Shocking: Maruti prices Ritz Automatic Rs.41,000 higher than Honda Brio Automatic

Maruti Suzuki has priced the Ritz AT variant a whole Rs.41,000 above the least expensive Honda Brio AT variant.  The Ritz AT is priced at Rs.6.15 lakh compared to the Brio SAT which costs Rs.5.74 lakh and the Brio VAT priced at Rs.5.99 lakh.

This comes as a surprise because Maruti is known to make cars that are usually priced aggressively. Moreover Honda is famous for their Automatic transmissions and will likely be the preferred option.

The Ritz AT can be booked for an amount of Rs 50,000 and deliveries will likely start by January 15, 2013. Let’s take a quick look at both these automatic small cars to understand them better.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz AT

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz ATcomes with a 1.2 litre K12 petrol motor that makes a decent 86 Bhp of power. The Ritz has a 4-speed automatic gearbox unlike its chief competitor. It is also available in the VXI ABS variant like its sibling the Dzire. It is directly comparable to the Hyundai i10 AT which is also a 4-speed automatic and is priced at Rs.6.16 lakh (only Rs.1,000 higher than the Ritz AT). The Ritz gets all your essentials like AC, 4 power windows, adjustable seats, power steering, tilt steering, tachometer and optional ABS and EBD . It however does not come with a music system or airbags.

Also read: New face-lifted Ritz launched at Rs.5.31 lakh; only available in diesel

Honda Brio AT

The Brio automatic, which has a five-speed auto ‘box, is priced from Rs 5.74 lakh to Rs 5.99 lakh, while the i10 auto, which comes with a four-speed gearbox, costs Rs 6.16 lakh. The Brio has a 1.2 litre petrol motor that makes 87 Bhp of power and 109 Nm of torque. In terms of specifications the Brio is only better than the Ritz which seems overpriced. Also read: Honda Brio automatic first drive impressions

 

The Brio VAT comes equipped with AC, 4 power windows, adjustable seats, central locking, power steering, tilt steering, tachometer, ABS, EBD and 2 airbags. In fact despite of being cheaper the Brio comes with an Ipod Dock, audio control in steering, music system, phone charger and 4 speakers.

The Brio is decidedly more attractive looking than the Ritz which is not very popular for its design. The Ritz does benefit by virtue of being a Maruti thanks to its wide dealer and service network. The Brio on the other hand is a solidly built vehicle with good quality interiors that boast of typical Honda finesse.

Would you buy the Ritz AT over the Brio AT? Share your views about the Ritz automatic and its pricing in the comments section below.