With compact sedans and SUVs coming in, the largest segment by volumes in the Indian auto sector was feeling a bit left out. However, the big daddy of all hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki (also the big daddy of special editions) has come with the Ritz special edition version inducing some action into the hatchback segment in the country. Christened as the ‘Ritz Elate’, the model gets new body decals along with extra features and is available only on the mid-level VXi and VDi variants of the hatchback.
Changes on the exteriors of the Maruti Ritz Elate edition include new body graphics, black door visors and sturdy mud flaps. On the inside, the hatchback comes loaded with floor mats, ambient lighting, storage bag behind the driver’s seat for carrying small utilities; neck cushions, orange trimmed seat covers and a steering wheel cover. You can also avail for a better JVC 2-DIN music system with speakers, a Bluetooth kit and reverse parking sensors at a discounted price from the dealerships.
Apart from the graphics and new set of equipment on offer, there have been no changes to the Ritz mechanically. Engine options remain the same with the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol motor producing 86 PS and 114 Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine produces 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. Both the engines are paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the petrol is also available with a 4-speed automatic unit. The Ritz returns a fuel economy of 23.2 km/l on the diesel and 18.5 km/l on the petrol models.
Maruti Suzuki is offering the Ritz Elate special edition variant at an additional price of Rs. 20,000/- over the standard model. While the Ritz may not be a very popular model in the company’s line-up, it does manage decent numbers in the segment. Maruti dealers are currently offering the Ritz with discounts starting from Rs. 30-40,000/- on the petrol and diesel models and the Elate edition is yet another attempt at improving sales.
