Maruti Suzuki will launch the Ritz facelift next month, according to BusinessLine. The newspaper states that an automatic variant of the car will be offered as well. Currently A-Star is the only Maruti Suzuki hatchback which is equipped with an automatic transmission. The Ritz will become the second Maruti small car to get an automatic option. Currently the DZire and SX4 are also available with an automatic gearbox. India’s largest car maker is targeting senior citizens and women buyers with the Ritz AT.
Maruti Suzuki manufacturers the Ritz at its Gurgaon facility, which wasn’t affected in the recent strike and lockout. The vehicle is exported to Europe as well and BusinessLine says that the engines on the new Ritz will receive an upgrade. We are not quite sure what type of upgrades the new Ritz will get but a power boost will be more than welcome. The Ritz facelift is merely cosmetic and very disappointing. You can read about all the changes HERE.
Maruti Suzuki believes that an automatic version doesn’t lead to much profits but are investing in this space as they want to be the first mover. The company feels that demand for automatic cars are increasing as many Indian’s who return from abroad want an automatic car. Currently 20% sales of the A-Star comes from the Automatic model. However Maruti Suzuki sells a paltry 500 units of the A-Star every month. The Ritz will get a 4-speed automatic gearbox, which is similar to the one on the DZire.
Source – BusinessLine