Mahindra Verito Vibe is set to join the category of premium hatchbacks in the country next month. In this segment, it would face strong competition from quality products like Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. Though the Swift has been at the top of this segment ever since its launch in 2005, the i20 can also be considered a strong contender.
Verito Vibe is a hatchback version of the Verito sedan from Mahindra. The company had initially planned to develop a compact sedan from the Verito, but then it decided to come out with a hatchback instead. This vehicle would be available only in a diesel version, whereby it comes with the 1.5 litre K9K motor borrowed from the Verito, which produces a maximum power of 64 bhp and a torque of 160 Nm. In comparison to this, both Swift and i20 come with petrol and diesel engines. The i20 comes with a refines 1.2 petrol Kappa engine, that generates 83 bhp of power and 114 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine of the Swift produces 86 bhp of power and 114 Nm of torque, same as the i20. Among the three, the Swift is the one which accelerates most easily. However, diesel power-mills in these vehicles tell a completely different story. While Swift generates 74 bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque through a 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine, the i20 produces a much higher 89 bhp of power and 226 Nm of torque. It accelerates more easily than the Swift, being able to do so easily up to 5000 rpm. So in the performance arena, it appears that the Swift and the i20 are much superior to the upcoming Verito Vibe.
The outside looks of the Mahindra Verito Vibe are a bit unconventional, especially at the back. Tail lights runs along the entire length of the rear windscreen, but are more slanting in comparison to the Tata Indica. From the front, it looks exactly same as the Verito. On the other hand, the i20 and the Swift are much more attractive in terms of looks. The Swift has muscular lines of design all around, with teardrop-shaped headlamps and the front grille presenting an aggressive look. The design of the car has been slightly altered as compared to its previous version. Even after 7 years of being in existence, the vehicle continues to remain fresh. However, the i20 is clearly the best looking, among the three. It appears to have more curves on the outside. Headlamps look very sophisticated, possibly displaying the class of a premium category vehicle.
The only area where the Vibe scores over the i20 and the Swift is in terms of interior space. Space levels are similar to those seen in the larger Verito sedan. There is ample amount of legroom and headroom for passengers in the front and rear. In comparison, the i20 is not quite as spacious at the back, though space is good at the front. Interestingly, the Swift is the most cramped in the rear seat. Therefore, it remains to be seen if the Verito Vibe is able to outsmart Swift and i20 models, on the back of its superior interior space and unconventional looks in the Indian auto market.
