Thanks for Maruti for its new small car (seventh one, luckynumber) in Indian road – Ritz… It’s kind of based on Maruti Swift. Ritz istaller than the Swift but it’s not as long. Front look is very well designed;the big size headlamps are well shaped and closely fitted around the corners.Back side is little different in looks, most of us not used to see that kind ofdesign, so our eyes will take time to adjust this new look. This car is made upof small-small pieces of SX4 and Swift, which is good idea though. The large Speedois more like a Mini Cooper style and it reflects a great look. Interiors arefinest quality, the reason Maruti brings quality interiors is to compete withbetter quality texture and material of interiors in Skoda Fabia, i10, HondaJazz and new Volkswagen polo. Seats arevery comfortable for all kind of drive and they are height adjustable – anothernice feature. Leg and head spaces are huge and cleverly designed; three personscan be fitted easily on it. But I am feeling little worried about the trunkspace, it’s only 225 litres, so before leaving for a long drive, take a look ofyour belonging.

Maruti always understand the Indian road conditions anddesigned all cars according to that, Ritz design is not a new story. I drove itaround the Bangalore,small roads to big roads, smooth to broken road and Ritz came up with fineresults in all those conditions. Handling is good same as other Maruti’s.Suspensions are especially tuned for Indian roads. High ground clearance andfatter 14” wheels are enough for quality ride in most conditions. Now anotherinteresting part is light weighted K-line Engine (it’s a new engine – K series)powers the petrol versions of Ritz. There is lots of new technology features init which help to deliver better results and great mileage (close to 17 kpl).This is 1197 cc DOHC, develops 84 bhp at 6000rpm, it looks logically littlequick, it reaches 0 to 100 kph in just 12.9 seconds and top speed is 170 kph.The Diesel motor is 1248 cc DDiS that develops 74 bhp at 4000 rpm. Responsetime is almost same as you get in Petrol one. Diesel versions are giving agreat mileage close to 20 kpl, better you can save some money for yourweekends.

Ritz is available in LXi, VXi and ZXi variants for petrolmodel and LDi and VDi versions for diesel model. In Diesel model you will notget the airbags and ABS/EBD.

At the end I can say Ritz is a car with lot of space for itsoccupants, adequate power, good handling, decent safety features (in Petrolmodel only), less back space, great mileage and affordable starts from 4.8 lakh(ex-showroom Delhi) - www.carsingh.com