New Delhi, June 5: . India's largest utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a new compact hatchback — Verito Vibe, in a segment that is dominated by Maruti Swift. The Verito Vibe is a 'chopped boot' version of the Mahindra Verito sedan. Verito Vibe will retail at Rs 5.63 lakh to Rs 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) excluding Octroi.
The car marks the entry of Mahindra & Mahindra in the highly competitive compact car segment of the Indian auto market.
The Verito Vibe comes with an unconventional design and offers decent boot space. The hatchback would be available in only a diesel powered variants.
The sub-4 metre Verito Vibe shares 80 per cent common parts with its elder sibling Verito sedan and is available only in the 1.5-litre diesel option. M&M claims, Verito Vibe has a look of a hatchback but offers features and space of a sedan. M&M says in terms of price, Vibe is Rs 40,000 cheaper than Maruti Suzuki Swift and almost Rs 1.52 lakh lower than Honda Amaze.
The front fascia of Verito Vibe is identical to its elder sedan sibling, while the doors and body panels are kept same as well. The tail lamps run through the entire width of rear windscreen and are fitted on the vehicle's C pillar.
The Verito Vibe is powered by the same 1.5 litre dCI engine that powers the Verito sedan. The 1.5 litre delivers an output of 68 bhp, along with highest torque rated at 160 Nm. The hatchback will come with several safety equipments, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), collapsible steering column, central locking and driver side airbags.
Based on the existing platform, M&M is also working on the electric version of the Verito that is expected to be launched in the next fiscal year.
The car competes against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, Tata Indica Vista, Renault Pulse, Nissan Micra and Toyota Etios Liva.
Mahindra Verito Vibe Price list (ex-showroom, Mumbai) –
* Verito Vibe D2 – Rs. 5.63 lakh
* Verito Vibe D4 – Rs. 5.89 lakh
* Verito Vibe D6 – Rs. 6.49 lakh
