Maruti Suzuki to build next-gen Ritz in 2015, Swift in 2017

Maruti Suzuki is readying up replacements of its popular B+ segment hatchbacks, the Ritz and the Swift. The next-generation version of the Ritz hatchback is said to be launched in 2015 while the next-gen Swift will come in 2017. The Ritz, which is also known as the Suzuki Splash in international markets, features a tall-boy design and is made its debut in India during mid-2009. The Ritz also saw a mid-life facelift last year. Therefore, the next-generation version of the Ritz will come 6 years after the launch of the first-generation version. The facelifted Ritz is likely to use the current (2nd gen) Swift's platform, which is a lengthened version of the older platform.

Note: Images of Maruti Swift and Ritz used in this report are illustrative in nature.  

Although the Ritz's tall-boy design is deemed more practical for a larger swathe of car buyers, the more illustrious selling Swift has overshadowed the Ritz in the Indian car market. The first/current-gen Ritz, based on a shortened Swift platform, is available with two engine options: a 1.2 liter K-Series petrol motor and a 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet diesel motor. A 5 speed manual gearbox and a 4 speed automatic gearbox are the two transmission options that the Ritz Petrol features, even as the diesel engined variants make do with the 5 speed manual gearbox.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is India's best selling B+ segment hatchback. The next-generation Swift is slated to arrive here in 2017 and will represent the third generation model of the car. The first generation version of the Swift, launched in India during 2005, motored on until 2011, when Maruti Suzuki launched the 2nd generation version that is a larger car than the outgoing model. The third generation model is likely to be a further increment in terms of size and features on offer. The Swift sold in India is available with petrol and turbo diesel engine options. A 5 speed manual gearbox is standard on the car.

While the next-generation model of the Swift will arrive only in 2017, Maruti Suzuki is likely to facelift the car next year. The facelifted model of the Swift has already gone on sale internationally, and features cruise control, push button start, keyless entry and other minor tweaks. Expect a few of these tweaks to be offered on the India-spec Swift facelift as well. The next-generation models of both the Ritz and the Swift are expected to use Suzuki's new range of turbo diesel engines, eschewing the 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine in the process. 

Source FinancialExpress