Maruti Ritz : Test Drive & Review

GTO · 13th May 2009, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by guptad42

Has anybody in India ever tried automating the same mechanical gearbox instead of using the hydraulic auto trannies (slushboxes as GTO called them) or the belt-driven CVTs? Relatively Simple solenoid-valve type actuators should be able to produce the motion required to change gears and engage the clutch (clucthes are already fly by wire on a lot of cars - no direct mechanical linkage to the clutch pedal).

Related Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronWolf

Lots of pride to see that number plate.

Confession : Umm, that was a photoshop job by us on the original HR registration numberplates. Still looks cool, right

?

vitesh.b · 13th May 2009, 15:07

hey,
all said and done - some like the car some dont.
my question is vis-a-vis Swift - P & D
What should be the ideal price of Ritz be?

Ritz < swift
Ritz = Swift
Ritz > Swift
and by how much???

IronWolf · 13th May 2009, 15:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Confession : Umm, that was a photoshop job by us on the original HR registration numberplates. Still looks cool, right

?

Hehehe. My Bad. I thought since it was a first real expense paid review, we @ Bhp snickered it like an OD review. Anyways - makes me proud.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Check out the funny Flash Animation on the Ritz official website

Ritz Animation

Was there a leak in the Paint shop at their Plant? Was that what they were sniffing when the marketing team okayed this?

Another reason for me to dislike this car.

Technocrat · 13th May 2009, 15:41

Quote:

Was there a leak in the Paint shop at their Plant? Was that what they were sniffing when the marketing team okayed this?

I think so too, when I first saw it I thought it must be some prank on net but was shocked to know that its on Ritz's official site

guptad42 · 13th May 2009, 16:12

GTO,

Thanks for the AutoClutch link.

I read throuth the Automate thread and website. This is just an expensive automation of the clutch. I was talking about automating change of gears as well as clutch - to deliver a customer experience similar to a 'normal' AT. Electrically driven change of gears on a normal manual gearbox will avoid the FE loss in a hydraulic tranny.

Should not be beyond an Indian carmaker like Mahindra and TATA, both of whom have done much more ambitious auto engineering.

Joe-Ker · 13th May 2009, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perakath

But OTOH today I was watching a Zen Estilo drive by and realised that even that model's looks have grown on me!

Maybe I'm losing it

Its after all lots of personal opinions that make up collective opinion,Right?

About the Estilo and your newfound liking for it; Dont worry,its just your love for the ZEN badge that its taking over

Dine · 13th May 2009, 21:12

GTO,
Thanks a lot for an unbiased review on the Ritz.

Proud to see the TEAM-BHP on the plates

Good to see Suzuki pulling their socks and gearing up to take i10.
Looks are always subjective

Positives
A new model - no cosmetic changes
A new petrol engine
Diesel in a small hatch

Negatives
Dead Pedal, Boot opener - Must have
Skinny Tyres in lower end - Wake up Suzuki

, you are dealing with Premium market
Suspension - Wagon R was more comfortable than Santro ( My Dad has a Santro & FIL has a Wagon R)

SLK · 13th May 2009, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dine

Skinny Tyres in lower end - Wake up Suzuki

, you are dealing with Premium market

I don't really understand! So many complaining about the tyres!

It's a small hatchback here to take on i10, and its got a decent engine. But that doesn't make it a performance oriented car.

Tyres is the easiest thing to upgrade, so if the lower model uses 165s, I don't see a problem.

Ask the masses out there who drive the swift, how many have problems with swift's handling that they need tyre upgrade.

I think its a very user specific thing and not everyone needs fat low profile tyres.

And what does i10 come with? 205?

Baleno running 165s was another thing! Though it still worked for most!

Equus · 13th May 2009, 21:36

How does this actually compare with the Vista? Swift DDIS is probably a dated comparison. I like Vista, like many other folks

The petrol should be min 8% cheaper than Swift but the DDIS wouldnt. So its interesting to see how/where they price it. My bet would be just a tad lower on the DDIS.

GTO - This is the best pictorial review for an Indian car yet!! Thank you!

supremeBaleno · 13th May 2009, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLK

Baleno running 165s was another thing! Though it still worked for most!

True. Worked for me. Actually it still is working for me @ 30000 kms. But when these footwear wear out, am going for an upgrade.

So, basically it is about what your usage is. If you are a sedate driver, what you have as stock is fine. But if you wanna throw the car around at curves or need better handling, upgrade. As simple as that.

guptad42 · 13th May 2009, 23:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Equus

How does this actually compare with the Vista? Swift DDIS is probably a dated comparison. I like Vista, like many other folks

Amen!
Two cars that will probably end almost head-to-head on price, and the diesel models have similar "roomy diesel family hatch" positioning. A detailed direct comparison will be a best seller!

For petrolheads, i10 Vs Ritz may be a more apt comparison, though Autocar gave Vista Safire a close second to i10 in a recent comparison of petrol small cars.

desertfox · 14th May 2009, 01:05

This whole thing about A/T vehices consuming more fuel is a misconception. The difference, if any is marginal.

6 speed or the Lexu's 11 Speed A/Ts are not required here. A simple A/T with 3 speeds and an overdrive are enough. It can have an O/D off mode for highway overtaking, and a programmable chip for economy or sports mode.

Price of A/T cars too versus the manual are fast coming down. A closer analysis would reveal that there is hardly any difference at all.

A/T appears to be higher priced because because along with it there may be extra gizmos like power windows, alloy wheels, keyless entry, leather seats, wiper intermittent timer, premier audio system, security alarm, better tyres, metallic paint etc. etc.

Basic model A/T for all lower end cars like the Toyota Corolla, Yaris, Nissan Sunny, Volkswagon Polo, Mazda 3 are just a few thousand, more like 20,000 Indian rupees these days compared to a very slow selling M/T variant in most international markets now.

Gurgaon roads - depends on how you see it, glass half full or glass half empty. I am yet to see a road like NH8 anywhere in India.

On a comparision, my Bolero SLX used to average 10 km/pl in Patna, Bihar and here in Gurgaon its 15 km/pl. Obviously its a huge difference!

IronWolf · 14th May 2009, 01:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dine

GTO,
Thanks a lot for an unbiased review on the Ritz.

Proud to see the TEAM-BHP on the plates

I guess GTO has not only given a good review of the Ritz. Hes got an exceptional job done on the Plates as well.

Any more such reviews planned?

desertfox · 14th May 2009, 01:15

Any more reviews planned ?

Well there is plenty in store.

Honda Jazz - A hatchback Honda City essentially, originally made in Thailand but now made in India too is all set to be launched.

An interesting release is Toyota Fortuner in June which will compete with the Mitsubishi Pajero / Shogun and the Ford Endevour. I have driven it in the desert, both the 2.7 4 cyl and 4 litre V6 versions, and they are good.

This vehicle is an interesting development from Toyota, where a trio of vehicles, the Innova, Fortuner and the Hi Lux pick up both 2WD and 4WD are built on the same chassis platform on the same assembly lines. Assembly lines for these vehicles are already there in Japan, USA and Australia, may be some other countries too and now India for Innova + Fortuner.

In India it will come with a 3000 cc Diesel.

tanwaramit · 14th May 2009, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertfox

An interesting release is Toyota Fortuner in June which will compete with the Mitsubishi Pajero / Shogun and the Ford Endevour.

sorry for OT, Fortuner is coming in Sept.

What is source for 3000 cc for fortuner for India ?

13th May 2009, 15:07	#167
vitesh.b BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NCR Posts: 80 Thanked: 18 Times	hey, all said and done - some like the car some dont. my question is vis-a-vis Swift - P & D What should be the ideal price of Ritz be? Ritz < swift Ritz = Swift Ritz > Swift and by how much???
	() Thanks

13th May 2009, 16:12	#170
guptad42 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 213 Thanked: 440 Times	A fully automated manual/mech gearbox GTO, Thanks for the AutoClutch link. I read throuth the Automate thread and website. This is just an expensive automation of the clutch. I was talking about automating change of gears as well as clutch - to deliver a customer experience similar to a 'normal' AT. Electrically driven change of gears on a normal manual gearbox will avoid the FE loss in a hydraulic tranny. Should not be beyond an Indian carmaker like Mahindra and TATA, both of whom have done much more ambitious auto engineering.
	() Thanks

13th May 2009, 21:12	#172
Dine BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 117 Thanked: 5 Times View My Garage	GTO, Thanks a lot for an unbiased review on the Ritz. Proud to see the TEAM-BHP on the plates Good to see Suzuki pulling their socks and gearing up to take i10. Looks are always subjective Positives A new model - no cosmetic changes A new petrol engine Diesel in a small hatch Negatives Dead Pedal, Boot opener - Must have Skinny Tyres in lower end - Wake up Suzuki , you are dealing with Premium market Suspension - Wagon R was more comfortable than Santro ( My Dad has a Santro & FIL has a Wagon R)
	() Thanks

13th May 2009, 21:36	#174
Equus Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,123 Thanked: 423 Times	How does this actually compare with the Vista? Swift DDIS is probably a dated comparison. I like Vista, like many other folks The petrol should be min 8% cheaper than Swift but the DDIS wouldnt. So its interesting to see how/where they price it. My bet would be just a tad lower on the DDIS. GTO - This is the best pictorial review for an Indian car yet!! Thank you!
	() Thanks

14th May 2009, 01:05	#177
desertfox Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR Posts: 1,270 Thanked: 648 Times	This whole thing about A/T vehices consuming more fuel is a misconception. The difference, if any is marginal. 6 speed or the Lexu's 11 Speed A/Ts are not required here. A simple A/T with 3 speeds and an overdrive are enough. It can have an O/D off mode for highway overtaking, and a programmable chip for economy or sports mode. Price of A/T cars too versus the manual are fast coming down. A closer analysis would reveal that there is hardly any difference at all. A/T appears to be higher priced because because along with it there may be extra gizmos like power windows, alloy wheels, keyless entry, leather seats, wiper intermittent timer, premier audio system, security alarm, better tyres, metallic paint etc. etc. Basic model A/T for all lower end cars like the Toyota Corolla, Yaris, Nissan Sunny, Volkswagon Polo, Mazda 3 are just a few thousand, more like 20,000 Indian rupees these days compared to a very slow selling M/T variant in most international markets now. Gurgaon roads - depends on how you see it, glass half full or glass half empty. I am yet to see a road like NH8 anywhere in India. On a comparision, my Bolero SLX used to average 10 km/pl in Patna, Bihar and here in Gurgaon its 15 km/pl. Obviously its a huge difference!
	() Thanks

14th May 2009, 01:15	#179
desertfox Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon, Delhi NCR Posts: 1,270 Thanked: 648 Times	Any more reviews planned ? Well there is plenty in store. Honda Jazz - A hatchback Honda City essentially, originally made in Thailand but now made in India too is all set to be launched. An interesting release is Toyota Fortuner in June which will compete with the Mitsubishi Pajero / Shogun and the Ford Endevour. I have driven it in the desert, both the 2.7 4 cyl and 4 litre V6 versions, and they are good. This vehicle is an interesting development from Toyota, where a trio of vehicles, the Innova, Fortuner and the Hi Lux pick up both 2WD and 4WD are built on the same chassis platform on the same assembly lines. Assembly lines for these vehicles are already there in Japan, USA and Australia, may be some other countries too and now India for Innova + Fortuner. In India it will come with a 3000 cc Diesel. Last edited by desertfox : 14th May 2009 at 01:18.
	() Thanks