Mahindra Verito

Mahindra has been ruling the Sports Utility Vehicle segment in India for over a decade now but the automobile heavyweight felt the need to venture into the sedan class. Thus, Mahindra Verito was brought in front of enthusiasts but the response was not as overwhelming as the company had expected. As a result, the company decided to give a massive facelift to the car in order to make its presence felt in the industry. The new Mahindra Verito boasts of having not one or two but 23 new features which were not to be seen in the previous version of the car. There have been changes in the outlook of the car as well as interiors. The ergonomics basically is the area where change has been made. But what is it that segregates the new Verito from its antecedent?

Mahindra has launched the much-awaited 2013 model of Verito in India. It will be sold as ‘Verito Refresh’. When it comes to the styling and interiors, we must say that the company has worked very hard in making the Verito look less boxy and modern. Mahindra says there are 23 new changes and features on the Verito Refresh.

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched Executive Edition of their entry-level sedan 'Verito'. It is available in only white shade with sporty body decals and is priced at INR 7.75 lakhs (ex-showroom New Delhi). Other prominent features of Verito Executive Edition are touchscreen navigation system, leather upholstered seats, leather upholstered steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity.

Fast Facts

• Available in both petrol and diesel
• Available in five variants: G2, G4, D2, D4 and D6
• BSIV variants of Mahindra Verito are also available
• Mahindra has added 23 new features (styling and comfort)
• Petrol engine is 1390cc - 75 Bhp power and 110 Nm torque
• Diesel engine is 1461cc - 65 Bhp power and 160 Nm torque
• Available in eight shades

Exterior

Starting with the front fascia, Mahindra has blessed new Verito with stylish chrome grille that gives a better appeal to the front of car and makes the car resemble that of a Skoda. A change has been made in the headlights of the car as well and the difference can be seen in the positioning of the indicators. In the previous version of the car, the indicators used to be underneath the headlights whereas it is vice versa in the case of the new one. Adding to it, this very feature makes the car even more unique due to the fact that Verito might be the only car on the circuit which has indicators on top of headlights instead of below it. The front bumper as well as the fog lamps have also been revamped and the new look is truly commendable. There is a new feature related to the front fascia. Mahindra Verito now has windshield wipers towards the right side of the front screen according to the preference of the driver. Only countable number of features of the previous version has been kept in the car as the company did not want its customers to doubt that the new version is indeed a successor of the previous one. Moving to the rear portion of the car, a few noticeable changes can be seen in the tail lights and additionally, a fine amount of crease has been added for the betterment of the looks from the rear. Reverse lights have been gently put on both the taillights. In the previous version of the car, the number plate was stuck to the bumper of the car whereas this time they have fitted it to the boot of the car.

Interior

Not only the exteriors of the Verito are commendable but same goes for the interiors as well. Once we are inside the cabin, the first noticeable thing would be the buttons which are meant for power windows. In the previous version, the buttons used to be there on the central console but this time every door has its respective buttons for power windows which in turn makes it even more convenient to operate. Adding to this, the area of the central console can be used to accommodate something else instead of the power windows buttons in the previous version which covered up unnecessary space. Almost all of the components visible inside the cabin have been covered with beige which symbolizes luxury. Towards the right side of the steering wheel, the control functions of the central locking as well as the rear-view mirrors are installed. There is a button given beneath the steering wheel which is meant to control height of the bonnet. Thus, the interiors of the car are as good as the exteriors.

Engine and Gearbox

Mahindra Verito Refresh is powered by same Ranault engines - the common-rail diesel engine which displaces 1461cc to develop 65 bhp at 4000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. The petrol engine which displaces 1390cc to develop 75 bhp at 5500 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. BSIV variants of Mahindra Verito are also available. The power train of Verito feels indestructible too in a way traditional engines did. The gear ratios are suited for commuting and getting in and out of the car is easy and seats are good for three-hour stints. The body structure of Verito is extremely stiff for good ride and handling and the use of a current platform also means crash survivability is of the highest order. The five-speed gearbox fitted contributes to driving pleasure a fair bit.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety of the passengers, Mahindra Verito might not be that much promising owing to the fact that the company could provide only one airbag instead of two. But loopholes are meant to be there in every car. Coming to the tires of the car, New Mahindra Verito is equipped with highly durable tires which give a high level of traction control to the car altogether. In addition, the fog lamps given to the new version of the car give a brighter luminance which makes it easy for the driver to drive through dense fogs.

Shades

Mahindra Verito Refresh is available in eight attractive colors: Dolphin Grey, Java Brown, Mist Silver, Diamond White, Toreador Red, Twilight Blue, Fiery Black and Rocky Beige.

Variants

Mahindra Verito Refresh is available in five variants: Petrol G2, Petrol G4, Diesel D2, Diesel D4 and Diesel D6. The base model of Verito is G2/D2 which comes with air-conditioner, power steering, boot opener, remote operated fuel tank lid, sun visors, body coloured bumpers, rear fog lamps, roof rails, anti-theft electronic safety system, tachometer, LCD screen on the instrument cluster. The next model is G4/D4 which in addition to the the features of G2/D2 comes with power windows, internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, central locking, body coloured rear view mirrors and body coloured door handles. The top of the line variant is D6 which in addition to the features of D4 comes with 2 disc music system with four speakers, rear defogger, remote central locking, front fog lamps, alloy wheels, chrome finished front grille, ABS (Anti-lock braking system), driver side airbag and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

Main Features

The top model of Mahindra Verito Refresh (D6) comes fully loaded with following features: Air conditioner and cabin heater, Remote operated trunk lid and fuel lid, Power steering and power windows, Single disc CD player with four speakers, Remote central locking and rear defogger, Front and rear fog lamps, Chrome finished front grille, Spoiler, roof rails and side cladding and Driver side SRS airbag, ABS and EBD.

Verdict

On the whole, the new version of Mahindra Verito fares well in terms of exterior looks and interior looks. Minor changes have been made to the ergonomics of the car.