Verito Vibe is a new hatchback developed by leading Indian utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra. The company was looking to launch a compact Verito sedan initially, but plans were changed and a premium hatchback was developed instead. From the outside, the boot of the Verito has been removed and substituted with a shorter rear end. This vehicle would look to take on competition from other players in the premium hatchback market, such as Volkswagen Polo.
Volkswagen Polo has a stylish and a sporty exterior appearance, with an aggressive grille and well-designed headlamps. Body coloured door handles and Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) are visible on this vehicle. Front turn indicators are integrated within the headlamps. In the highline variants, front and rear fog lamps are also integrated on the bumpers. A spoiler has been placed high at the rear, which has a centrally mounted brake light, suitable for approaching vehicles. Overall, paint and finish is of high quality, as expected from the noted German manufacturer. On the other hand, Verito Vibe looks same as the Mahindra Verito from the front. A broad grille gives it the appearance of a large car. Styling on the sides doesn’t appear to be as muscular as the Polo.
On the engine front, the Polo gets 4 engine options and 2 transmission options. There are two petrol engines, one of which is 1198cc and the other is the newer 1197 cc. Diesel engines for this vehicle include 1199 cc and 1598 cc power-mills. Only the new 1.2 GT TSI Polo with a 1197 cc petrol engine gets 7-speed automatic transmission, while the others are fitted with 5-speed manual transmission. Instead of these, the Verito Vibe only gets a single 1.5 litre diesel engine that generates a maximum power of 64 bhp a torque of 160 Nm, which is lesser than any model of the Polo. No petrol option is provided here, which also means that the Polo is more refined in nature.
At the rear, the Mahindra Verito Vibe certainly looks unconventional, with tail lights running along the entire length of the rear windscreen. This may not appeal to a young buyer, due to the oblong design. The rear design of the Polo certainly looks more proportional in comparison. Apart from the above, interior space in both vehicles is quite comparable, though the Vibe may just be a bit larger, as it is based on the Verito.
Verito Vibe is expected to be priced between Rs. 5.30 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh, while Polo is priced between Rs. 4.82 lakh and Rs. 8.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Vibe would officially be launched on June 5, 2013. Mahindra has not disclosed the number of variants that may be launched for the Vibe.
