मारुति सुज़ुकी रिट्ज़ यूज़र रिव्यूज़

Got a RITZ Vxi for my better half 2 months back. Ihave outlined the reasons for the choice and our experience with the car so far

MAKING THE CHOICE-

We were looking for a compact car that was easy to manage by the wife mainly for city use and an occasional outstation trip.  Options considered & TD taken were varied across the A+ and B segments- i10, Indica vista, Ritz, Swift, Punto, i20, Fabia  & Jazz

As the expected commute was fairly low (<500km per month) It didnt make sense to consider a diesel

Our budget was around 5L and that immediately put the i20, Fabia & Jazz out of contention though I personally feel the Jazz is a class apart from any hatch presently available and daresay worth the premium it commands.

The Vista though cheapest has evidently very poor quality and frankly TATA relaibility is  suspect considering direct owner feedback and by the sheer probability that the broken down car causing a traffic jam you're stuck in, is an Indica, Indigo or Sumo.

The Punto is a beautiful car and feels solid but the 1.2 engine is too lethargic and not adequate for its weight. Also there are yet issues with FIAT after-sales/service and there has been adverse feedback about poor mileage of the punto as well

The Swift is a proven car but is a 4 + year old design and looks a bit dated now. Also the interior though sporty is a bit too dark & head + leg room at the back is a squeeze.

The i10 was a good option even though it is a smaller car and a segment lower. Its beige + black interiors are really good and 1.2 magna engine is decent. However for some strange reason their showrooms are either poorly staffed or have completely inept or uninterested staff. It took 3 visits to 2 seperate dealerships and a lot of prodding and pushing to get someone to show us the car and get price and availability details. 2 more visits before we get a short test drive (requested not offered) of 1/2 km as there was no fuel in the demo car! Out of patience we had to rule this one out.

Coming to the RITZ --- the car seemed to be tailor made for our requirement---compact yet spacious from inside. Extremely mordern looking yet in a restrained manner. the engine is the new K series and  has a service interval of 1 year/ 10,000km!! Not to mention the excellent sales and service offered by Maruti Suzuki. The overall package really appealed to us and the price was just right....4.65L in thane for the Vxi.  We finalised the deal and got delivery the car in about 2 weeks (dark blue option)

THE EXPERIENCE SO FAR-

The car is extremely comfortable to drive and be driven about. the interior space at front and back is fantastic and the high headroom makes it seem even more so. Boot space is a bit tight but probably expected in a hatch. The dials are simple yet brilliant with one central large speedo with warning lights around it. Tacho is in a seperate pod on top like a race car. Dashboard is in a textured silver gray finish which is different and goes well with the overall grey scheme interiors. However if you re parital towards beige you may feel short changed. In my opinion grey is more practical and user friendly. AC is good and cools the car reasonably quickly even if its been parked in the sun -- however tinted film would be a good idea due to the large glass cover.

The not so good parts are - the door panels especially the inside handles are not designed too well and seem like an afterthought. Switches for windows and central locking also seem flimsy. The seat upholstery seems to be of very average quality and would probably wear  out in no time so good seat covers would be an added expense 

 As mentioned earlier the engine is super smooth and has enough pep for green signal bursts. Torque is good for high traffic and gear shifting can be minimised. The suspension is perfect for potholed mumbai roads and speedbrakers. As the car has only done about 1000km --- i have not tried any high speed driving above 100kph but 80-90 seems to be the comfort zone.

Though its too early, the mileage is about 12kmpl in city with ac on all the time and approx 15-16 on highway. will post more on this later with accurate figures.

A note- I had read reports that ritz did not have tubeless tyres and remote boot and fuel cover release ---Would like to confirm that all these are very much provided.    

I was awaited for this car from longtime. But car do not impressed me. Its tallboy design not looking good in shape. There is no any extra features inside the car. I would prefer Wagon R , If company launch with E IV and some changes.

Instrumental panel of the car is nano. boot space is small & 60-40 spilt seat is not necessary feature. This car is better driving experience for  people only  6 ft. & above. Its deshboard is too long , therefore its not adviseble for small height people. 

if less money buy astar or if strech yr budget buy swiftvxi/vdi...if you need performence buy SX4...
if u drive brand buy jazz or so..

Swift is better than Ritz=Mixveg.

bye from now

Exterior is good. It has a new look.

Interior is Ok. Not much.

Petrol Engine is very silent. Sometimes it is very hard to understand whether engine if ON or OFF. I have just bought the car 7 days back. The Fuel economy initially was coming close to 12KMPL. Now, it has improved to 14KMPL. I am assuming that this will go further up to 16KMPL after first servicing is done. Transmission is smooth. It is spacious and has a feeling of space due to the tall design. Ground clearance of the car is also good which is a thing to worry on all the Indian roads. One my colleague owns a Swift and he has personally admitted that Ritz is much more specious than Swift or at least the feeling for space is present.

The car is very stable even when driven @ 140 KMPH. Power steering is also very smooth.

In a nutshell it is a value for money car.  I am really satisfied with the performance of the car. I shall write again after the first servicing is done.

The car has a bad visibility while reversing. But the RVM is nicely designed and nicely positioned.

Exterior

Exterior of the car is not a problem for me.  Initially I was also a bit uncomfortable with rear, but now more I look at it, more I like it.  It looks distinctively different, more stylish, fresh and a car to possess.  I think it is the best value for money currently.  Those who are confused between Swift and Ritz or Ritz and Beat, Bedhadak, go for Ritz.  You would not repent.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Great.... No complaints.  Mine is a vxi version, but got integrated sterio fitted, with which the car looks stunning now.  There is a great head room, very comfortable front seats and rear as well.  I feel pampered in the car.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Super silent, extremely smooth cant make out if the engine is on or not.  Fuel economy, I dont know currently as i have just clocked 125 kms till date.

Final Words

Go for it... Petrol Versions are luxury.

Areas of improvement  

Clutch is a bit hard, don't know why may be its new.  Maruti Guys say it would be softer after 5000 kms.

Exterior Superb exteriors, although some may not like the rear look. It looks like a powerful demon. Big tyres with upright looks give a better feeling. Great experience to own it.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Good looking and maintenance free. The tachometer should have been adjusted in the meter console itself. It looks a misfit standing out alone. Seats are very much comfortable, boot space is OK for a family.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox A POWERFUL engine, gives excellent pick-up and speed. Fuel economy is good for a 1200 cc engine. Gear box is smooth and easy to handle.

Ride Quality & Handling Easy to handle even at 155 speed, has excellent control. The short gear shift is easier to handle. At the top of it all is the power steering. It is effortless and keeps you in command at all speeds. The upright position is an advantage for the driver.

Final Words Excellent CAR. Value for money.

Areas of improvement Tachometer can be suitably relocated. Can improve on brakes.

Maruti RITZ pertol vxi  is  a decent offering in 4-5 lakh bracket within i10 kappaa, swift, uva , getz etc  i liked the built and overall layout of the car. Engine is way superior and very fun to drive . Its techically very recent too. Ride is firm and hadles very well. Steering is accurate and is hassle free whether in traffic or on highways.

The only thing is that boot would have been better. But then considering the acctual application from home to office, then to shopping and other city  uses i liked the car . Its cozy as sit with your wife or anyone personal. Rear seats are also good , visibility is good and boot ok for regular shopping. Rear visibility is a concern but you will learn it.

Rear may look awkward because the front is wide and tall but suddenly  the rear disappears and looks small. At 4.6 lakhs for vxi i find it woth considering for its size, shape, space, engine ,weight, design etc.

This car is not any crossover or makeover its VAUXHAULL AGILA; GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. Its in its indian offering through suzuki because GM has certain stake in suzuki too. But this car is succesor of WAGON R because this same model was sold as OPEL AGILA . And its true that Wagon R does reflects when you look at Ritz.

Well ,  whatever it may be its good buy considering every aspects !!!