adds 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black and chrome ‘tiger nose’ grille, ice cube LED foglights, twin exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, chrome window trim, gloss black roof spoiler and sill highlights.

In Europe, the GT-Line will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, however if it makes it to Australia, it will likely retain the 1.4-litre aspirated four-pot mated to a four-speed automatic used in the majority of the range.

Renault’s reborn French sportscar brand Alpine has shown off two road-going versions of its new A110 coupe, as well as one specially designed for the racetrack.

The two road versions include the driver-focused Pure and more comfort-oriented Legende, however it is too early to determine of they will come to Australia as the regular version is still yet to hit local showrooms.

Pure versions come stripped back with 17-inch wheels and weight-saving Sabelt sport seats that weigh 13.1kg each, while buyers can option Brembo brakes, 18-inch hoops, six-way adjustable comfort seats and two Focal audio systems.

The Legende scores the aforementioned sports seats, leather upholstery, carbon-fibre interior trim, Focal audio system, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, and two-tone Legende alloy wheels.

Meanwhile the A110 GT4 racer has been made to mark Alpine’s return to motorsport, and features aggressive bodykit, an uprated version of the A110’s 1.8-litre turbocharged engine.