New Car: Honda Brio or Maruti Ritz?

[pankajdude]

Originally Posted by bharathbigb

Did you consider the Figo sir ? The Chevrolet Sail UVA ? Both these are superb cars and Provide good Interior Space and whereas the Sail UVA has much better boot space than the Swift.

My experience with Ford Cars is not encouraging, Spares are not easily available and are very costly, Dealer and Service Network is very weak, FE of Petrol Vehicles is very low.

Pankaj

[Altocumulus]

Couple of points in bold below

Originally Posted by Simple_car

Agreed, that the beat is better here. Especially the fact that it's less rattle prone. However, the ritz is still OK. I am in the minority here, but I like the ritz's interior better.

Ritz is built together with Opel and sold as Opel Agila in Europe. Its cross bred with German DNA so arguably it has the best built quality among all Marutis on sale. Its heavier than the Swift as well. Swift Zxi - Kerb - 990 kgs while Ritz Zxi is 1030 kgs. May not seem much but if you consider swift having bigger dimensions its a considerable difference. Reviews say it has very less rattle over time for a Maruti.

Hogwash. Both are equal! The ritz is one of the better cars from Maruti sold in India. The only thing which beat has better is EBD, which to be honest is nothing really to be worried about.

Ritz also has EBD.

I did a lot of research before deciding to go for Ritz Zxi. Tried maybe every hatchback in the market. My friends and family are fed up thinking I am absolutely fickle or confused. However if I have to live with a car for the next 8 years, it should keep me smiling for that entire period. All in all I found the Ritz which has a great balance between good engine, build, after sales, features, space, ride, handling(surprisingly very less body roll for a tall boy) and VFM. Its an underrated car and mainly sells through word of mouth. Am waiting desperately for it to get delivered.

[baker]

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Tried maybe every hatchback in the market. My friends and family are fed up thinking I am absolutely fickle or confused.

This.... ,

Even am facing these allegations :)

[ameyam]

I did 5 test drives in 5 Days last week, all in different dealerships. The idea was to get the best price for my old car and the best price for my mew car. I am sure everyone in all the dealerships know me well now

Couple of points I noticed. The TD cars are very different from dealer to dealer. While the Vitesse Ritz clutch pedal was softer, the Sai Service clutch pedal was snappier. The brakes on the Sai Swift were sharp where as those on the Vitesse had pedal play but still sharp. But one thing was common- all were offering deep discounts on the Ritz and neither had a Ritz for display in the showroom but had every other car. I read somewhere that the deep discounts on the Ritz are running since March-April. Even the Wagon R has deep discounts where as the car that will replace it in 2014 i.e. the StingRay doesn't. Its a clear sign that the Ritz, atleast in its current avatar, will discontinue soon. An internet search revealed that there is news of both a face lift in 2015 as well as a discontinuation for the Ritz and A-star, with a middle car due in 2015. Its is consistent with the deep discounts. The Swift is also due for a facelift in 2015 January with LED running lights etc.
Now, even if the Ritz discontinues, the mechanical parts that are common to that and the Swift will continue to be available. But the Swift offers a much rounded package, so that's the car I went for. The Swift was automatically more expensive than the Ritz but atleast here I could afford it. I have signed and made the down payment already, so there is no changing now

However, if you are getting a Ritz, the deal is still good. The Ritz is second to none if you can sort the clutch pedal issue
Another thing- I really don't think Maruti cars last 8 years. I planned for 4-5 years only with and extended warranty and for the loan. My observation with a couple of cars that I and my friends owned-Marutis start falling apart after 6 years or so, of course, depending on how they are driven

Ameyam

[Simple_car]

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Couple of points in bold below

.
.
. Its an underrated car and mainly sells through word of mouth. Am waiting desperately for it to get delivered.

Don't have to sell me sir :)... I have one in my family, and believe me the first time I drove it, I was blown away by just how good it really was.

I am aware that it was engineered along with Opel etc., but I didn't know the Zxi had the EBD as well. Thanks for pointing it out.

The only downer about the Ritz is the back seat. It's not exactly as comfortable..

Also, congrats on your car.

[Altocumulus]

Originally Posted by baker

This.... ,

Even am facing these allegations :)

Can't help it. Other than us auto enthusiasts no one would understand the reasons.

I know people are saying that Ritz may be discontinued. But Maruti needs it compete with Hyundai. They need 2 premium hatches to compete with Grand i10 and i20 because the market looks for choices even within a brand since we have brand loyalists.
Wagon R and Celerio are pitted against the i10 and Santro while the Alto twins against the Eons. So they cannot discontinue the Ritz as of yet.

The reasons for me not going for the other cars in a nutshell

1. Brio: Lower ground clearance, higher spare parts costs. To get fog lights fitted in an SMT they quoted 11k. I intend to keep the car for 8-10 years, so after the 5 years of 0% Dep is over and I need any spares to be replaced due to accident/dents it will be a bomb. It was the biggest contender nonetheless since its a HONDA. Maybe a City as my next car. Took 5 test drives to be sure I don't want it.

2. Beat: Drove a friends Beat LT (P) extensively, every week for the last 6 months actually. The car hasn't aged well in my opinion and very cramped. However definite VFM and excellent low end torque compared to the other cars.

3. Figo: Horrible pick up and acceleration of the petrol. Coming from an Esteem, a complete deal breaker. However lots of space, great handling and solid build. I liked the TDCi engine a lot though.

4. Punto (including Evo): The 1.2L petrol has absolutely no power. Second gear in traffic I was literally standing on the accelerator but the car just doesn't move. The 1.4 was a good but way beyond budget. Solid build and awesome handling.

5. Sail: Oodles of space but very Spartan interiors and features compared to the competition.

6. Swift: OTR of Zxi 80k more than Ritz Zxi. Didn't think it was worth it for slightly more better handling (am not driving on the race track), Automatic Climate Control and pretensioners. Every else is same with the Ritz including the chasis. Also Ritz build quality is better. Swift Vxi was 1k cheaper than Ritz Zxi. Doesn't make sense.

7.Stingray: Would have taken maybe it if I had another car for the highways. Not the only car.

8. Celerio: Same as Stingray, more for the AMT.

9. Alto K10: Booked it initially as well. Its a pocket rocket. Insanely fun. However, using the Alto Lxi at home after I sold the Esteem I understood the ride quality will make me regret after the initial fun is over. Cancelled and booked Ritz.

10. Micra & Go: Nissan after sales is horrible in Kolkata. Go was too spartan, absolutely zero features, no safety option.

11. Pulse: Better half loves the pulse but overpriced. Renault after sales not that great.

12. Fabia: Phased out and Skoda ASS horror stories.

13. Polo: Awesome build, classiest interiors. I was so impressed I persuaded my colleague to buy one and he is happy. But 3 cylinder engine was not to my liking. Would have taken the plunge if Comfortline was cheaper.

14. Grand i10: Loved the interiors and the finish. Leagues ahead of Maruti. Excellent features. But very uninvolving to drive I felt. Also somehow I don't know why have a mind block with Hyundais. Everything is so dependent on electronics and gizmos that I feel they may fail in the long run.

Phew !! Now I realize why my girl friend gets pissed whenever I talk of another car. She was patient enough to accompany me in mostly all the test drives

Originally Posted by ameyam

Another thing- I really don't think Maruti cars last 8 years. I planned for 4-5 years only with and extended warranty and for the loan. My observation with a couple of cars that I and my friends owned-Marutis start falling apart after 6 years or so, of course, depending on how they are driven

I just sold off my Jan 2007 Esteem 90k kms run. The new owner called me yesterday just to say thank you that the car is awesome and so silent. My service advisor at MASS begged me not to sell the car since supposedly it could still go for 90k more.

Originally Posted by Simple_car

Don't have to sell me sir :)... I have one in my family, and believe me the first time I drove it, I was blown away by just how good it really was.

I am aware that it was engineered along with Opel etc., but I didn't know the Zxi had the EBD as well. Thanks for pointing it out.

The only downer about the Ritz is the back seat. It's not exactly as comfortable..

Also, congrats on your car.

Thanks a lot. I know that the rear seats are not good but I never use them anyways. Also heard that the Zxi/Zdi seats are better. Don't know how true that is.

Also the clutch paddle issue was something I was worried about as well since Kolkata means a lot of traffic. However in other forums lots of people have mentioned that in Zxi/Zdi due to the availability of seat height adjustment, that issue can be sorted. Need to check that first hand.

[Releesh]

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

11. Pulse: Better half loves the pulse but overpriced. Renault after sales not that great.

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Phew !! Now I realize why my girl friend gets pissed whenever I talk of another car. She was patient enough to accompany me in mostly all the test drives

??

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

I just sold off my Jan 2007 Esteem 90k kms run. The new owner called me yesterday just to say thank you that the car is awesome and so silent. My service advisor at MASS begged me not to sell the car since supposedly it could still go for 90k more.

Is that Vxi? usually in Maruti, it is the body,not the engine will give up. I too own an Esteem 06 lxi (73k on odo now). planning to upgrade by next year to an SUV/MUV.

Why you are going to a hatchback from sedan? City traffic/parking?

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Thanks a lot. I know that the rear seats are not good but I never use them anyways. Also heard that the Zxi/Zdi seats are better. Don't know how true that is.

Zxi/Zdi rear seats comes with 60:40 split and more cushion means more thigh support compared to bench type seats in L/V varients.

[Altocumulus]

Originally Posted by Releesh

??

I meant my girl friend / fiancee on both occasions. Don't think their 'rights' change with marriage. Girl friends anyway behave like wives. So sooner I realize that the happier I would be

Is that Vxi? usually in Maruti, it is the body,not the engine will give up. I too own an Esteem 06 lxi (73k on odo now). planning to upgrade by next year to an SUV/MUV.

Yes, it was a Vxi. Still a lot of life left in your car. Enjoy it for sometime more. They don't make cars like that now.

Why you are going to a hatchback from sedan? City traffic/parking?

Main reason was I never used the boot. The esteem was bought purely for the thrill factor. I may have got a base Amaze or Xcent at a similar price however I believe in going for a top end of a lower segment than going for the base of the higher.

Zxi/Zdi rear seats comes with 60:40 split and more cushion means more thigh support compared to bench type seats in L/V varients.

Even Lxi and Vxi has 60:40 but I guess Z's have more cushions.

[Releesh]

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

I meant my girl friend / fiancee on both occasions. Don't think their 'rights' change with marriage. Girl friends anyway behave like wives. So sooner I realize that the happier I would be

Best Wishes

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Yes, it was a Vxi. Still a lot of life left in your car. Enjoy it for sometime more. They don't make cars like that now.

I earlier planned to sell it after complete 1lakh Km/10 yrs.
But still it has 2 years/27K km away.

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Main reason was I never used the boot. The esteem was bought purely for the thrill factor. I may have got a base Amaze or Xcent at a similar price however I believe in going for a top end of a lower segment than going for the base of the higher.

So the best upgrade will be Swift Zxi in your budget.

Originally Posted by Altocumulus

Even Lxi and Vxi has 60:40 but I guess Z's have more cushions.

I didnt see split seats in any swift/ritz L/V varients.

[Altocumulus]

Originally Posted by Releesh

I earlier planned to sell it after complete 1lakh Km/10 yrs.
But still it has 2 years/27K km away.

Easily you can keep it for that long. I would not have sold mine but long term planning made me sell it. The alto which I have given to my mom will be 10 years in 4 years. The Ritz I am buying with office lease for 4 years as well. If I had kept the esteem for some more time in 4 years I would have to bear 2 EMIs which I didn't want to. Plus I will be saving around 50k+ in income tax every year going with my current salary. The savings would also increase as my salary does. Overall, I calculated that by the time the lease is over, the price of the car I pay and taking the tax benefits, the effective cost of the car is around 40k less than the onroad price.

So the best upgrade will be Swift Zxi in your budget.

80k more didnt make sense to me for the same engine and chasis.

I didnt see split seats in any swift/ritz L/V varients.

That's what the brochure says. Don't know if its a mistake or a new addition.

[Altocumulus]

Originally Posted by Releesh

I earlier planned to sell it after complete 1lakh Km/10 yrs.
But still it has 2 years/27K km away.

Easily you can keep it for that long. I would not have sold mine but long term planning made me sell it. The alto which I have given to my mom will be 10 years in 4 years. The Ritz I am buying with office lease for 4 years as well. If I had kept the esteem for some more time in 4 years I would have to bear 2 EMIs which I didn't want to. Plus I will be saving around 50k+ in income tax every year going with my current salary. The savings would also increase as my salary does. Overall, I calculated that by the time the lease is over, the price of the car I pay and taking the tax benefits, the effective cost of the car is around 40k less than the on-road price.

So the best upgrade will be Swift Zxi in your budget.

80k more didn't make sense to me for the same engine and chasis.

I didnt see split seats in any swift/ritz L/V varients.

That's what the brochure says. Don't know if its a mistake or a new addition.

The car is supposed to be dispatched today. Let's see if it does

[rsrs_in]

How much discount on Ritz in Mumbai? I was getting a 75K for a Vxi model without music system?

Pl also provide details around any accessories which dealer is throwing in?

I am also reviewing a Sail UVA which is coming with some discount.

[generalmax]

First and foremost ,Ritz is not being discontinued . I inquired with the dealers and some friends in Gurgaon .Nobody is offering 75 K discount on Ritz (not in Bangalore) .The truevalue exchange is a scam and the price quoted there is always ridiculously low while selling and higher while buying for customers. Actually our (Indians) likeness for Swift had made the selling difficult for Ritz and add to that the dealers ,who were getting more money on swift (it was introduced earlier ) don't want to promote Ritz ,by which these brothers were always at war.
Any way I have both cars in Vxi version where I am completely happy with the build quality of Ritz even after 4.5 years,silent cabin and the confidence it gives me on highways. Swift is more like a city car to me and happy that it turns eyes .Its a mistake to think that Maruti cars are not build to last. It may be true in the case of old 800,but now a days all these cars can easily last 15 years . The reason is the quality that they had acquired through R&D from Suzuki .

[rsrs_in]

The above input on quality of Ritz is helpful - I would request if any Mumbai members have had a better luck on ritz discounts Vxi or higher and which dealer. Two Mumbai dealers have shared discountinuance

[ameyam]

Hi,

with the Swift I was getting just 5k discount where as the Ritz was having 30k. I was exchanging my old car, so I got additional 15K bonus on the Swift whereas it was 35K on the Ritz. So the Ritz did have deep discounts. Likewise the Wagon R - its likely to have a replacement in the StingRay
The Ritz is some car. Every time I drove it in different agencies in the test drive, I was speeding without realising- 40 in 2nd and 60 in 3rd. However, I noticed the TD Ritz didn't absorb the road like the Swift.
I needed a city car. Sometimes I feel the Ritz is more of that due to the high seating position. But I always felt more squeezed in the Ritz.
The high clutch pedal position of the Ritz was an important reason for me not to go for it. Also, the Swift would fetch better resale, though that wasn't necessarily the main criteria
I didn't really mind getting a little less in True Value exchange- my car needed work. Also, if you think about it, a dealer will purchase your car from you, fix up necessary things and sell it on- he will not get into it if there is no profit and that's the reason for the lower markup.
While the Maruti cars may or may not last, my experience is that they require some good amount of work after 5 years. My friend's 2004 Zen began to fall apart in 2012 and my 2008 Wagon R was doing the same now. Of course, it depends on how you drive them. I was personally fed up of dodging even small potholes to save on the suspension
Ameyam