On the official website of Suzuki Japan, the boffins at the HQ have called for the release of the photographs revealing the Splash/Ritz facelift. The website mentions (in Japanese) that the refreshed model is coming out in June.
The website does not divulge details on the car's mechanical package but shows a mildly revised interior and exterior.
Launched in 2008, the Splash was jointly developed by Opel and Suzuki. It is based on the outgoing Swift's platform and shares its powertrains with the Swift.
In Europe, Opel rebadges the car and sells in under the 'Agila' nameplate. The car was christened Ritz as Ford had acquired the rights to that name in India. The Ritz is the second best selling car in its segment, right behind the Swift.
Maruti Ritz facelift exterior
The Ritz/Splash facelift new front grille and pulled-back fog light enclosures. The grille's circumference is not broken by the horizontal slab that houses the registration plate. It is tucked inside the continuous structure.
The rear bumper has been modified sporting fake air vents and a splitter like attachment. These enhancements are purely visual and don't have a bearing on the car's performance or aerodynamics.
Maruti Ritz facelift interior
The interiors are pretty much the same as the outgoing model. Eagle-eyed Suzuki enthusiasts will tell you that a glossy black finish has been applied on the border of the center console which is dull grey on the presently selling vehicle.
We're unable to spot the independently mounted tachometer that nests on the dashboard, right behind the steering wheel, on the current model.
Maruti Ritz facelift - Under the hood
Suzuki has also introduced an Automatic Transmission on the new Splash/Ritz which could be the 4-speed unit serving on variants of the Swift platform. In India, the 4-speed AT is provided on the Swift Dzire. The mechanical package could be more refined and responsive if VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology, recently installed on the Swift, Dzire and Ertiga, makes it to the Ritz which current makes do with fixed valve timing. The Ritz is expected to continue using the same 1.2L K Series petrol engine and 1.3-liter, Fiat-sourced diesel.
One of Maruti's top officials recently told IndianAutosBlog.com that product upgradation strategy is present across its portfolio but did not comment on the possible launch time frame of the revitalized Ritz. Maruti has been seen testing the facelifted Ritz with heavy camouflage in north India and a spy shot completely exposing the car was also uploaded by a Facebook user during the car's development stage.
[Source - Suzuki.co.jp]
