2013 Mahindra Verito Vibe preview

Update: Our launch report is here and sadly though there is no Bluetooth telephony. Prices start from Rs 5.63 lakh to Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-Mumbai

Update 2: You can read our first drive impressions here

Mahindra is all set to unveil the Verito Vibe. Here is a preview of the second hatchback from Mahindra's stables (the e2O being the first).

2013 Mahindra Verito Vibe in India

What is it?

Mahindra has resorted to the chop-the-boot method that manufacturers like Maruti and Honda have most recently adopted with success. Mahindra themselves are no strangers to this, with the Xylo-Quanto shrinkage to their credit. So, the Vibe is basically a sub 4-metre Verito. The difference here is that while both Maruti and Honda created compact sedans using existing hatchback platforms, Mahindra has chosen to go in the other direction, shrinking a sedan down to a hatch. All this, of course, is for the lower excise benefits. While camouflaged units have been spotted testing for quite a while, undisguised images have also surfaced on the web. What we've seen is a front-end that resembles the Verito sedan with slight modifications to the headlamp unit. The alloy wheels, as seen on the test mules, look good and are - as of now - exclusive to the Vibe. The side profile remains similar to the sedan. At the rear, a thick chrome strip on the boot lid is lifted straight off the Verito. None of the spy pics show rear wash and wipe and we don't expect Mahindra to offer one.

2013 Mahindra Verito Vibe in India

Will the interior look the same as the Verito?

To a large extent, yes. After the Verito was refreshed a few months back, the interiors have gone from utilitarian to acceptable. The Vibe is expected to carry the same changes, save for a few additions. A Mahindra dealer tells us that the Vibe will have Bluetooth telephony on the top variant. Mahindra themselves have said that the Vibe will have "first in class styling elements". The Vibe will carry forward the Verito's USP – space, seating five comfortably, which is a task for a hatchback. Just like the Verito, there will be plenty of cubby holes and bottle holders in the cabin. The boot space is expected to be generous, though obviously down from the sedan. We expect Mahindra to offer a 2-DIN USB and aux-in compatible music system, ABS and airbags on the top variant.

2013 Mahindra Verito Vibe at launch

The engine(s)?

As of now, only the reliable 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine is expected. This engine will produce 65PS of power and 160Nm of max torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be mated to this engine. Mahindra will persist with the front-wheel drive architecture of the Verito for the Vibe. Expect the Vibe's ride quality to be as plush as the Verito sedan and the handling to remain acceptable. We don't expect much of a weight difference between the two, so fuel efficiency shouldn't be affected, though a bump in the economy numbers wouldn't hurt (21kmpl for the Verito diesel). Mahindra doesn't have a small petrol engine in its portfolio currently, though it is believed that they are working on one for the upcoming compact SUV.

Price?

Our source tells us that the top Vibe variant will cost around Rs 6 lakh on-road. He also said that there are chances that there will be three trims on offer. At this price, the Vibe should be a steal for all the youngsters that Mahindra is marketing the car at. However, final prices will be revealed only on June 5. The Vibe will be up against the Ford Figo, Nissan Micra/Renault Pulse, Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Swift.