Maruti Suzuki Ritz to be launched in 2009

After the launch of the Maruti Suzuki A-Star, Maruti Suzuki now plans to launch the Suzuki Splash as the Suzuki Ritz in India, in early 2009.

Suzuki Splash photo: Now renamed Suzuki Ritz in India

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz is likely to be priced between Rs 4 to Rs 5.5 lakh.

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz will add to Maruti Suzuki’s small car range in India, in the B+ segment. In European countries, the Suzuki Splash has replaced the Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R. In India, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R is still available and the RItz is unlikely to replace it.

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz has a 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 multi-jet (DDiS) diesel engine with a five-speed manual gearbox.

It is likely that the petrol version of the Suzuki Ritz will be launched first, followed by the diesel version after a few months, as Maruti Suzuki is wont to do.

Photo: Maruti Suzuki Ritz

The Suzuki Ritz comes with power steering, with a maximum power of 75bhp@4000rpm, and a maximum torque of 190Nm@2000rpm.

The Suzuki Ritz is spacious – it can accomodate up to 5 people with ample luggage space – because of its raised roofline and wider tracks.

The Ritz will borrow styling cues from the Maruti Suzuki Swift and the SX4, with a big grille and large headlights.

In 2007, Suzuki had showcased the Splash at the Paris Auto show.

Currently, Maruti Suzuki has 50% market share in the small car market. Snapping at its heels is Hyundai, which will soon launch the much-anticipated Hyundai i20 in India.