Maruti Ritz VDI (ABS)

Ritz VDI (ABS) Review

Maruti Ritz a premium hatchback from the splendid fleet of, MSIL. This hatchback is available in numerous trim levels with petrol and diesel engine options. The Maruti Ritz VDI (ABS) is the mid range diesel trim powered by a 1.3-litre, DDiS engine, which is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine can produce a power of 73.97bhp, while yielding 190Nm of peak torque. It can deliver a mileage between 18.6 to 23.2 Kmpl, which is quite good. This mid range trim is bestowed with anti lock braking system, which reduces the possibility of skidding and thereby it improves the stability. It is a decent looking vehicle with asserting front and rear profiles, which are equipped with dynamic cosmetics. It looks compact from the outside, but has a lot of space inside owing to the wheelbase and height of 2360 and 1620mm respectively. This trim is incorporated with several comfort features including an AC unit, adjustable steering wheel column, day/night inside rear view mirror and several other such aspects. This vehicle comes with a standard warranty of 40,000 kilometers or 24-months (whichever comes first).

Exteriors:

This hatchback has a tall body and wide front facade, which gives a distinct stature. To start with its front, it has a large hexagonal shaped air intake section separated by a body colored strip. It is surrounded by a large headlight cluster, which is equipped with powerful halogen lamps and turn indicators. Its front bumper is in body color and is equipped with a pair of round shaped fog lights. Its side profile is expressive owing to the masculine wheel arches and black side moldings. Its B pillars come in glossy black treatment while the door handles and the external wing mirrors are in body color. The automaker is offering this trim with a set of conventional steel wheels with full wheel covers. These rims are further covered with a set of tubeless radial tyres of size 165/80 R14. Its rear profile has a large body colored bumper that comes incorporated with a pair of reflectors and a courtesy lamp. Its tailgate is small and is decorated with a chrome plated company's badge and model lettering. The taillight cluster occupies most of the C pillars, which are incorporated with high intensity lamps and side indicators. This four-wheeler comes in a choice of six attractive body paints including Silky Silver, Superior White, New Granite Grey, Bakers Chocolate, New Mystique Red and a New Breeze Blue. This hatch is designed with a length of 3775mm, width of 1687mm (including external wing mirrors) and a height of 1620mm. It has a ground clearance of 170mm and a large wheelbase of 2360mm.

Interiors:

The internal cabin is done up with dual tone grey color scheme, which is complimented by red inserts given on the seats, door trim and dashboard. Furthermore, it gets metallic inserts on steering wheel and gearshift knob as well. The dashboard is done up with premium quality scratch resistant materials, which is equipped with a storage compartment, an AC unit and several other utility features. It is also fitted with an instrument panel that features several notifications including driver seat belt reminder, digital clock, multi-information display and other such aspects. The best part about the interiors is its well cushioned seating arrangement, which is covered with dual toned fabric upholstery. This trim is bestowed with several necessary features like a large glove box unit, cup holders in front console, parking brake indicator, front door pocket, accessory power sockets and other utility aspects . This hatchback has a total boot space of 262 litres, which can be further increased by folding the rear seats. Also the leg, shoulder and head space is quite spacious, which can provide comfortable seating for at least five passengers.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1248cc. This engine has four cylinders, 16-valves and a common rail direct injection system. It can produce 73.97bhp at 4000rpm in combination with 190Nm at just 2000rpm. It is paired with a five speed manual gearbox and can produce between 18.6 to 23.2 Kmpl. It can achieve a top speed of approximately 150 Kmph and can break the 100 Kmph speed mark in 14.3 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels are fitted with ventilated disc brakes, whereas its rear wheels have been equipped with drum brakes. This proficient disc and drum braking combination is enhanced by anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution . Its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut, while the rear axle is fitted with a torsion beam, which is further loaded with coil springs. It also has an electric power assisted steering that provides excellent response depending upon the road conditions.

Comfort Features:

This Maruti Ritz VDI (ABS) is equipped with an air conditioning unit, power steering with tilt adjustment, double horn, key less entry, 60:40 rear split seats, front seats back pockets, driver's seat with under storage tray, head restraints and several other such features. Other aspects include a day/night inside rear view mirror, front sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, tachometer and a digital clock. Apart from these, it has a multi-information display, accessory power sockets, parking brake indicator, bottle holders , front door pockets, cup holders and other necessary aspects.

Safety Features:

This trim comes with front ELR seat belts and rear three point seat belts. It also has an engine immobilizer unit with iCATS, which keeps the vehicle protected from unauthorized access. It is incorporated with features like headlight off/key off reminder, door closure warning light, driver seat belt reminder, front and rear fog lamps, anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, power door locks, central locking, dual horn, tubeless radial tyres and several other important features.

Pros:
1. Engine performance and fuel efficiency is good.
2. Comfort features are at par with its competitors.

Cons:
1. There is still scope to improve safety features.
2. Price range is slightly expensive.