This is my first review. Boy, I am happy to write this as a proud owner of Ritz Vdi. There’s a saying that one won’t be fired for selecting an IBM. Similarly, in India you can’t go wrong with a Maruti. But the relevant question here is that does Ritz have its own strengths apart from deriving the strengths from Maruti as a reliable brand.
I have been talking about it at office so much so that my colleagues disperse whenever they see me coming:-)
Fuel consumption figures: All city(Chennai) driving - 15.8 KMPL and 18.83 KMPL on highways at average speed of 100 KMPH
Driveability in City:
Hats off to this Fiat 1.3 engine. In 2nd gear, I can drive from 10 KMPH to 60 KMPH. In fact, there is so much torque on offer that I can start from standstill in 2nd gear. The third gear speed band starts from 20 KMPH to 85 KMPH. 4th gear from 35 KMPH to 100 and 5th is an overdrive that can be slotted at 60 KMPH.
So, don’t worry about frequent gear changes and thereby getting knee aches due to frequent clutch usage. In fact, even if you have to you won’t get knee aches as clutch is very close to petrol engine’s light ness. Also, short gear throws make life easy. The gear throws are shorter than i10.
Handling:
As this shares Swift’s platform, obviously the handling genes have been passed on. All the auto journals claimed that Ritz’s handling was close to that of Swift’s, which I completely agree. Despite its tall build, it doesn’t lose its track during lane changes or cornering at say 70 KMPH. I tried it once and the car was very sure footed. Add ABS to this and the safety of your beloved family is assured.
Interiors:
If you enter the car for the first time, you will fall in love due to the sheer expanse of the dash. I really have to stretch to touch the front windscreen sitting inside and I am 6’ 2" tall. That’s how deep the dash board is. All the controls fall into your hands. The interiors look fresh and youthful with the console mounted gear level adding to the freshness and youthfulness. The plastic quality of door panels could have been better along with the design and size of the arm rests. The driving position is tall and that really helps.
Space:
Space for Driver and co passenger is ample. Head room and shoulder room all around the car is plenty and remember I am 6 footer. In Hyundai i10, my elbow will hit the door if I have to steer the wheel towards right. In Ritz, there is at least 3 inches of space between my elbow and the door. While I am driving, if a 6 footer has to sit behind me, then it won’t be all that comfortable though it accommodates. Also, three people in the rear will be a squeeze.
Exterior and looks:
This topic is debatable and subjective and totally depends on the personality. First, let me tell you what I liked about the design and later will address the criticism.
I like the fusion in the design. It is European front on and Japanese in the rear. The split Audi type Grille caught my eye the first time I looked at it. The sides doors were plain with minimal curves to offset the aggressive front and rear design. For me, Ritz has a character a la Swift.
At few places, I read that it looks like a Swift. Then we can say new Palio front on looks like new Fiesta and Indica Vista’s rear looks like Ford Fusion’s rear. In no angle, I could find the traces of Swift. Secondly, the rear design is yet to sick-in. People are only used to bulgy rears. I find nothing wrong in that in terms of creativity. In fact, I am sure other manufacturers will follow suit. And this unconventional design will grow on people in no time. Remember how Santro was criticized for its looks in 1998.
I have also noticed couple of practical utilities with this design. Firstly, if you notice the front bumper, it is not a straight line from tyre to tyre. If you place a huge sheet of metal in front of the car, the bumper covering the grille will be parallel to the sheet whereas, the thereafter the bumper forms an acute angle with the sheet meaning the bumper at the ends recedes towards the tyres. This design will save pedestrians walking on the side-walks and also prevents from scratches at the edges especially by two wheelers who maneuver in traffic. Secondly, the rear end of the car is slightly narrower than the front and hence it is enough if you look for space for the front of the car to get in and this will also prevent the car from scratches from the enthusiastic lot.
Overall, Ritz is a bit of everything. Maruti wanted to attract family car buyers without compromising on driving fun.