Why I bought this car:
I wanted to buy my first car and I already had a long w ait for the same. I did go around to checkout small cars that would fit into my budget(approx 5 L). Infact, I had shortlisted WagonR Duo as it has given very good overall performance in the recent years.
The primary reason for me to go for RitZ was its sheer "Newness". I had been to Navneet Motors to take more details about WagonR however I was kind of had a "Love at first sight" for this Odd(as people call it) looking car.
The car on display was a black VDi which was standing there with an invitiaion to the custoemers. I checked on the car's specifications and noted that it has the same Prvoven diesel as that of Swift. Unlike lot many others I always hated the shape of swift.(invidividual preferences).
The only other car that gave a tough challenge to my RitZ(on buying decision) was Tata Indica Vista - Aura. I was getting the Vista @5.3 L On Road(with fully loaded in Thane). However the lower version of RitZ LDi was coming a @ 5.38L On Road
What I like about this car:
1) Well, as I said this car gave me a feeling of proudness of drving a totally new car on road(at least for next few months).
2) Fuel Efficiency - I am a novice driver(infact got my license after a week of getting the car delivered). With my driving I am getting between 15-20 KMPL(Diesel). I use this car for daily commute of total 38 kms which includes 15 kms of city. The reason for giving such a large range of FE is that, if I drive the car as per the user manual(and with due respect to the engine/speed/conditions) the FE is too good. However wiht A/C on and lots of stunts and frustrated driving I get 15.
I had a long drive to Goa(Thane-Goa-Thane) and got a decent overall FE of 21 kmpl. (In last week of Sep with lots of rains).
3) Space - This is definately the best part when you are inside the car. There is a lot of headroom. There is a lot of legroom for rear passengers(with front seats taken comfortably backwards).
4) Handling/Driveability - As I said, I am novice driver, but I feel really secured even when I do stunts on my car.(Like close overtakings, speedings or while dodging the potholed roads or while taking to Ghats).
What I dont like about this car:
1) Lack of necessities:
Though this is no fault of the car or the manufacturer, the model I have gone for "LDi" is lowest variant available in the Diesel. This lacks very important feature of Missing Headrests for the rear seat. Though I did not realize it while I bought this car, but the problem was felt on my Goa trip.
2) Dim cabin light & No light in the boot.
The cabin light has been provided near the mirror which is very bad for the rear seat occupants. If you want to look for some dropped items or go through your handbags in the night(while on rear seat), you defintely need a torch.
Same case is with the boot. There should have been at least a provision to fit a small bulb in the boot space.
3) A-Pillar obstruction
I dont know if this is same across all small cars, but A-Pilllar is a dangerous obstruction to the driver. In Mumbai & Thane traffic where reckless 2 & 3 wheelers could come from nowhere it is difficult to notice them especially on turns. I used a broad seat cushion to increase the seat height to reduce some of this obstruction though.
My opinion and advice to potential buyers
1) If you somehow zeroin on RitZ as a car to buy. Then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go for the heigher variant i.e a VXi or VDi(Petrol or Diesel). This is because some features are really useful and it either costs you more to fix it later or some are simply impossible to fit later, e.g.
Necessary but cannot fit into L variant:
a) Rear Seat Headrests
b) Tachometer(though some may not find it necessary)
Necessary but expensive to fit into L variant:
a) Power windows(VXi or VDi - comes with both front and rear)
b) Wheel Covers
Other accessories that I got:(I got it from Maruti just for the fear of getting warrenty voided)
a) Music- Kenwood(CD+ USB+Aux) with JVC speakers - Total value for money
b) Central Locking -(Maruti - Nippon) - Necessary and very useful - Try to get advanced version if you have budgets, with features like, Auto rollup of windows on lock.
c) Fog Lamps - Gives great looks(not too useful)
d) Parcel Tray - Another necessity(get it from outside market)
e) Body side mouldings - Great looks
Recommanded Accessories(on my wishlist)
a) Rear parking sensor - would like to go with the camera version(as found in the RitZ Accessories catalog on their website)
About the dealer:
I got this car from Navneet Motors - Thane West(Maharashtra). The sales person was Ms. Seema Joshi. She was helpful in explaining features and specificaitons. Though I wish that she should have convinced me to spend another 35k for going for VDi.
I got powerwindows(front only) ordered along with the car delivery. They were already fitted prior to delivery. However the workmanship was really poor as they put a dent on the inner plastic of the left front door.
After Sales Service:
Navneet has provided very good after sales service. There were regular followups and my queries were resolved quickly. They also hold a workshop for the Maruti Owners where they make you aware of technicalities of cars. They also take you to the workshop and sho you how to attend to preventive maintenance of your car.
Conclusion:
So far, I have clocked close to 8000 Kms and it has been 5 months. I am very happy with my purchase. Even though people initially had mixed reactions about the "Shape" of the car, everyone is now used to it. The fact is that there are already 2 RitZ in my office and 3rd one is on the way.
3rd Service Update:
I have finally got the 3rd service done at 10000 kms. Being a diesel, the Engine Oil and Filter had to be changed at this time, they said the next change would be after another 10000 kms(which I believe is good). I had opted for teflon coating(CarPlan) at the time of buying, they gave another teflon coat(free after 6 months) which brought extra shine on the car.:)
Well, now I am very happy with the FE as I get 20-22(depending upon AC/Non-AC) with comfortable speeds of 80-90. However FE drops drastically to 17-18 if I exceed 100km/hr. It is much better because the fuel required is regular diesel and not the premium(saving!).
Now a days I see a lot of RitZ here in Mumbai and Thane area. Colour wise, I believe people like the "Bakers Chocolate" colour a lot, but believe me this new "Racing Green" and "Blue" also looks really cool.
