[a4anurag]

This is my first ownership report here on Team – BHP. Glad to be sharing with you all fellow BHPians.

I’m currently driving a Maruti Suzuki Ritz VDi. My BLUE BOOMERANG!

The review will be divided into the following parts:

1) Brief History;
2) Buying experience;
3) Life with the Ritz till date.


1. BRIEF HISTORY:

Started driving since I was 18 and before that I wasn’t allowed to drive or ride anything that had an engine. Learnt driving myself and at that time we had a WagonR LXi (2000 model). We used it for 8 years (52000kms) after which we sold and bought another WagonR in 2008 (2008 model). Frankly speaking I was tired of seeing and driving WagonR but my dad loved it. Since I finished my studies and got a job which was around 70 kms from home. So daily travelling was around 140 kms. Used the wagonR for a month and the petrol prices had increased and it was being difficult to fill it. So the need for a diesel arose.

The search began.

I had listed:
1) Swift VDi;
2) Ritz VDi;
3) Figo TDCi;
4) Fabia TDI.

We ruled out the Figo since dad was not happy with Ford’s dealership experience and spares are known to be costly. Coming to Fabia, indeed a very good car, strongly built and has that appeal needed in a car but Skoda services were little skeptical about and since my neighbor has a Fabia we drove it back – to – back with the rest it didn’t impress me much. The diesel engine clatter is too much loud and clearly audible from a distance.

After a lot of Test Drives and a lot of discussion and reading on Team – BHP, I concluded that it will be a Maruti only. Now the battle was between Swift and Ritz.

On the Swift there was no discount and since we were going to exchange the WagonR the dealer offered 10K discount as loyalty bonus. Moreover there was 6 months waiting period for VDI of any colour. This had me to change my decision and move to Ritz which was available in all colours except the green one. I chose the Blue Blaze!

On the Ritz we got the floor mats, stereo with two speakers (seems to be Nippon ones), remote locking, seat covers and mud flaps as freebies from the dealer, a 10K discount as loyalty bonus and 45K discount on the car. This was a good deal and I personally wanted to see the car in all shades before finalizing the colour. We were taken to the stockyard. The dealer had told the delivery date would be 5 days from booking and it was delivered as promised.


2. BUYING EXPERIENCE:

Varun Motors, Begumpet was where I purchased the car. All the PDI was done day before by me as by the checklist available at Team – BHP. We were greeted by the sales person who was in-charge for us in the whole dealings. All the papers and needed checking to be done on the WagonR before the exchange was fast. Once they accepted the exchange and signed the papers we were taking to their delivery area where the Ritz was waiting to get delivered. Before signing the papers I had a thorough look at the car and checked the odometer reading which was 8 kms. It was clean, shining and decorated with balloons and ribbons. After all the formalities we were given a brief explanation of the car and control, service intervals and run – in driving method. Lastly a picture with the sales in-charge, Dad and me with the car was clicked. We were then handed over the car keys.

Accessories given free from Maruti:

Remote locking: Autocop XS
Music system: Sony with front speakers only (upgrade planned, Help needed)
Floor Mats

3. LIFE WITH THE RITZ TILL DATE:

It has been almost a year since purchase and has travelled 40649 kms till date. Love the diesel engine (thanks to GM & Fiat for such a gem). This car is an absolute cracker from Maruti, especially for the state of tune it’s maintained than the competition.

Looks department:

The car looks refreshing and is having a different kind of appeal. Boomerang tail lamps look nice and the design on the front end looks little resembling from an Audi. Large grills with the Suzuki logo look imposing and neat. Coming to rear end it gave me mixed feelings but now I like the shape. It grows generally.

Interiors

Classy is what came into my mind when I sat in for the first time. Migrating from the wagonR the interiors and the quality is a very big leap for me as well as from Maruti’s side. The water fall console with the gear level attached is one the best and comfortable designs I have come across. Very well put together and no panel gaps seen. The interior design is very ergonomic. The only downside on the lower models (LXi, VXi, LDi and VDi) is the missing of electric ORVM adjustment. Only the ZXi model has that feature which is very annoying. Every time I have to adjust the LHS mirror I have to stretch. Even the wagonR has an electric ORVM adjustment!! The tacho is the best part of the package. The placement is very unique and first of the segment. Looks very cool in night and the placement are correct in the line of sight.

Seating

The seats are good but not as comfortable as the wagonR. Some may not agree with me at this point but personally I felt the WagonR had comfortable front seats. Saying this I don’t mean that the seating is bad and uncomfortable. The front seats have a good travel range and the best seating position can be easily found by any driver (irrespective of the height). Coming to rear seats the ride gets little bouncy and uncomfortable. With the adjustable head restraints it is comfortable (not like the i10). Thigh support is what I found it to be deficient. Slight more of thigh support for me would have it comfortable and with the absence of dead pedal it is little uncomfortable to rest the foot beside the clutch pedal. Space for 5 adult passengers is good and the car doesn’t get uncomfortable with 5 onboard. The rear seat is placed higher than the front seats which is good since it doesn’t make it claustrophobic for rear passengers.

Space

The cabin is roomy and has a lot of space when compared to wagonR. Boot space is average and the provision for a boot light is missing (Present in wagonR VXI). Legroom at the rear is average with 6 footer in the front. Headroom is very good and identical to the wagonR. The dashboard is large it feels that the bottom part of the windscreen is too far and gives a feel of a BIG car. Legroom the front is not an issue. Spaces for storage are very good and lots of points ergonomically given. Thanks to the design it doesn’t make things claustrophobic as in the swift. Windows and both the windscreens being large it gives a brighter look and visibility is the best. Since the gear lever is attached to the dashboard the space generated is utilized properly and gives a sense of spaciousness.

Engine

Coming to heart of the car, the 1.3 DDiS is a class act with 190Nm of torque to play. This is the best part of the whole car. The state of tune is just different as I have driven Indica Vista, Fiat Palio with the same diesel engine. Somehow Maruti have done a good job in tuning it and making this such a beauty. Yes the turbo lag irritates but it is how the driver learns to keep the engine in the power band which is short and powerful. Post 2000 rpm it is a different situation. Not many cars can keep in line with the acceleration that this car gets. Fuel efficiency is not a problem at all. Migrating from wagonR, this is a big leap for me. With 84Nm of torque to 190Nm it’s like driving a super car. At 80kmph it hard to know whether it’s a diesel or petrol under the hood. The rpm at 80kmph is around 1900 and just in the turbo range. Light press of the pedal at this point will push you back in the seat and car leaps forward like hell. That feeling is unmatchable for me. Smoke from the exhaust is low and is visible on hard acceleration or on flooring. The car shakes mildly while starting and switching off the engine. The shaking is felt more while switching off and no vibration from the pedals is felt.

Gearbox

The gear lever in the wagonR used to shake like the ones of RTC bus which is not seen in the Ritz. Short, slick and precise shifts. It just doesn’t shift false with the shift gates being nicely designed. The gear lever tends to move little forward and backwards on accelerating/decelerating while on 3rd. I haven’t seen it on any other diesel car. Why did they have to put that play in 3rd and why not any other gear?! The gear lever is nice to hold and fits nicely in the palm and placed very comfortably. I love resting my hand on the gear lever though I know it’s a bad habit and I’m trying to get rid of that habit. Cruising at 80 – 100kmph is pretty effortless and doesn’t give a feeling of the engine getting strained.

Brakes

Adequate is what I feel. Not that it is best in class it is decent for day to day use. Since I’m running on 165’s the car screeches sometimes under hard braking but it doesn’t skid on panic braking. The feel will be better once I upgrade to 185’s. Since I have the habit to use engine for braking purpose there is not full pressure on the brakes. I use both engine as well as brakes for braking use.

Handling

I’m impressed the way this car handles itself on corners and on emergency maneuvers. Since I drove a wagonR before this, the body roll being controlled so beautifully that I can take corners at speeds of 90 kmph and its stable, doesn’t lose the line. Yes with the skinny 165’s I do get worried in pushing the car harder. I’ll be upgrading to 185’s and bolt on alloys too. Fellow BHPians please help me whether to choose stock ZXi alloys or aftermarket ones.

Ride

It rides very well when seated in the front. The ride is felt harsh when sitting at the rear. All the road undulations are clearly felt at the rear. The car doesn’t jump or bounce if taken at high speeds over any pothole but makes ‘THUD’ sound if the speed is too high (this feature is common on all the Maruti’s. Felt on the wagonR as well as SX4). The suspension is stiffer than the wagonR so encourages hooliganism to a certain level (not that I drive like a Hooligan).

Fuel Efficiency

The whole and sole reason that got me to this car is the mileage that I’m getting. Within the city (non Bumper-2-Bumper traffic) I get around 17 – 19kmpl. On the highway it stretches to about 23kmpl. Cruising at 80kmph @ 1900rpm is best for me as well as the mileage point of view.

Top Speed:

The highest I have touched this car is at 170kmph on the ORR near. The car was not going any further after 170kmph.

So basically now will be giving the car for the 40K service soon.

Likes:

Visibility (SUV-ish feel)
Diesel engine characteristics
Gearshift and the position of the gear lever
Fuel efficiency
Seating position

Dislikes

Absence of rear wash/wipe
Not so good headlight
Skinny tires

[a4anurag]

Some more pics with the Team - BHP stickers on my car.

[shantyrocks]

Congratulations for your blue boomerang buddy. You seem to be in love with its engine. Yes,it is a gem isn't it. I am loving every moment too albeit in a swift. Though I have her since 3 years she has only done 37k. Wish you happy driving ahead! Car looks nice in blue!

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by shantyrocks

Congratulations for your blue boomerang buddy. You seem to be in love with its engine. Yes,it is a gem isn't it. I am loving every moment too albeit in a swift. Though I have her since 3 years she has only done 37k. Wish you happy driving ahead! Car looks nice in blue!

Thanks dude!

I'm in total love with it! People don't believe there is a diesel engine under that hood. The colour is nice and suits it well. Very mild and elegant.

How many kms have you done on your swift?

[a4anurag]

Have a small problem here!

The car has completed an yr and here is my first damage to the car!

While reversing i missed a large stone that was just below the silencer. The rear bumper has got bent. Resulting the right side of the bumper has come closer to the tire is almost rubbing. Tried and moved the mud flaps back so that it doesn't rub to the tire.











What could be the solution to this?

[Reinhard]

Argh! Such a bad thing to end an year!! So sorry for you & the boomerang! Whats your plan for it by the way? Will you be getting it replaced from MASS? You've posted only closeups so its not possible to gauge the extent of the damage much. But it doesn't really seem to be terrible. You can live with it and hide the scratches with rubbing compound. See if a nearby garage can fix the bumper for you at less cost. MASS replacement will be a blow (of course covered by insurance).

[SwiftSD]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

While reversing i missed a large stone that was just below the silencer. The rear bumper has got bent. Resulting the right side of the bumper has come closer to the tire is almost rubbing. Tried and moved the mud flaps back so that it doesn't rub to the tire.

What could be the solution to this?

Since the bumper has just got bent, you can try and get it fixed at a local garage (a reliable one) where they usually apply heat on the surface and then restore it back to the original shape and the process causes no damage to the paint if done correctly. Also this way you would not have to spend much.

Don't think it would be wise to replace the whole set-up or claim insurance on this.

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by Reinhard

You've posted only closeups so its not possible to gauge the extent of the damage much. But it doesn't really seem to be terrible. You can live with it and hide the scratches with rubbing compound.

Here is the pic showing the full rear! I know the pic taken from the wrong side! Will take from right side and put it up!

Damage ain't noticeable until seen closely. Will go to a local mechanic and try and repair it.

[a4anurag]

Update! With damage again!

Happened today morning in peak traffic hour when a RTC bus comes too close to my car and stops at the signal. When it turns green he tries to start but the bus went backward ripping my left ORVM blue cover.



I'm attaching the pic of my ORVM. Can I get the cover or have to change the ORVM? What could be the cost for the either?

[himavanth_m]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Update! With damage again!

Happened today morning in peak traffic hour when a RTC bus comes too close to my car and stops at the signal. When it turns green he tries to start but the bus went backward ripping my left ORVM blue cover

I'm attaching the pic of my ORVM. Can I get the cover or have to change the ORVM? What could be the cost for the either?

I am really sorry to hear this incident. The buses generally seem to come close. Just make sure that atleast you do your part and keep safe distance from them. Especially on inclines, keep a safe distance between vehicles.

Being a Maruti, the cost of ORVM should not be too expensive.

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by himavanth_m

Being a Maruti, the cost of ORVM should not be too expensive.

Any idea what could the cost be or can I only get that plastic blue cover?

[himavanth_m]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Any idea what could the cost be or can I only get that plastic blue cover?

I am not aware of the costs. You can go to any maruti service and find out the costs. Or you can call your service manager to get the quote for you.

However, I am not sure if you can get just the cover. Full unit needs to be replaced is what I was told for Hyundai long ago. But for Maruti it might be different.

[Schoudhury]

Oh man , that hurts.
Regarding the bumper , i have seen Ritzy with similar damage came to a near by MASS and they said they can heat up the bumper and fix it .So i guess you can approach the MASS and just get it checked once and then take a call.

For the OVRM im sure you will have to buy the whole set and wont be able to find only the cover atleast with the MASS.


Cheers

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

While reversing i missed a large stone that was just below the silencer. The rear bumper has got bent. What could be the solution to this?

You could get the bumper corrected in MA$$ or a local shop. As mentioned, the bumper requires just some heating to straighten [mostly] and a paint touch up job. It isn't wise to claim all these [bumper anyway gets only 50% claim with normal insurance] and lose your NCB. For touching up, they should NOT even charge a penny.

Originally Posted by a4anurag

..the bus went backward ripping my left ORVM blue cover. I'm attaching the pic of my ORVM. Can I get the cover or have to change the ORVM? What could be the cost for the either?

I guess you can get the cover alone - I am not so sure of it though. From the design, it forces me to think you will NOT require to buy the entire assembly. Before checking with dealer, try to find retail sellers [MGP]. I am sure Hyderabad will have couple of them. The cover, if available should be much cheaper than MA$$.

[a4anurag]

My first accident I can say. Wasn't my fault though but have to pay the price of it.

A pile up involving me, a frisky autorickshaw driver who was in front of me and a Tata Ace who was behind me but busy looking everywhere other than the road.

Attaching a few pics of my car after the pile up.

Can something be done to get them off the car and look new/better?






Help Guys!