Suzuki Ritz Ldi, Vdi diesels are here!

For the first time India, Maruti Suzuki has launched one of their models with petrol and diesel options at the same time. Usually, the company has waited till the petrol version sold quite a bit before they came out with a diesel option.

In the past, the Suzuki Swift diesel was launched only after the petrol Swift sold like hot cakes in the Indian car market.

Today Maruti Suzuki launched the Ritz (the Suzuki Splash in international markets) in both petrol and diesel versions. The base petrol model is the Lxi and the higher end version is the Vxi.The diesel models are named Ldi and Vdi, the Vdi being the higher end version.

Suzuki Ritz Ldi, Vdi diesel prices

The diesel versions of the Suzuki Ritz would cost between Rs 4,65,000 and 4,99,000 in New Delhi (ex-showroom).

Ritz Ldi, Vdi engine specs

The diesel Suzuki Ritz would be powered by the well-known DDiS engine used in the Suzuki Swift diesel. This is a 4-cylinder 1300 cc 16-valve engine producing 75 PS @ 4000 rpm. The diesel engine also powers the Swift DZire sedan. Maximum torque produced is 190 Nm @ 2000 rpm.

No automatic transmission

There is no automatic transmission model available in the Suzuki Ritz range at the moment. The market for auto transmission cars in India is not believed to be very big, though some car-makers such as Honda, Hyundai, and even Mahindra are offeering automatic transmission cars in India.

Brakes

All Suzuki Ritz models (petrol and diesel) feature ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, enough for a small car.

Tyres

Tyres on the Ritz Ldi and Vdi models are the same as the ones on the petrol models – 165 X 80R 14.

The Suzuki Ritz Ldi weighs in at 1100 kg, while the Vdi weighs ten kilos more.

Features and amenities

Immobiliser

On all models

Central locking: Zxi, Vxi, Vdi

Front fog lamp: Vxi, VDi, Zxi

Rear fog lamp: on All models

Child lock (rear) on all models

Dual airbags: On top-end Zxi petrol model only. No other model, petrol or diesel, has airbags. Serious negative – in 2009, I would say one should we should buy only cars with at least front airbags. Really wish airbags were at least optional on the Vxi and Vdi models.

Front seat pre-tensioner: On Zxi (top end petrol) only

ABS-EBD

Anti lock braking system and Electronic Brake Distribution are optional features on Suzuki Ritz Vxi and VDi diesel models, and standard on Zxi.

Bumpers, mirrors (ORVM)

Body-coloured bumpers and internally adjustable rear view mirrors on both sides are standard on all models. No electric rear view mirror even in the top-end Ritz Zxi model.

AC: All models

Power steering: All models

Power windows: On Vxi, Vdi and Zxi

Tilt steering: Only on Zxi

Steering mounted audio controls: Only on Zxi

Keyless entry: Only on Zxi

CD player: Zxi only