Mahindra Verito Vibe vs. Tata Vista: Homegrown spacious cars

The Tata Vista is an upgraded Indica but is completely different to the Indica we have gotten used to. Tata has improved a lot on quality and plonking in Fiat’s Multijet engine has improved drivability and performance by many folds when compared to the older generation Indica. But has it got enough to beat Mahindra’s ne Verito Vibe? Let’s take a look.

What does the Vista have to offer?

Tata had dipped into the Tata Manza’s parts bin to freshen up the Indica Vista. The three-barrel headlamps (like the Manza) and a new chrome-bordered grille and fog lamp shroud gives the Vista’s front an attractive look. Also read: Tata Vista D90 video review

At the rear, there’s a large glossy black strip below the rear windshield, and a Tata logo with more space between letters, while the badges get a new font. The Vista is equipped with front and rear fog lamps and wash-wipe on the ZX

On the interiors, Tata has given the Vista a beige and black color scheme that does make the car look quite airy. As part of the features, the ZX gets an integrated audio system with USB, Aux-In, steering-mounted audio and phone controls and Bluetooth phone function (capable of pairing up to 5-phones). A noticeable change is in the quality of the plastics, which has been improved and now feels better to the touch. It also features lumbar support adjustment and height adjustment for the driver’s seat along with tilt-steering. The rear-seats are spacious and comfortable enough for three, but the middle passenger may find the transmission tunnel a little intrusive. The seats fold flat in a 60:40 spit giving the Vista some versatility in terms of luggage space. Boot space is about adequate at 232 litres.

The Indica Vista ZX is powered by the tried and tested 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine that puts out 74 Bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque. (This is the same engine that’s also in the diesel Maruti Swift, Maruti Dzire, Fiat Linea and Fiat Grande Punto.) Gear ratios are evenly spaced and there’s not too much turbo lag. However, the engine springs to life beyond 1700 rpm and pulls effortlessly from then on. The Quadrajet diesel we were driving gives an ARAI-certified mileage of 22.3 kmpl.

A significant effort has been made by Tata in improving the performance and handling of the Vista. The gear-lever has been worked upon and now has a more precise shift feel. The clutch has become significantly lighter and easy to use. A big improvement is in the steering. The Vista has hydraulic power steering, which has been tweaked to make the handling much sharper and more confidence inspiring. The suspension too has been stiffened, which gives the Vista much-improved ride and handling compared to the earlier Vista. Body roll has been reduced and darting in and out of traffic has become more sure-footed.

What does the Verito Vibe offer you?

The unattractive notchback design and the fact that the Vibe is practically identical to the boxy Verito, doesn’t do much for the car in terms of looks. It however, could appeal to someone looking for a different look than the bulk of other hatchbacks out there. Also read: Mahindra launches Verito Vibe at Rs. 5.63 lakh

The Mahindra Verito Vibe, compared to other hatchbacks in its segment (although the Verito Vibe is technically a sedan and not a hatchback), 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 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. The engine is known to be incredibly fuel efficient and have very little turbo-lag, making it very drivable in the city. A super-light clutch adds to the drivability factor, especially in traffic and the Vibe is very stable with minimal body-roll.

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

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What we think…

The Vista will set you back by Rs. 6.06 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the top-end diesel variant. Compare this to the Rs. 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) that you would have to shell out for the Verito Vibe and you might just be writing the cheque to Tata Motors. But, the Vista still dons the infamous Indica badge and there is a general perception of the Indica being looked down upon as a cab. Most buyers are put-off the Vista due to the same reasons for an otherwise good VFM car. Tata has made efforts to improve the car and this is seen in the Vista. All this coupled with the lower price tag and the Verito Vibe loses out. Also read: Mahindra Verito Vibe vs Ford Figo