NOTE:- In the comment section I mentioned the mileage to be 10 kmpl but after clocking 1000Km I am now getting a mileage of 14.2 Kmpl with 80% of driving time on AC. This is just fantastic piece of tech LOVING IT
This is a review of the car after 8 months of use and clicking 1000 km.
The car was bought from Alankar automobiles patna. An extremely reputed dealer. Was and still extremely satisfied with the dealer and service provided by them. Initially I was inclined to go for Ford figo, but changed my decision as the dealer was not in the position to provide me with the lxi diesel version due to low margin.
Also liked the engine of ritz more than figo petrol, and was unsure of the figo petrol mileage. The engine was powerful and tested for mileage. Mouthshut, Team BHP, Reviews helped a lot to decide for this car.
Pre-purchase experience:
I wanted to go for a blue ritz, but dealer told me, that they are unable to provide the ZXI Variant within one month as these models are premium and generally people ask for white color in this variant specially in PATNA. They had only two zxi model all are white. Though I had the option to opt for different seller, but the reputation of Alankar is very good. I asked for test drive of the zxi version.
They were reluctant as they don't prefer to give test drive in premium versions. But some how I managed them. I was enthralled by the experience and changed my mind to RITZ. On the day of delivery I asked for the manufactured date of the car. They said its may 2013 I asked them to give me a recent car. The convinced me that though the car is of may 2013, they received it on the last week off June.
After checking all documents which they whole heartedly provided, I okeyed and I had my car delivered on Sunday, for precautions I also took an expert mechanic who is my friend before final handover. I purchased some accessories from ebay and the dealer provided me with, Matt(Plastic Which I have now upgraded to leather), perfume, steering grip, mud flaps for free and I bought
1) Seat cover art leather for rs 3500
2) Sun guard on doors rs 1600
3) Rear bumper guard 1500 aluminium
4) Rear parking sensor rs 2000(Though I recommend to opt for camera Also)
5) A cute maa laxmi photo worth rs 200
6) Door sills rs 800
From eBay
1) Dashboard cover rs 700
2) Safety 3 in 1 tools rs 119
3) Jaguar key ring rs 150
4) Clothes to clean
5) Vacuum cleaner rs 600
6) Matte body cover rs 500
Total cost was approx 585000 all accessories included. Total cost of car 570000 including under coating, anti puncture fluid, dash board coating(don't go for it, its useless unnecessarily lost my 7000:() take home price 573000 excluding dash board coating . Why these dealers take this vendor charge for storing as ridiculous as rs 5000? Though I got a discount of rs 35000 as per Jan 2013 and currently its almost rs 10000
What Are the Plus Points:
1) I liked the looks and design though it is subjective, but the lower nose and boomerang shaped back really appeals me.
2) its spacious, with sufficient boot. Since I will not travel frequently to long distance, the boot was sufficient for me for day to day shopping spree with my family.
4) complete safety. With ABS, EBD and Airbags and Body strength.
5) driving dynamics and EPS is a gem and perfectly tuned for city, one hand drive and very responsive. Only i10 can compete.
6) ergonomics like gear positions soft transitions (though I must say figo and i10 are a bit better) are helpful.
7) equipped with all features we expect at this price range even rear defogger/wiper and fog lights(for rear and front), with displays.
8) engine is rev happy but with smooth pickup, especialy for my father who wants smooth transition in pickup.
9) high seating position with driver seat height adjust.
10) AC is really powerful.
11) Mileage for first 1000 km- first 250 km 10 then after 500 rose to 11 and after 1000 and after second servicing it is always above 14 that is just awesome. This is the figure in extremely crowded locality like boring road with a.c. on and mostly on second gear. Expecting it to definitely rise to 14 or 15. Went to Pilgrimage where it gave almost 16-16.5 mileage.
12) sound and speaker quality is just awesome.Though it lacks bluetooth but anyway it can be retrofitted.
13) service cost as well as repair costs are reasonable and highly affordable. Unfortunately the car met with accident during the second month where the front bumper, left headlight and side culls were damaged minor scratches total cost from my pocket was just rs 3000 rest was taken Care by insurance new India assurance total cost 15000
14) less gear change while driving. That's improve mileage
15) interiors fit and finish is good I also rate figo higher in this.
16) damn good engine of swift
17) high ground clearance. Much better than other cars
18) great service backup. I was in Kolkata and was not able to come for the service on time and some complaints with a sound from the rear part. Maruti provided home service and rectified the problem.
What I didn't like
1) a bit high peddle position, but the sensitiveness of the pedals are remarkable.
2) Rear visibility cramped I suggest buyers to upgrade to camera sensors for parking.
3) for people with lesser height the door seems to be higher and dampens side visibility, I am myself 5 ft 6 in I never faced that problem but ofc my father is 5 ft 4 in and he sometime complains about that.
4) No inbuilt Bluetooth and climate control, ac is powerful and blows right into your face lol. But yes the flow can be controlled and vents can be customized as per usage. For example I use heater and only used foot vents to keep my feet warm.
5) I suggest buyers to get acquaint with the dimensions of the car before taking it to cramped parking space, the car will be time taking for newbies to master.
What Would have been better.
1) Climate Control, Bluetooth as it is the premium Variant.
2) Rear AC vents.
3) Seat Height Adjust has to be more responsive.
4) Slightly lower pedal position.
Till now extremely satisfied and touch wood for future experience but pretty confident as it its Maruti.:-)
