Maruti Ritz VXi

Maruti Ritz is a splendid hatchback from the MSIL portfolio, which is doing quite well in the car bazaar. This hatchback comes in four diesel and five petrol variants among which, the Maruti Ritz VXi is the mid range petrol trim. It is powered by a 1.2-litre, K-Series petrol engine, which is capable of producing 85.8bhp, while yielding 114Nm of peak torque. This hatch has an urbane body structure equipped with eye-catching cosmetics like hexagonal radiator grille, an integrated rear spoiler and uniquely structured tail light cluster. As far as the interiors are concerned, it has a spacious cabin with very good head and shoulder room. This mid range trim comes integrated with several important comfort and utility features like rear 60:40 split seats, head restraints, sun visors with vanity mirror, a multi-functional display and many other such aspects. Also, it gets crucial safety features like 3-point ELR seat belts, front fog lamps, iCATS and power door locks. This four wheeler competes with the likes of Tata Vista, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Etios Liva and others in the lucrative hatchback segment.

Exteriors:

One of the best part about this hatch is its exterior style and appearance. Its front profile has a wide stance, wherein it has been fitted with a hexagonal shaped grille that comes in black color. It is separated by a body colored strip and is further fitted with the company's insignia, which gives a distinct look to the front. The headlight cluster is quite large that comes equipped with halogen headlamps and turn indicators. Below this, there are a pair of round shaped fog lamps, which improves the visibility ahead. The bonnet on top has a smiley structure with two expressive lines, which is incorporated with windscreen washer. It has a splendid side profile with well crafted wheel arches and window lining. This mid range trim is fitted with 14-inch conventional steel wheels featuring full wheel covers, which have been covered with a set of 165/80 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its external door handles and wing mirrors are in body color, while the B pillars comes in black. Its rear profile has a distinct stature as a large yet masculine bumper that comes fitted with a pair of reflectors and a courtesy lamp. This trim gets also gets a rear spoiler with integrated third brake lights. This hatch comes in a total of six body paint options including Superior White, New Breeze Blue, Bakers Chocolate, New Mystique Red, Silky Silver and New Granite Grey.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Maruti Swift Dzire LXI variant comes in beige and black color combination. It is incorporated with a number of utility based aspects, which includes cup and bottle holders, front door trim pockets, front seat back pockets, where we can keep magazines and other smaller things, a spacious boot compartment for storing ample of luggage, assist grips, a 12V power socket for charging gadgets, remote fuel lid opener and many other such features . It also has a three spoke steering wheel, a large glove box and an instrument panel. The dual tone dashboard with wood inserts, chrome plated inside door handles and beige finished door pads gives it an elegant look. The well cushioned seats are covered with fabric upholstery and they provide enough leg space for minimum five passengers. The presence of meter cluster with silver accents and 3D acrylic graduations on instrument panel looks very striking.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is equipped with a 1.2-litre, K-Series petrol engine that comes incorporated with multi point fuel injection system. This motor is based on DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves, which displaces 1197cc . It has the ability to produce a peak power of about 85.80bhp at 6000rpm, while generating 114Nm at just 4000rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that transmits the torque to front wheels and produces a mileage in the range of 14.7 to 18.5 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is coupled with McPherson Strut, whereas the rear axle is fitted with a torsion beam. This suspension mechanism is further loaded with coil springs, which adds to the stability of this vehicle. Its front wheels have been fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear ones are equipped with drum brakes, which delivers a reliable performance . It comes with an electric power steering system, which is highly responsive and supports a turning radius of 4.7 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Maruti Ritz VXi is the mid range variant in its series and it is bestowed with top rated comfort aspects. It comes fitted with a manually operated air conditioning system that keeps the cabin pleasant. It also has an electric power steering with tilt adjustment facility, a key less entry function, fabric inserts on door trim, 60:40 split folding rear seats, front seats with back pockets , head restraints, day/night inside rear view mirror, front sun visors with passenger's side vanity mirror and several other such features. It is also blessed with instrument panel featuring lights off reminder, driver's seat belt notification, key-off reminder, tachometer and a digital clock. In addition to these, it also features a multi-information screen with fuel consumption display, parking brake indicator, and other such aspects. Apart from these, this mid range trim is also blessed with door closure warning lamp, a large glove box unit, cup holders in front console and instrument panel pockets.

Safety Features:

The car maker is offering this trim with standard safety features, which basic protection to the occupants inside. Its front seats have ELR seat belts while the rear o nes have 3-point ELR belts including the middle lap belt . Also, this trim gets an advanced engine immobilizer unit with iCATS, which protects the vehicle from unauthorized access. The list of other features include fog lamps (front and rear), power door locks, key less entry and central locking system.

Pros:
1. Reliable engine performance adds to the advantage.
2. After sales service is quite satisfying.

Cons:
1. Rear cabin leg space is not up to the mark.
2. Safety standards can be improved.