There was definitely a peer pressure, when my entire neighborhood and friend circle were buying Honda City or Voxwagon Vento, as the second car. I did not want a sedan, but a hatchback; considered i1o, beat, i20, swift, wagon-r, etc and finally went for a Ritz petrol.
There were 3 reasons - Maruti brand equity, spacious interior, smooth riding and reported fuel efficiency. Now I have completed 2000 km and can safely recommend the car for those who would use the car for city drive.
With space crunch in the parking lot, Indian cities are now difficult for Honda City and Vox Vento. If you want to chose a hatchback, go for Ritz.
By the way, my entire neighborhood is flaunting attitude with their respective sedans, but they need to maintain their first car (mostly Maruti 800) for a city ride.
I have sold my first car (Maruti Omni) when I went for Ritz. And no regret.
Fuel efficiency is 15.5 to 17.5 kmpl in city depending upon the road condition.
My dealer (Kiran Motors, Ahmedabad) has an excellent tie-up with ICICI Lombart. Once a heavy vehicle rubbed up my lovely Ritz from right side creating damages in colour and making a few dents. Kiran Motors repaired it and recovered almost the entire cost from the insurer.
Last but not the least. It has quite a few fine colours. I went for "Peral Blue Blaze". But red, green, brown, grey ("silver" as well as "steel") and white - all are eye-catching.
I find it is a car that is the cause of neighbour’s envy. Just see; you have a sedan - you can’t ride due to parking problem, so you use your old Maruti 800 hundred. I have a brand new hatchback which does not have any parking problem. Why should you not be angry?
Amit