Indian utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra had earlier announced that it would launch a sub-4 metre version of its sedan Verito, naming it as Verito CS. However, it was recently revealed that the compact version of the Verito would not be a sedan, but a premium hatchback instead. This car was named as Verito Vibe and several test mules of this vehicle have been spotted across the country, since this announcement was made by the company.
In the Indian market, Verito Vibe would be a premium hatchback and would be pitched against B segment leaders Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. The Vibe would be launched in Indian on June 5, 2013. Interestingly, some Mahindra dealerships in New Delhi have already started receiving this car.
Looking at the vehicle, it appears that the exterior styling may take time to appeal to buyers if the premium hatchback segment. Unusually wide C-Pillars have been used and the tail lights are mounted very high at the rear. From the front, the new vehicle looks exactly like the Verito. It is expected that this vehicle would be promoted as a new one, instead of being linked to the Verito. Some experts believe that inspiration for the Verito Vibe could have been taken from the Ford Focus. However, looking at the rear certainly gives a feeling that there would be a lot of debate on the same.
The Verito Vibe would be priced at around Rs. 5.50 lakh. It will be powered by the 1.5 litre Renault K9K diesel engine that is already being used in the Verito, Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala. Speaking about this new vehicle, Pravin Shah, Chief Executive of the Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “Customer centric innovation has always been at the heart of any product development at the Mahindra Group. The Verito Vibe marks our entry in the high volume sub 4 metre segment. While developing this product we have paid particular attention to making this car look different and we are sure that it will appeal to customers with its young and sporty looks and that too without compromising the benefits which our existing Verito has to offer.”
