Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, is believed to be working towards introducing a new automatic transmission system equipped model of its popular Ritz hatchback in January 2013. The grapevine is abuzz with rumours and speculations regarding the upcoming Ritz (AT) automatic variant, which is expected to pose some stiff competition against the likes of Hyundai i10 AT and Honda Brio AT hatchbacks in Indian passenger car market.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications, the yet-to-be launched Maruti Suzuki Ritz automatic hatch will feature the same 1.2 litre K-Series K12 petrol motor, found on the current variant. The change is going to be in the car's drivetrain, which will come mated with a four speed automatic transmission gearbox system. Further, the powertrain will churn out a peak power output of 86 bhp and a maximum torque delivery close to 115 Nm.
The upcoming Ritz AT is going to be Maruti Suzuki's third model with automatic transmission feature in Indian passenger car market, after A-Star hatch and Swift DZire compact sedan. It is expected that Maruti Suzuki will offer its Ritz AT only in its mid level variant (VXI ABS) in the country, just like the case of automatic variant of Swift DZire sedan.
Maruti Suzuki will be pitching its yet-to-be launched Ritz AT hatch in a direct face off against the likes of its direct counterparts Hyundai i10 AT and Hyundai Brio AT. Taking into account the previous marketing strategies of Maruti Suzuki, it can be said with surety that the company will introduce its Ritz AT with sharp and overtly aggressive pricing. The Japanese auto maker, Honda offers its Brio AT to domestic car enthusiasts within a price bracket of Rs. 5.7 lakhs and Rs. 6 lakhs. On the other hand, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), the country's second largest passenger car maker, retails its i10 AT at Rs. 6.2 lakhs in Indian auto market. Therefore, there is a great chance of domestic car buyers getting the Ritz automatic around a price tag close to Rs. 5.5 lakhs or even lesser.
As per reports, Maruti Suzuki dealerships have already started entertaining advance bookings of the upcoming Ritz automatic hatchback. The booking amount is Rs. 50,000 and deliveries are going to start from second half of January 2013.
