Mahindra, the largest utility vehicle manufacturer in the country is ready to foray into the compact car segment by introducing the Verito Vibe hatchback, which is based on the Verito sedan. The Mahindra Vibe is due for its launch next month to compete with the likes of premium hatchbacks namely Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20. Earlier it was believed that Mahindra will come out with a sub 4-metre sedan to take on the Maruti Swift DZire, Honda Amaze, Indigo CS and similar compact sedans but the manufacturer has chosen to develop a spacious hatchback instead.
From the looks of it, the front fascia of the Mahindra Verito Vibe hatchback remains unchanged except for the re-designed bumper and grille. The styling on the 2-box hatchback changes after the rear doors, featuring a huge vertical tail lamp cluster (similar to the Ford Focus) sitting on the C-pillar with few sporty design elements evident at the rear. The Vibe hatchback is expected to have the biggest boot in its segment, in spite of measuring less than 4-metres in length. There will be only a diesel engine on offer with the Vibe, as Mahindra doesn’t have a small sized petrol engine for the hatchback.
The Mahindra Verito Vibe hatchback will be powered by the Renault sourced 1.5-litre k9k diesel engine which also runs on the Verito sedan, producing a maximum power output of 68 BHP, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Mahindra Vibe will be targeted to the audience seeking for a convenient, practical, fuel efficient and spacious hatchback. The Verito sedan currently sells around 1500 units per month and the manufacturer expects to double the combined sales of the Verito sedan and the Vibe hatchback. We expect the base model of the Verito Vibe hatchback to retail under the Rs. 6 lakh mark.
Source – Autocar India
