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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
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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.
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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.