Team-BHP - Heart vs. Head - Nissan Micra or Maruti Ritz? UPDATE: Booked the Micra

Hi Friends,

I have a big confusion and I want your advice regarding the same. In my quest for getting the perfect hatchback I have narrowed down to 2 choices - Nissan Micra and the Maruti Ritz VXI.

The car is going to be self driven and will be primarily driven in Pune city with an occasional highway trip once in 6 months. We are only 3 people in my family and we already have an OHC so this is going to be the second car. My requirements are 1) Driving pleasure 2) Comfort 3) Decent engine power. I don't care what fuel efficiency the car gives.

Now I have test driven both the Micra and the RITX Vxi. Both are fantastic cars in their own right and I know I can't go wrong with any of the purchase. But the Micra feels slightly underpowered compared to the RITZ.

For ~4.85L total, I get some more features in RITZ compared to the Micra (e.g. power windows, central locking etc.) but I am simply blown away by the good looks of the Micra. A.S.S of Nissan is nothing to write about if you compare it to Maruti.

The question is: Micra appeals to the heart with it's fantastic shape and vibrant colors, while the Ritz appeals to the head with the amazing K-series engine and ease of use. So, should I compromise a little bit on the features and go in for the Micra or should I forgo the dull colors and shape and go in for the RITZ?

please:

The question is what is your purchase time frame? If you already own a car, pls wait to hear Nissan's A.S.S. or may be even wait until some independent garages like carnation starts servicing Micra.

No doubt your questions are valid & happens to everyone, just like the confusions prevailing with Scorp/Innova/Xylo/Safari. Just wait for some more time if you can, read the issues & how to handle them with Micra & then decide whether to go for Micra or not. Anyway Ritz/Swift is always open, even if you decide otherwise.

And if you cant wait for the new Swift, go with your mind. Ritz is a fantastic buy. I dont see a reason why should you say no to more features for the same price. I wouldnt compromise on features for looks and we are talking about Ritz which itself is decent looking. But thats just me:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by holysmoke (Post 1993535)

Just a question? Can you wait for the new swift? It should be out soon, and it'll be better looking as well as have the same engines as the Ritz.

IMHO,It is worth waiting for the new swift. MUL, now understands the role of quality and luxury in current Indian market. Definitly we can expect a radical change, in terms of quality.

The title itself is a self explanatory :
Heart - Micra = beauty , cute design
Head - Ritz = Bold, contemporary design

So, feel what your 'heart' says. and Think with your 'head'

Wish you a for a worthy wise decision. enjoy !

Quote:

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7 (Post 1993338)

1) Driving pleasure 2) Comfort 3) Decent engine power. I don't care what fuel efficiency the car gives.

If I were you and have a budget just below 5L on-road, I would go in for Volkswagen Polo 1.2L Trendline, at 4.86Lakh (~on-road Pune).

What is your max. on road budget?

Edit: Hey you already bought Micra then why this thread?
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/1974024-post934.html
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/1986237-post962.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by HammerHead (Post 1993850)

This is really confusing! It seems that he has already booked the Micra and the vehicle has already arrived at the dealership and the delivery in on 29th. Now why this post?

Hi friends,

Sorry about the confusion here. Regarding the Micra everything was almost finalized on Monday this week. I even had a test drive + pre delivery inspection of the car alloted to me; as mentioned in my post here: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/1986237-post962.html . However I felt it was a bit underpowered so I bought a week's time from the dealer to rethink my decision. Hence I did not sign the papers after the test drive. So here I am back 2 square one. One car will be finalized and all papers signed on the coming Monday so I need your opinion(s) on this one. Once again, sorry about the confusion caused by my earlier posts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aargee (Post 1993544)

The question is what is your purchase time frame? If you already own a car, pls wait to hear Nissan's A.S.S. or may be even wait until some independent garages like carnation starts servicing Micra.

Time frame is immediate. Monday 26th July 2010 one car will be finalized and booked immediately. I don't have the patience now to wait until the new Swift is launched
stupid:

Quote:

Originally Posted by HammerHead (Post 1993850)

My max on road budget is 5L max. stretchable upto 5.20L. Regarding Polo, i can say it's a great car but for the base Trendline variant only 2 colors were available. And the waiting period of 3 months put me off. Ritz felt a more practical choice as the Micra was not launched back then.

Had almost finalized the Micra, however I jumped back at the last moment; (when I was about to sign the agreement papers) to reconsider my decision. You should have seen the expression on the salesman's face!! Awesome!! :uncontrol

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDB (Post 1993883)

Hey Wag7, a similar question was put to Hormaz Sorabjee, the editor of autocar india, and you know what his reply was? It was Ford figo d. Yes, He said it has the best of these listed cars dynamics, drives like a petrol, with extra torque and economy of Diesel.

My monthly running barely mounts to 500km, so diesel is out of consideration. Maybe sometime in future I will consider a diesel car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7 (Post 1994392)

My max on road budget is 5L max. stretchable upto 5.20L. Ritz felt a more practical choice as the Micra was not launched back then.

If you are not convinced with Mica's performance, leave it. I mean why to go for something your are not convinced with.
Ritz is a good car and there are enough reasons to go for it, but considering your budget I would suggest you to also look at i20 Era.

Punto 1.2 Emotion will also fit in your budget, of course after discounts, but then it will be a bit sluggish. Did you TD Punto 1.2?

Soory to hear that you backed out! Yes, you are right that Ritz has more power than the Micra but Micra is better in all other aspects(except dealer network and ***). Its a personal choice and I leave it you.
I would advise you to take one more longer test drive of the Micra in various conditions and with 4 people on board!

Guyz, no point in suggesting other cars as only 2 have been shortlisted. And also the I20,Punto (1.2 specially) and the Polo have worse power/weight ratios than Micra. SO, those will also fell underpowered.
Best of luck!
I guess you already paid the booking amount. Since you are backing out so loate, are they willing to refund the amount without any issues?