Auto India, Car India

The Car

Maruti Ritz is one of the most hyped and awaited cars form the Indian car giants Maruti Suzuki. The company unveiled the car on May 15, 2009 and positioned it in the premium car segment which is the most competitive segment in the Indian auto market. The company initially wanted to name the new make Splash; however some registration problems cropped up and the new model was named Ritz and the name cast a spell on the speed lovers. The car topped the sales charts in no time.

The all new Maruti Ritz is indeed a head turner when it comes to its ultimate style and design blended with power and advanced technology.

Maruti Ritz VDi is the upgraded model of diesel version which complies with all the BS IV emission norms and is loaded with features like fabric insert on door trims, seatbelt reminder, rear power windows, black colored B pillar, full wheel cover, front power windows and front seat under tray.

I was pretty happy to step into Ritz VDi. It was a tranquil experience even amidst the hustle and bustle of heavy city traffic. If you are planning to buy a compact hatchback, let Ritz be your choice. Just look at the features that follow and you will go and book the car. I am sure.

Exterior Features

The unmatched exteriors with trendy look, style and elegance are the major turn on here and the car has certainly not been designed for a casual glance. This is just an irresistible temptation for you. The aerodynamically designed Ritz has got a pretty sporty and genial look. The chrome finished Maruti Suzuki emblem embossed right in the centre of the front grille proclaims the trust the company has won. The clear curved headlights add to the appealing look of the make and the boomerang tail lights make it more graceful. The front and rear fog lamps prove extremely helpful while driving in difficult weather conditions. The body colored bumpers and the internally adjustable OVRMs make the car more stylish and attractive.

The roof line of Ritz VDi flows in an arc and is smartly integrated with the vertical rear window. This is one of the trendiest of the cars in this segment having the crease lines on the sides which make it look extremely youthful. Ritz is a streamlined and not a boxy model.

The alloy wheels of the car steal the show making the drive pretty stable. The colored door mirror and colored outside door handles give that extra bit of elegance to the finish of the make.

Color Shades Available

The beautiful Ritz VDi model is available in eight regal color shades like Superior White, Midnight Black, Racing Green, Silky Silver, Glistening Grey, Bakers Chocolate, Fire Brick Red and Blue Blaze. I liked the Blue Blaze most; the car looks a touch me not beauty.

Interior Features

The interiors of Ritz VDi are a fine blend of elegance and beauty. As you step in, you are amazed to see the dynamic interiors. The car is roomy and specious. The headroom is pretty good. The rear seats have been placed a bit higher than the front ones and so all the Ritz occupants can have a good view out while traveling.

The fabric upholstery inside pleases all your senses. The fabric has been matched with the ambience of the car. The cabin lights in the centre as well in the front highlight the shining effect of the car.

This is a proper four seater and you find it spacious enough for five at a squeeze. You can see plenty of storage space which includes a flip lid box on the top of the dashboard, a tray in front of the front passenger and a fair glove box.
As regards the boot space of Ritz, it looks small, especially front to rear; but you find a big hidden compartment under the false floor. The rear seats can be folded down easily as the cushion cranks forward which makes enough space for the descending backrest. Ritz is a fine blend of Swift’s sportiness and the advanced technology of the Japanese global car giant in the mini car segment.

The colored surfaces of the dashboard give Ritz a youthful interior look. All in all, the excellent quality of the material and the metallic silver border on the center console give you a fresh ambience which adds to the pleasure of driving.

Braking and Handling

Sound and dynamic braking system of the car is yet another attribute. The front brakes are the Ventilated Disc brakes and the rear ones are the drum brakes which are the assurance of a safe drive. The braking system of Ritz helps in de-accelerating the car at high speeds. The car suspension is very efficient and promises a driving comfort.
Safety

This is one of the safe cars you have ever come across. Safety features like central locking, power door locks, child safety locks, day and night rear view mirror, passenger side rear view mirror, rear seat belts, seat belt warning, door ajar warning, side impact beams adjustable seats are found here.

Performance

The all new Ritz VDi is equipped with a 1.3 L common rail DDiS diesel engine with a displacement of 1248 cc. The engine can churn out the maximum power of 75 PS @ 4000 rpm with the maximum torque of 113 Nm @ 4500 rpm. The engine comes with a turbo charger and the intercooler combination offering you clear emission and a higher torque. The DDiS engine is packed with the five speed manual transmission gearbox which brings in better performance and impressive fuel efficiency. As regards the average, the car gives excellent 17city/ 21 highway stats. Ritz is a five door hatchback with seating capacity of five and complies with all the BS IV emission norms.

Overview

On the whole, Ritz VDi is a great make that come fully loaded with awesome exterior, interior and safety and performance features. The New Delhi ex showroom price of the make is Rs. 5,14,176 which may seem a bit dear to the pocket; but the car comes with such features that I would say it’s a good value for money. I don’t want to portray Ritz VDi as a flawless make. This being the diesel variant, the maintenance cost of Ritz VDi is a bit heavy on your pocket; however if you think in the long run the choice proves to be more economical than the petrol variants.

Technical Specifications of Maruti Ritz VDi

Maruti Ritz VDi Engine

• Engine Type - In-Line Engine
• Engine Description - 1.3L, 75 PS DDiS engine w/ Common Rail multi injection technology
• Engine Displacement(cc) - 1248
• No. of Cylinders - 4
• Maximum Power - 75 PS at 4000rpm
• Maximum Torque - 113 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
• Valves Per Cylinder - 4
• Valve Configuration - DOHC
• Fuel Supply System - CRDI
• Turbo Charger - No
• Super Charger - No

Maruti Ritz VDi Transmission

• Transmission Type - Manual
• Gear box - 5-Speed
• Drive Type - FWD

Maruti Ritz VDi Suspension System

• Front Suspension - McPherson strut & coil spring
• Rear Suspension - Torsion beam & coil spring

Maruti Ritz VDi Steering

• Steering Type - Power
• Steering Column - Collapsible
• Steering Gear Type - Electronic Assisted Rack & Pinion
• Turning Radius (wheel base) - 4.7 m

Maruti Ritz VDi Brake System

• Front Brake Type - Ventilated Disc
• Rear Brake Type - Drum

Maruti Ritz VDi Performance

• Top Speed - 156 kmph
• Acceleration (0-100 kmph) - 14.2

Maruti Ritz VDi Fuel

• Mileage-City (kmpl) - 17.7
• Mileage-Highway (kmpl) - 21.1
• Fuel Type - Diesel
• Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) - 45
• Emission Norm Compliance - BS IV
• Emission Control System - Exhaust Gas Recirculation

Maruti Ritz VDi Tyres

• Tyre Size - 165/80 R 14
• Wheel Size - 14 Inch

Maruti Ritz VDi Other Specifications

• Seating Capacity - 5
• No of Doors - 5

Maruti Ritz VDi Payload & Towing

• Cargo Volume - 232 litres
• General Maruti Ritz VDi Car Details
• Country of Assembly - India
• Country of Manufacture - India
• Discontinuation Date - 1/1/2025
• Introduction Date - 15-05-2009