Mahindra Verito Vibe vs. Ford Figo: Which one’s easier on the pocket?

The newly launched Verito Vibe by Mahindra is the newest entrant in the fiercely competitive hatchback segment. The Vibe isn’t quite a hatchback because of its rear section styling and Mahindra has ended up with a notchback design. The looks of it however, is a debatable issue.

The Ford Figo on the other hand, has been in the market for some time and has been received very well since its launch. A few months back, it received a minor facelift which gave it a breath of fresh air; a quintessential job for most companies as a mid-life makeover. The value for money proposition that the Figo brings along is still the primary reason for the car being popular. Also read: Mahindra launches Verito Vibe at Rs. 5.63 lakh

What does the Verito Vibe offer you?

There is one big problem with shortening a sedan into a compact sedan –in most cases you end up with something that may not be proportionate. The massive tail lamps dominate the rear section and most of the car is identical to the Verito compact sedan; with the only change being the newly designed front grill. Overall, the car isn’t all that appealing and is reminiscent of hatchback designs of the eighties.

The big advantage that the Mahindra Verito Vibe has, compared to other hatchbacks in its segment is that it is easily the most spacious car in its class. The cabin space is identical to the full-size Verito – a car whose USP was space. The rear seat of the Verito Vibe is wide and can seat three abreast comfortably. Boot space is a huge 330 litres but flexibility of space is compromised as the seats can’t be folded and neither can the rear parcel tray be removed. Adding to this, access to the boot isn’t all that convenient either. Also read: All you wanted to know about compact sedans – Amaze, Dzire, Indigo

The top-end D6 variant of the Verito Vibe gets a single driver’s airbag, ABS, EBD, power adjustable mirrors, height adjustable seat and double-DIN music system with USB and Aux-in. Though, it misses out on Bluetooth, rear wiper and a rear defogger.

The Verito Vibe isn’t a slouch when it comes to drivability and performance.  The Mahindra Verito Vibe is powered by the tried-and-tested Renault-Nissan K9K 1.5 litre (1461 cc) diesel engine that puts out 65 Bhp of power at 4000 Rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 2000 Rpm. This is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine is known to be incredibly fuel efficient and have very little turbo-lag, making it very drivable in the city. Also read: Mahindra Verito voted better looking that Toyota Etios!

What does the Figo offer you?

The new Ford Figo has got refreshed looks that make it sportier and fresher. It has new headlamps, a hexagonal grille, new bumper, new tail-lamps and new alloys – which are some of the major external changes since the last upgrade.

The top-end Figo Titanium diesel, offers features such as electric mirrors, dual airbags, tilt steering, electric boot release, integrated Bluetooth music system with phone connectivity and now steering audio controls too. Just these features can surely swing buyers in the direction of the Figo. However, the Figo does not offer rear power windows – something that not all buyers are comfortable with. Also read: New Ford Figo vs Maruti Swift comparison

The 1.4-litre Duratorq diesel which drives the Fiesta also powers the 1.4 TDCI diesel Ford Figo. The Figo diesel has got superb drivability, fantastic low and mid-range response for city driving and on the highway it performs well too. Rated at 68 Bhp with 160 Nm of torque at 2000 Rpm, this is a very drivable engine at any rev range and has a nice, meaty roar.

What we think…

Looks play a very important role in car selection. Therefore, trying to push the Mahindra Verito Vibe as a notchback akin to an entry sedan wouldn’t work for it. However, the ample amount of space that the Verito Vibe has to offer is practically unmatched in this segment where most people will opt for it while considering a hatchback. The Vibe is fuel efficient too and does a very good job of minding its manners on the road too. Surprisingly, the clutch is very light as compared to the Figo or any other diesel hatch out there. This would be a boon in city traffic, especially for those who use their cars the most in office hour rush.

But the Figo wins here simply because it’s a more complete package as compared to the Verito Vibe and at a much lower price point. The top-end Figo Titanium TDCi costs Rs. 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) against Rs. 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Verito Vibe. Both cars are pretty close in terms of features and space but the Figo is better looking, is fuel efficient and mostly is sporty, precise and more involving to drive than the Verito Vibe. Also see:Ford Figo diesel video review 

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