I am himanshu and after driving M800 for 12 years( I am 23 and started learning to drive at a age of 12) decided to change the car. This segment had too many options.for diesel.POLO was good but was getting out of budget.i20 overpriced and sluggish engine as per reviews.VISTA good but taxi image.PUNTO was also little out of budget.so zeroed on SWIFT and FIGO.yes I really hated RITZ for its looks.
Until one day my friend bought a RITZ VXI and simply bowled over by the interior space and handling.and of course swift had less space and more waiting period and all other cars including FIGO, A.S.S might be a problem so decided to go with RITZ VDI .
Initially decided to buy white VDI but just one day before i.e. on 26th jan saw a Genus and fell in love at first site.it stood out from the pack.and on 27th jan after going to 5 showrooms in lucknow got the last GENUS OF LUCKNOW! at 5.8L on road price.( discount 40000)
Have driven 3000 kms so far.
1) The car gives me a mileage of 16-17kmpl in city with 75%AC all the time.excellent considering the bizarre lucknow driving.( Highway mileage is 22+.thats why diesels are used as taxi)
2) the best thing.the turbo that kicks in at 2000rpm.feels like nitro in NFS.may be in other cars it is uniform.but feels unique .supreme for overtaking and in city driving.superb handling and accleration.did 145kmph in city.suspension is good
2.5) U don’t have to continuously shift in city, DDIS engine can easily be driven in 3rd gear.ranges from 20 to 60.without pushing too hard+ it is also close to that 2000rpm around 60.so just press the pedal and zoom u go.
3) Huge interior space.feels like a big car.the front dashboard is so big someone can sleep on it.rear is also big.head room+leg room is fantastic.u can simply walk in the car .
4) Integrated speakers are good for me.i got all four from maruti.and stand out keyless entry inbuilt in the key.
5) Gear change is very precise.and smooth.
6)Tilt steering, rear wipers and dual tone interiors give a top end model feel.
7) Refreshing interiors.specially the tachometer.and the AC as my friends tell me chills.(remember I had a non AC 800)
8)Power steering goes hard on high speeds.good so u dont loose control at high speeds.
9)Theatre lights( thats what I call it).goes off after 10 seconds u shut the door in dimming fashion.
However I feel there are some problems.according to me.as I have not driven many cars.
1) For me.the front windscreen is too big.yes it gives great visibility.but the angle at which it is inclined.allows to much sunrays to come in.Same with the front windows.
2)Rear Cup holders.and when will maruti give beige interiors.and some covering up could have been done when u open the doors.u see a lot of stuff.also doors could have been done better with.like something with grey finish.like FIGO.( U put almost 6L and get the doors like Wagon R)
3) Front dashboard in huge.but the slope makes it impossibleto keep anything as everything will slide down when u start driving.and also dont have a proper view of the front.may be because of my height.i am 5’6
4) No ABS and airbags(DIESEL) on Genus( Common MSIL.we also love our lives!) .also maruti could have added more features to give tough competition to FIGO.Ritz wins because of Brand Maruti and A.S.S.
5) Light in the boot space would have been good
6) Yes rear looks odd.added a spoiler .( just thinking.swift was also pointed out having not a good rear.today its said to have refreshing looks.just might be with Ritz.two years down the lane u may also like it.i like it.its my car after all:)
7) Reversing is a problem because of short rear window.
8) Thick pillars make it difficult to see things coming from the side of the eye
9) Dont expect diesel to be silent.especially with all windows closed.a lot of engine noise comes in.especially at 140+.( Remember u bought a beast).just turn on the music system.
10) Height Adjustment in diesels please.
So all in all .if u are looking for loads of features and interiors .Ritz might not be the car for u.
But if u are looking for a practical hatchback.with descent interiors .huge space.and simply a GEM of DDIS engine.and trust of Maruti A.S.S.in short a Practical hatchback.just go for RITZ.
Please please check all the stuff you get with the car.it was 9pm when I got the delivery of the car and forgot to check the tools.didnt get Jack handle and a rod.
Also they promised that they will get the silencer coating done at the 1st service but later they said that it has already been done by the company. I also pretended that my relative wanted to buy SX4 diesel.but only when u get my coating done first.( u know the pressure on the sales executive).and then got it done.HAHA
All in all a GREAT car.turns head because of being a limited edition.
Sorry for a lengthy review.
Sorry for a really late update but here it goes:
Now 3.5 years and 57500 kms old
The car has a steady avg of 15-16 with AC in delhi traffic. The engine is still like new.
Top speed has decreased. touched almost 180 earlier.now it 165-170 is the most u can push.
Ride quality has decreased.but I have no qualms about it as I am really not a smooth driver.;)
The car is AWESOME for long drives.really awesome. Drove 14 hrs straight frm Kathmandu to lucknow with 3 breaks in between.seating position makes it very comfortable. Did atleast 20 trips between Lucknow and Delhi.without stoppage.just dont feel tired.:D
Less maintainence than its peers.u can strech service period to 12000 kms without problem. Maruti will tell you 20 useless things for service.just do basic serice.
tyres changed at 40000 kms.they had life in it.but ride was getting bumpy.upgraded to 185.
Break pads most frequently.probably bcos of driving style.
No AC service required till now.battery also in prime condition.
All in ALL a fantastic buy.