Car News in India

Maruti Suzuki India will launch the premium hatchback Ritz on May 15, 2009. Ritz will be the first Bharat Stage IV compliant passenger car in India and will be available in both petrol and diesel variants.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz will adopt the BS-IV emission norms ahead of the actual implementation of the regulation that will be effective by 2010. This reflects MSI’s commitment to environment friendly guidelines and emphasizes company’s leadership position in the industry.

Ritz is positioned in the A2 premium small car segment. The car sports a contemporary European styling and is placed in the growing premium-end of compact car segment. As it is positioned as a family car, Maruti has given special attention to seating comfort. The rear seats comfortably accommodate 3 adult passengers.

The new hatch will be available in two different engine options- the new K-series, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 84bhp and the much-in-demand 1.3-litre, 16-valve DDiS diesel engine that churns out 74bhp. Maruti has designed the suspension of the vehicle with a ground clearance of 170 mm and is well tuned to suit Indian road conditions.

The Ritz will be Maruti Suzuki’s eighth new car offered to India within 48 months following the launch of the Zen Estilo, SX4, Swift Dzire, Swift, Swift Diesel, Grand Vitara and the A-Star.

The new car is expected to help Maruti Suzuki consolidate its position as the top car manufacturer in the compact car segment in India where it holds a 58 percent market share.