Maruti Suzuki to discontinue Ritz after May 2015 from Indian car market

Maruti Suzuki to launch Ritz in taxi segment

Limited edition of Maruti Suzuki Ritz  launched in Indian car market

Maruti Ritz Automatic

02 January, 2013: Here comes the New Year bonanza from Maruti. From today, Maruti will begin delivering Ritz Automatic to the customers who have booked it in advance.  The car is priced at 6.43 lakh (ex. Showroom, Mumbai). It is available in VXI trim that is loaded with 1.2 litter K series petrol engine and 4 speed gear box. The AT version is also available with optional safety features like ABS and EBD. The car will deliver power of 86bhp with peak torque of 113 nm and deliver mileage of 17.6 kmpl (ARAI certified). To lure buyers, interiors of Maruti Ritz Automatic have also been upgraded.

Maruti Ritz Review by Expert

The perfect blend of Japanese and European expertise, Maruti Ritz spells fashion, lifestyle and design. The sleek urban automobile boasts of an aerodynamic shape that satisfies both the criteria that is utility and looks. Initially introduced in the year 2009, it went on to become favorite hatch of the premium car buyers in India. And recently, looking at the soaring diesel car demand, Maruti Suzuki slipped-in an all New Maruti Ritz diesel lineup along with addition of high end variant ZDI. Apart from minor amends in appearance there is incorporation of as many as 52 new features.

Adding to the sleek exterior of 2012 Maruti Ritz, which now looks more striking, are the stylish boomerang tail lights that perform its simplistic function but with a hint of style; the distinctive fog lamps render clarity to the road even in the worst of weathers. The alloy wheels in addition to style and light weight provide better stability. Deserving attention and rightfully so is Maruti Ritz interior that complements the exterior very well. The dashboard to begin with, is tastefully minimalistic allowing space for just what is required leaving the pomp behind. The cascade console makes the dashboard picturesque pouring a scenic view to enjoy.

European footprints on the Maruti Ritz can be seen in the dual tone interiors that please the eyes. Best in class head room and leg room in this super-mini leaves the passengers wowed. The front seats with high seating option result in a comfortable drive on the crazy city roads. What’s more interesting is that this slightly upped front seat gives you a feeling of power and better control over the machine. Besides all of this, the seat gives the driver a better view of vehicles too close to you, to a point of getting a scratch or a displeasing dent on the car. The 60:40 rear split seats of Maruti Ritz carry the load of the extra baggage while travelling and use the unutilized rear seat. The storage space barring the boot of the car deserves accolade. The under seat utility tray takes the phrase ‘out of sight-out of mind’ a whole new meaning. The tray and dash mounted coin holder with the tray hides the clutter and makes it within reach at the same time.

The premium hatchback Maruti Ritz is offered in conventional 1.2L petrol and 1.3L diesel versions to choose from. Choose any variant it will return with some best in class mileage and power numbers. Moreover, with the launch of New Maruti Ritz that too only in diesel version and loads of features will definitely ease upon the bookings of Maruti Swift Diesel that has infinite queues waiting.

Maruti Ritz Rivals

One of the best selling and critically acclaimed hatchbacks from the reliable den of Maruti Suzuki, Maruti Ritz, was launched in the year 2009 and in the very next year its rival, Ford Figo was introduced by Ford Motors. By looking at Maruti Ritz it seems that it was developed to cater something unique; such as ample space for headroom and legroom to all occupants. On the other side is lengthy and capacious hatch in the name of Ford Figo. Both the vehicles are graced with trendy frontages that even now, don’t look aged.

The sides of Maruti Ritz are more appealing as compared to Ford Figo. Moreover the rear of Ritz appears broad-n-tall in shape, while Figo is pretty conventional sorts with stylish tail gate. Both the vehicles have spaciousness oozing out in the inside. There are many modern features available like the power steering and power windows; here Figo only has front power windows whereas Ritz has all-4 power windows. The dual tone interiors and AC are common between the two along with identical convenient features; however the gear knob is more aptly positioned in Maruti Ritz against Ford Figo’s. Both the cars are presented in petrol as well as diesel fuel options. Maruti Ritz is packed with DDIS (diesel) and K-Series (petrol) whilst Ford Figo Duratec (petrol) and Duratorq (diesel) power trains. On the performance and fuel efficiency front Maruti’s engines are way ahead of the American automakers. The recent launch of New Maruti Ritz Diesel will certainly take the competition to next levels.

Maruti Ritz Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The Maruti Ritz is available with two efficient engine models. The petrol version comes with a 1.2 litre K-series engine. It is an economical car giving a mileage of 14.5 kmpl in city and a decent mileage of 18.0 kmpl on highways. The second version is the refreshed diesel trim of lately launched New Maruti Ritz, which comes with a 1.3 litre DDiS engine. This one’s great for people who need to commute longer distances on a regular basis as it gives out greater mileage compared to earlier. In the city it goes 19.2 kmpl and on the highways it delivers 23.2 kmpl. Since the price difference in the petrol and diesel variants is moderate, it’s practical to go for the diesel variant if one travels a lot as the cost of petrol is skyrocketing.

Maruti Ritz Variants and Features

Compare Maruti Ritz Models

Maruti Ritz Colors

Superior White	Silky Silver	Bakers Chocolate	Glistening Grey

Racing Green	Fire Brick Red	Blue Blaze	Midnight Black

Click Here to See Maruti Ritz Pictures

Maruti Ritz Engine, Power and Performance

The refreshing out of the league hatchback from Maruti, the Ritz is available in both petrol and diesel options for you to choose from.

Petrol Engine – K Series K12M

The petrol version engine is the all new K – Series K12M engine. It is a 1.2 litre, 1197cc, 16-valve powertrain with 4-cylinder. One of the first petrol engines in India which complies with the BS-IV standards – this means lower emission levels. With this engine, it provides a maximum power of 85 PS at 6000 rpm alongside 113 Nm of pure torque at 4500 rpm. The motor is more refined for Maruti Ritz specifications to deliver outright performance and utmost mileage numbers.

Diesel Engine - DDiS

The other option is to go for the New Maruti Ritz diesel variant. This is an improved variant now, and boasts modifications in looks and fuel economy with some tweaks in the DDIS engine. It has got a displacement capacity of 1248cc. This is a 4 cylinder common rail direct injection multi jet engine – the one manufactured by Fiat. The 1.3L DDiS engine churns out good amounts of power i.e. 75 PS at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm of peak torque at 2000 rpm. It is also the first Indian 5 step Multi Injection technology for low noise levels and cleaner emissions. Equally capable as the petrol engine, this power packed modern hatch is rocking up the charts in terms of mileage efficiency.

Maruti Ritz Pickup and Acceleration

The bold and powerful K12M K- Series Petrol Engine of the Maruti Ritz churns out a massively sheer power of 85 PS at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of about 113 Nm at 4500 rpm. The engine has a superb pickup reaching 0-100 kph within a span of 13.8 seconds and delivers a top speed of about 163 Km/h at an effortless ease. Moreover the powerful DDiS Diesel engine on the other hand is capable of generating a maximum power of about 75 PS at 4000 rpm and a massive torque of about 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. This frugal Maruti Ritz diesel engine attains a pickup from nothing to 100 kph within 14 seconds and attains a top speed of 157 Km/h. The Overall performance of the Maruti Ritz pick up and acceleration mentioned above proves that this is not only about mileage and comfort but also sports perkiness at its best.

Maruti Ritz Interiors and Features

The very dazzling and ambient hatchback from Maruti Suzuki has superb attractiveness when it is spoken about the interiors of this car. The Maruti Ritz is an epitome of style and perfection not only outside but inside too, however quite of which is similar to the sister Swift. The dash of Maruti Ritz is uniquely broad, wider and high too. The instrument cluster, especially of the New Maruti Ritz Diesel, has been decorated with scintillating illuminations that redefine the very essence of simplicity and sophistication. The Maruti Ritz has been given the detailing of an executive type hatch and manages up to the fine elaborations of its style as never seen in any other car of the segment. The seats of the car have been well accustomed along with adjustable heard rests that impart comfort and a relaxed drive. The front cabin has the privilege of beautiful and very elegant central panel with the integrated 2- din stereo system that has a class of its own. The excellent appearance of the door trims makes your way elegant through the personification of Maruti Ritz.

The hatch comes more personified with the ambient and rich fabric upholstery that seems elegant as ever. The idea comes straight from the fact being an executive/tall image hatch. The rear of the cabin is equally well proportioned in terms of style and appearance. The gear knob looks cool and there is no doubt that the steering panel of the hatch has to be brilliant in style. The uniform distribution of storage compartments throughout the cabin of the hatch is perfectly suitable for the purpose of making a comfortable haul. The can and bottle holder, the glove box and the magazine holder seen in Maruti Ritz seem to be excellently outstanding and bring out the best of utility inside the chamber of the car. The rear seating space a pretty good particularly head room, leg room and shoulder room that even a tall occupant won’t complain. The premium hatch car has an overall good boot space that once again counts for the storage feasibility of the car. Moreover the AC is effective along with the vents placed very accurately and the rest becomes the ease of driving inside the executive hatch from Maruti that more or less is very suitable to all your needs. Additionally, you can find loads of innovative features in the recently launched refreshed New Maruti Ritz Diesel lineup.

Maruti Ritz Exteriors and Features

The Maruti Ritz looks speak of its dominant design and prevailing style. There’s a lot to talk about on the outside. The car is been shaped in such a way that it attracts customers of every class, irrespective of age group. Look at it upfront and you get to know that it means business. To say the car is tall is a big understatement. It’s really high and has bold looks. It gives a macho feel. The front grill is not chrome but looks clean and the logo really suits the grill. The front fog blends well with the front bumper. The bumpers are really sporty and body coloured bumpers come as a standard on all models of the Maruti Ritz. The headlamp clusters are big and sharp and work well at night. The wind shield is appreciative. It is wide and does not interrupt the view of the driver or the passenger. Beautiful are the outside rear view mirrors, especially the body coloured ones. Moreover, on the recently launched New Maruti Ritz Diesel some amends have been done to make it look more refreshed than ever with the inclusion of several evident modifications together with 3 new vibrant shades.

The Maruti Ritz’s sportiness is reflected by sharp lines going from above the front tires, through the door handles, meeting the tail lamps at the back of the car. Black coloured B – pillars add to the car’s sportiness. Coming to the back of the car, this side of the car has really caught the attention of the people. It’s a radical new design. While some really appreciate the revolutionary thinking of the company, there are a few people who seem to dislike it. But that’s a bit of a personal matter. There’s no bulging out boot door on the Maruti Ritz. It’s a handsome new straight boot door. In fact it is bent a little towards the inside. The lines coming from the front wheels continue here as the line along which the boot door is bent. Cheers to Maruti Suzuki for being daring enough to be a radical with the Maruti Ritz exteriors.

Safety Features in Maruti Ritz

The quite close and very prominent towards the existing sister hatch, Swift, the Maruti Ritz too does not lack some really good safety features. The Maruti Ritz has been well coupled with an ABS with EBD along with superb and dynamic airbag facility for the driver and the co- driver. The seat belts with high end pretension and the adjustable and collapsible steering column too counts for the efficient safety inside the cabin of the hatch. The inclusion of New Maruti Ritz high end model in the form of ZDI has further enhanced the safety and security aspect of the hatchback.

The Maruti Ritz safety does not go blank on other attributes that include optimum and supreme mechanism for braking with the discs and central locking along with child safety locks at rear doors.  The front seats get ELR seat belts with pretensioners. Moreover the body kit of the Maruti Ritz has been made exceptionally stronger than it looks and seems to have a sturdy structure all-round the aerodynamics.

Maruti Ritz Driving and Handling

The Maruti Ritz is definitely and quite surely to stun you with its effortless steering grip and control. The car is phenomenal in handling and seems brilliant in control. The electric power steering and the superb aerodynamics of the car make it possible to rip through the wind and make way for some easy swing and stunt though the away. The braking of the hatch is effortless and very accurate to the core, thanks to the superb discs of the car that make it resist the slip on corners and turns. Meanwhile with the launch of New Maruti Ritz Diesel, you can enjoy a more comfortable ride in cities and on the longer routes as it has inclusion of numerous new cozy and convenient features inside the cabin.

The terrific and easy transmission of the Maruti Ritz is also admirable and outstanding. The park assist feature of the hatch is equally commendable and there is no match for the very suitable headlamp leveling device that ensures better and sharper visibility. The magnificence of the Ritz is adorable and the highline and elevation of the Ritz is just the suited for enabling a proper and well positioned drive on the road.

Maruti Ritz Accessories

The Maruti Ritz has been well coupled along with an integrated 2- din audio system together with the ease of an AUX/ USB module for music on the go. The four speakers of the car have been placed in such a manner that they deliver the best of audio and surround the entire cabin. The provision for an accessory socket for mobile and I pod charging further extends the accessory segment of the car. Other items can also be purchased from the company stock.

Maruti Ritz Conclusion

This hatchback that came after the launch of mass selling Maruti Swift was rated a bit premium compared to latter. But after the introduction of New face-lifted Swift the prices went up and now it ranked above Maruti Ritz in the hatchback segment. The tall looking hatch launched in 2009 was critically acclaimed one and the reviewers have always rated it above Swift, be it old or new. The vehicle has got athletic stance, peppy performance and excellent mileage numbers and on top of that it is aptly priced, what else an Indian consumer can demand, it carries all. To be straightforward, this Maruti car has actually not gained that sort of respect of which it was capable.

As of now, the lately launched New Maruti Ritz Diesel model is gathering the limelight. With the upgrade provided only to the hot selling diesel lineup, it realistically proves that not only consumers are interested in buying petrol, but also manufacturers are not concerned about the ‘costly fuel’ variants.  With negligence to petrol trim, Maruti has clearly showcased its intentions that it is only interested in doing business…pure business. And now it wants greater volumes of New Ritz Diesel to be rolled out of facilities, in order to retain its detaching consumers of Maruti Swift Diesel, which enjoys an infinite waiting period. Nevertheless, there are chances that many other car makers also might follow this sort of initiative or foot-step of the passenger car supremo.