Maruti Suzuki Ritz facelift round the corner?

Back in 2009, Maruti introduced its second offering in B+ segment by launching the Ritz hatchback. Since then, the car has been positioned below the bread and butter hatchback- the Swift. Maruti Ritz a.k.a Suzuki Splash a.k.a. Opel Agila a.k.a Vauxhall Agila (phew!) became the first car from the popular manufacturer to sport the much publicized K-series motor. It also became the second vehicle in Suzuki line up to sport tall boy architecture that had made its world debut on the WagonR. Maruti Ritz is available with both petrol and diesel engine options.

Powering the petrol variants of Ritz is the now popular 1.2L, 1197 cc, K12M KB series all aluminium engine that delivers 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) of maximum power at 6000 rpm with 113 N·m (83 lb·ft) of maximum torque 4000 rpm. The diesel variants of Maruti Ritz are powered by the much acclaimed Fiat 1.3L Multijet diesel engine. This 1.3L common rail diesel engine with a fixed geometry turbocharger produces 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) of maximum power at 4000 rpm with 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) of maximum torque at 2000 rpm.

Thanks to the newer and fresher competition fast getting popular, the hatchback has suddenly started looking dated and pretty ordinary. A mid life facelift is certainly what the car requires and it seems like Maruti is upto just that. Recently, a member of TeamBhp.com caught a camouflaged Ritz being tested around Gurgaon-home to MSIL’s manufacturing plant. If the said sighting is anything to go by, the car’s front end was heavily camouflaged.The rear was same as the current model but with blacked out badges. What we do not understand is the need of camouflaging the badges as even a school kid can recognize the car just by looking at it.

Now, heavily camouflaged front end surely means that the popular car maker is tinkering with the fascia. Rumors are doing rounds that the car’s very ‘Audi-ish’ Bulgarian beard is getting the boot in favor of a front end that looks much like that on the Opel Agila. In this case, the car not just gets a new grille but also a pair of very stylish headlamps.

Currently, not much is known of the raelift, but if this picture and the rumors are to be believed, we should have a refreshed Ritz within a few months.
Source: team-bhp.com