Now, it's the turn of market leaders Maruti Suzuki to respond with a brand new vehicle for the Indian market.
After the recently launched A-Star, Maruti may replace its aging Wagon R with Ritz or may launch it as new model. Maruti Suzuki India has decided to rename the Splash as Ritz for India. The name change is because of registration problem as Splash has been already registered by some other manufacturer
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It will be 4th new model for the Maruti Suzuki after the launch of Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4. Based on an all-new platform, the production version has some hints of the Swift and SX4, interspersed with a C-pillar design that harks back to the concept.
The Ritz will be launched with two engine options - one petrol and one diesel. The petrol one will be recently launched 1197cc, 4 Cylinders, K12M engine which generates 84 Bhp at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 115 Nm at 4500 rpm.
The common-rail diesel is 1248cc engine which develops maximum power of 75 bhp, to be manufactured at Manesar in India will complete the engine lineup. All these engines will be mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Market sources suggest that the company could be working on plans to bring the Suzuki Ritz model here in India.
The Ritz is not the successor of any specific former Suzuki model, but a brand-new concept to satisfy the needs of customers in terms of roominess, compactness, modern design, aerodynamics, quality, driveability, performance and environmental friendliness.
It is expected that Maruti will launch Ritz in May 2009 in 6 variants with two engine options in a price range between 4 to 5.5 lakhs.
Ritz will be available in a choice of 10 fresh colours, eight of which have a metallic finish. Two of the colours – Splash Green and Lagoon Turquoise 2 – were developed by Suzuki specifically for the Ritz. The Ritz is aimed mainly at urban, practical people with modern lifestyles, and it reflects the ideals of the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy - a phase in which Suzuki is focusing not just on sportiness but also on the needs of families.
Couples and young families in the market for compact cars want a sporty, fresh design coupled with practical attributes such as roominess, flexibility and economy. Now, Let's see how Maruti manages to sell 7 hatchbacks - 800, Alto, Zen Estilo, Wagon R, Swift, recently launched A-Star & Ritz - all in same showroom.
