Verito Vibe is essentially a shrunk version of the Verito sedan

The Vibe is essentially a shrunk version of the Verito sedan. A glance from the front and the Vibe instantly reminds one of the Verito. To give the Vibe its own identity, Mahindra has replaced the chrome front grille and given the Vibe a carbon finished treatment. The headlamps have a smoked effect, adding to the sportiness of the new look.

The Mahindra Vibe comes with a ski rack and has a set of alloy wheels that adds to its sporty look

With the Vibe, Mahindra has introduced a set of stylish looking alloy wheels. The rear end of the car has been totally reworked and is the highlight of this machine. The Vibe comes with Ski racks to add to the sporty character. The catchy tail lamp unit remains by far the most visually attractive element of the car as it is not flush fit with the rear windscreen.

The Nippon music system incorporates USB and AUX connectivity

At 330 litres, the boot is big enough to accommodate more luggage. The small aperture below the rear window, opening like the boot of a sedan on a hatchback restricts the functionality of the boot to a certain extent. While the smart-looking rear is a mismatch with the plain-looking front, the overall looks of the car tends to grow on you over a period of time.

INTERIORS
The Vibe boasts of comfortable interior space. The doors open wide making ingress and egress a breeze. Three people can sit comfortably in the back seat with enough leg room for each. The Nippon-made two DIN music system incorporates USB and AUX connectivity. The dashboard carries a recess for stowing away things with black and silver accents while the grab handles which house the power window switches are sturdy and chunky enough to be used on SUVs!

The dashboard carries recess for storing things

The top-of-the-line D6 version comes with electrically adjustable wing mirrors. The steering retains the dark tone while the looking-through-it silver-ringed clocks in the instrument panel are clear and easy to read. Amber-lit single LCD multifunction display gives away information such as average fuel consumption,trip metres etc.

The central console provides three cubby holes which are big enough for disposable cups only. The door pads carry map pockets and are devoid of any fabric inserts unlike the ruling trend. Thus the interiors are nothing to shout about especially due to lower-quality plastic parts. The cabin space and comfort, however, gets our thumbs up!

The LCD multifunction displays information like average fuel consumption and trip metres

ENGINE, RIDE AND HANDLING
The engine having been shared with the Verito remains unchanged on the Vibe, which again is the proven Renault 1.5 dCi unit producing 65 PS @4,000 rpm and 160 nm of torque @ 2,000 rpm and manages a 0-100 dash in 16.8 seconds. The Vibe is pleasant to drive around, thanks to low-end torque which kicks in from as low as 1,000+rpm and doesn't tail off until about 3,000-3,500rpm. The gearbox slots with a fair amount of precision but feels a wee bit notchy. However, it is fun to use due to its short-shift action. The Logan's ride quality was its hallmark and Mahindra has done its best to retain the fantastic well-cushioned suspension on the Vibe. Ride quality is one of the absolute highlights of the Vibe, not just in its own segment, but across segments. It's more suited for a comfortable drive than for sporty switchback hunting uphill. The Vibe returned us a figure or 14.6 kmpl with mixed driving cycle which a typical user can expect within the city, taking it on the highways it will return a 16.2kmpl figure. Overall, this makes the Vibe a pleasant car to drive around while being easy on the wallet.

VERDICT
The Vibe offers the practicality of a hatchback with the space and comfort of a sedan. Cleverly kitted, the Vibe does miss out on few features like the rear wash and wipe, height adjustable seats, split folding rear seats to name a few. However considering the price at which it is offered (Rs 6,49,473/ - ex-showroom Mumbai w/o Octroi for 1.5 D6) it makes for a sensible purchase. If practicality, comfort, fuel efficiency are the deciding factors, then the Vibe is for you!u00a0

Tech specs
VERITO VIBE

Price: Rs 6,49,473 ex-showroom
Engine Displacement (cc): 1461
Maximum power (PS/rpm): 65/4000
Kerb Weight (kg): 1155
Torque: 160 nm at 2000 rpm
Top speed: 250km/h