I have been using this car (Ritz VDI) for more than a year now, and I have a fair experience to write about it.The car can be owned with some peace of mind, being a Maruti car. It can also be peacefully driven to any corner in India, considering its reliability, torque and best dealership network. The draw backs are- it lacks grip and there is body roll when driven alone. It becomes all right once 2 or mre sit in the car. I have travelled from Bangalore to Hassan, Srirangapatna, Nandi Hills in this car. It was very much ok, while doing the long distance. I recently had an accident; I hit a lorry that was moving on an upsloap. The hit was light but the damages were heavy, the radiator, bumper and coolant were all gone. The service people took 2 weeks to get it done, because they were not able to get the new radiator. The bill came to Rs. 35220, the ICICI lombard insurance paid me Rs 24, 260. Thank god the engine and the chasis of the car was not hit. The ride feeling continued to be as good as before. The accident expense was too much in my view, the parts are not really cheap as they say about Maruti cars. The first 3 free servicings they claim is not very appropriate. I paid Rs 736 for the first servicing for oil change, the second servicing was just Rs. 14, as there was no oil change and the 3rd servicing had an expense of Rs. 1800 due to oil change, oil filter change, wheel balancing and allignment. Nothing else to write about, it is a decent car to own, but they are getting expensive. I plan to change my car to fiat punto diesel, some time from now, as I feel the punto diesel is a much better car, You can see my review about Punto on mouth shut - ’My obsession with the punto 90 HP’ when you look for reviews on fiat punto.
Nothing else to say.
Lakshman M P
(19/Jan/2011)
I noticed one more issue. I feel that asian cars are more fragile, I feel that way
about my Ritz too. Toyota vehicles could be an exception. The european cars are
ruggedly built and they do not detiriorate with time unlike the asian cars. I own a
royal enfield bullet classic. I bought it newly 5 years ago. It is very sturdy and
smooth, no deterioration after 5 years. I used to own a hero honda splendour many
years back and I hated riding it after 3 years usage. The build quality went down
drastically in it. You can read my review - Bullet Standard/Deluxe ’’A Great Bike! ’’
Bye for now.
Lakshman M P