మారుతి రిట్జ్ Elate Edition VDi

India's largest passenger car makers, MSIL has officially launched the limited edition of its famous hatchback, Ritz in both petrol and diesel engine options. It is launched in both petrol and diesel engine options to choose from. The diesel engine based version is christened as Maruti Ritz Elate Edition VDi variant, which is powered by the same 1.3-litre diesel engine. It comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc, while producing 73.9bhp in combination with 190Nm of peak torque output. The company has bestowed it with a few impressive additional features like 2-DIN music system along with Bluetooth connectivity, orange colored seat covers, reverse parking sensors further assistance, new floor mats, ambient lighting system, new steering wheel cover, and ergonomic neck cushioning system. In terms of exteriors, the wheel arches are fitted with durable mud flap and it also has black door visors as well. The overall dimensions of this hatchback are quite standard and it is designed with a large wheelbase of 2360mm that offers a spacious cabin inside. It comes with an overall length of 3775mm along with a decent height of 1620mm and a total width of 1680mm, which includes both its external rear view mirrors. Its minimum ground clearance is measures as 170mm that is rather good for this segment.

Exteriors:

To begin with the frontage, it is designed with a sleek bonnet, which has a couple of visible character lines. The large windscreen is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The bold radiator grille is embossed with a chrome plated company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a well-lit headlight cluster that is powered by high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicators. The body colored bumper houses a wide air dam for cooling the engine, which is surrounded by a couple of bright fog lamps as well. Coming to the side profile, it comes with stylish body graphics and 'Elate' badge on the front doors. The neatly carved wheel arches are affixed with a robust set of 14 inch steel wheels, which are further covered with full wheel covers. These rims are fitted with 165/80 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres that offers a superior grip on any road condition. The door handles and external rear view mirrors are painted in body color and these ORVMs are internally adjustable as well. On the other hand, the rear end is equipped with a body colored bumper with a couple of fog lamps, a rear windshield with a high mounted brake light and a curvy boot lid with variant badging.

Interiors:

The spacious dual tone internal section of this Maruti Ritz Elate Edition VDi trim is incorporated with well cushioned seats. These are covered with orange colored seat covers and integrated with ergonomic neck cushioning. The illuminated instrument panel is equipped with a low fuel warning light, a digital tachometer, an electronic multi-tripmeter, a digital clock, driver seat belt warning and a door ajar notification as well. It is bestowed with a number of utility based aspects, which includes a 12V accessory socket, remote fuel lid opener, cup holders in the front console, front seat back pockets and a spacious boot compartment, where we can store ample luggage. The smooth dashboard is equipped with a few features like a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster and AC vents. Apart from these, it also has body colored inside door handles, new stylish floor mats and ambient lighting system, which gives the cabin a decent look.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is packed with a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and 16 valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This diesel power plant can churn out a maximum power of 73.9bhp at 4000rpm in combination with 190Nm at 2000rpm. This engine is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to front wheels. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the hatchback to deliver a decent mileage. On the highways, it gives close to 23.2 Kmpl, while it returns 18.6 Kmpl in the city limits. This hatchback can attain a maximum speed of 157 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 14.3 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas the rear gets drum brakes. On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with McPherson strut, while the rear one is equipped with a torsion beam type of mechanism. This suspension system is further accompanied by coil springs. The rack and pinion based power steering system comes with tilt adjustable function. It supports a minimum turning radius of 4.7 meters that is rather decent for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This latest Maruti Ritz Elate Edition VDi variant is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a relaxed traveling experience. The list of features include an efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heater, reverse parking assist with sensors, all four power windows, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects. The 2-DIN music system is integrated with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface, Aux-in port along with four speakers.

Safety Features:

This variant is bestowed with a lot of protective aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. The list includes all four power door locks, 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts for all occupants along with lap belt that enhances the safety in case of any collision, front fog lamps and a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. Apart from these, it also has i-CATS (intelligent computerized anti theft system) based engine immobilizer , which prevents the vehicle from unauthorized entry, driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel, day and night internal rear view mirror, adjustable driver seat and a few other aspects as well.

Pros:

1. Impressive exteriors with stylish body graphics.

2. Spacious internal cabin with ample leg space.

Cons:

1. Price tag can be competitive.

2. A few more safety aspects can be added.