International Center of Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Haryana has approved Maruti’ upcoming model Ritz in the whole vehicle test approval ceremony. With this, the center also started its operations in Manesar which is a division of National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP).

ICAT is currently investing Rs 440 crore in expanding its facilities at an additional area of 46 acres in its Manesar centre. The new facilities would include a power-train laboratory, engine dynamometers, emission laboratory with Euro V capability, a fatigue laboratory passive safety laboratory as well as vehicle test tracks.

The Ritz would be positioned above the Suzuki A-Star and just below the Suzuki Swift. There is potential for some cannibalization of the sales of the Suzuki Swift for sure. The model will be sold as Suzuki Splash in other countries. The model will sport the new KB series engine in two guises – 1.2L petrol and 1.3L CRDi diesel.