Mahindra & Mahindra has recently launched the 2012 Mahindra Verito. A lot of changes have been brought to the car so as to make it more appealing and interesting for new buyers. Earlier the Verito was one of the most dated looking cars but now it does appeal. We have been comparing the 2012 Verito with other entry level sedans and today it is the battle between the Verito and Etios sedan. In our Car Comparison series, we have already compared the new Mahindra Verito VS Ford Classis and Mahindra Verito Vs Maruti Swift Dzire.
Exterior Comparison
If you look at Verito’s previous model and the model launched now, you can easily notice the remarkable change the company has brought. It gets a number of changes on the exterior that include new front fascia, new grille with chrome, new lid on the boot, clear lens headlamps and tail lamps, new eyebrow headlamps, new front and rear bumper, new alloy wheels, new side cladding etc.
The Etios was designed specifically for the Indian market but I believe Toyota did not give much attention to styling. If you had asked me to compare the cars earlier (prior to Verito’s makeover) on the grounds of looks it would have been a little difficult. But now it is undeniable that Etios does look a little dated and is less appealing than the 2012 Verito.
2012 Mahindra Verito Dimensions
- Overall length: 4277 mm
- Overall width: 1740 mm
- Height: 1540 mm
- Wheel base: 2630 mm
Toyota Etios Dimensions
- Overall Length : 4265mm
- Overall Width : 1695 mm
- Overall Height : 1510 mm
- Overall Wheelbase : 2550 mm
Although both the cars feature a 3 box design and unlike Dzire do not look compact at all, the Verito does stand out in terms of room. The Verito is longer, wider, taller and also has a significantly longer wheelbase which means you get better space on the inside.
Interior Comparison
image – Mahindra Verito Interior
Though the 2012 Verito has left its dated look far behind, the story on the inside is a different. The company has redesigned the dashboard but unfortunately it still looks a bit dull and unexciting. Quality wise one may not have any issues but in looks, it surely isn’t appealing. Features list includes 2 DIN audio system (new), conveniently placed power window switches (new), electrically adjustable ORVMs (new), variometric AC with electronic controls and fast cooling (new), front and rear head restrains, front door map pockets, rear defogger, remote locking and central locking, beige interiors with fabric upholstery, fabric door trims, driver side airbag on top end D6 model, engine immobilizer, child locks for rear doors, ABS and EBD in top end model D6 etc.
image – Toyota Etios Interiors
The Etios may not be the better in exterior styling but on the inside the car does have edge over the Verito. The passenger cabin of Etios is nice with dual tone theme and an unconventionally designed dashboard. The AC vents located at the center look different and the instrument cluster has also been positioned in the middle. Features list includes the largest cooled glove box, steering mounted audio controls, audio system with USB and AUX in connectivity, dual tone upholstery, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, engine immobilizer, child lock and many others.
The cabin of Verito may offer more space but honestly speaking the quality, fit and finish, upmarket feel is only present in the Etios. In interior the Verito is miles behind.
Engine Comparison
Mahindra Verito Engines
Mahindra Verito Petrol
- 1.4 Litre MPFI Petrol engine
- 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve, 1390 CC displacement
- Peak power of 75 BHP @ 5500 RPM
- Peak torque of 110 Nm @ 3000 RPM
- Kerb Weight of 1080 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 69.44 BHP per 1000 Kg
- Mileage: Around 14 KMPL.
Mahindra Verito Diesel
- 1.5 Litre dCi CRDI Diesel Engine
- 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve, 1461 CC displacement
- Peak power of 65 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Peak torque of 160 Nm @ 2000 RPM
- Kerb Weight of 1140 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 57 BHP per 1000 Kg
- ARAI certified mileage of 21.03 KMPL
Toyota Etios Engines
Toyota Etios Petrol
- Engine type – 2NR- FE, Gasoline MPFI, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC
- Capacity 1496 cc
- Max Power 89 BHP @5600 RPM
- Max Torque 132 Nm @ 3000 RPM
- Electronic Fuel Injection Engine
- ARAI certified mileage of 17.6 KMPL
- Kerb Weight = 900 Kg to 930 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 97.3 BHP / 1000 Kg
Toyota Etios Diesel
- 1.4 Litre D4D CRDI Diesel Engine
- Displacement of 1364 CC
- Max Power of 67.07 BHP @ 3800 RPM
- Max Torque of 170 Nm @ 1800 to 2400 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- ARAI Certified mileage of 23.59 KMPL
- Kerb Weight = 990 Kg to 1005 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 67.2 BHP / 1000 Kg
Let us take the petrol ones first. The Verito comes with a 1.4 litre unit that is good for 75 BHP of max power and 110 Nm of peak torque, The Etios petrol sports a 1.5 litre unit that puts out an impressive 89 BHP of power and 132 Nm of torque. In terms of power and torque the Etios petrol is better. Taking into account the respective fuel efficiency figures of the two, once again the Etios can be crowned as the winner with 17.6 KMPL as against Verito’s 14 KMPL.
Coming to diesel variants now, the Verito gets a 1.5 litre unit that churns out 65 BHP of power and 160 Nm of torque which is fine. On the other hand the Etios diesel equips a smaller 1.4 litre unit good for 67 BHP of power and 170 Nm of torque. So there is a marginal difference between the two. If we look at the mileage figures once again the Etios is in lead with 23.6 KMPL as against Verito’s 21 KMPL.
Performance & Handling
The 2012 Verito’s suspension is carried over from its previous model which absorbs bumps easily. It rides well and is quite stable but one cannot expect impressive maneuverability from the car. The Etios contrastingly is much more comfortable, thanks to its finely tuned suspension. Etios is also quite good on highways and city roads but it simply lacks the confidence for taking sharp corners. In short, both the car are at par.
Price Comparison
Mahindra Verito Price List
2012 Mahindra Verito Petrol Model ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:
- Mahindra Verito G2 Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.27 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito G4 Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.49 Lakhs
2012 Mahindra Verito Diesel Model ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:
- Mahindra Verito D2 Diesel is priced at Rs. 6.26 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito D4 Diesel is priced at Rs. 6.48 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito D6 Diesel is priced at Rs. 7.14 Lakhs
Toyota Etios Price List
Toyota Etios Petrol Price ex-showroom Delhi:
- Toyota Etios J: Rs. 5.14 lakhs
- Toyota Etios G: Rs. 5.71 lakhs
- Toyota Etios G SP: Rs. 6.18 lakhs
- Toyota Etios V: Rs. 6.70 lakhs
- Toyota Etios VX: Rs. 7.18 lakhs
Toyota Etios Diesel Price ex-showroom Delhi:
- Toyota Etios D-4D GD: Rs. 6.76 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D GD SP: Rs. 7.23 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D VD: Rs. 7.75 lakhs
- Toyota Etios D-4D VXD: Rs. 8.23 lakhs
Mahindra Verito G2/G4 Vs Toyota Etios J/G
The Verito’s pricing starts at 5.27 lakh whereas the base Etios J variant comes at 5.14 lakh. Mahindra is always seen as a competitor who prices its products aggressively but here Toyota beats the Indian major. If one is looking for a base model and does not considers spending money on features, undoubtedly the Etios J will be a great choice.
The G4 Verito is the next model after the base G2 and comes with a handful of extra features like power windows, central locking, body coloured door handles etc. The only model in competition with G4 is the Etios G which is on the pricier side with a difference of around 22,000 INR. One will get similar features on the same, however as an overall package the Etios G is a better car.
There is no top end variant in Verito’s petrol line-up which is disappointing for prospective buyers who could still go with a feature packed petrol car. If you really want a petrol car with better features then you will have to consider the rest of Etios lineup: G SP, V and VX.
Mahindra Verito D4 Vs Toyota Etios GD
Unfortunately for buyers looking for a basic diesel car, the Etios could not be considered due to the fact that the line-up starts with GD variant and not a JD variant. But the Verito does have a base offering D2 at 6.26 lakh which is considerable.
Talking about the GD Etios and D4 Verito now, both the cars have been position close but there is a price difference of 28,000 INR. Feature wise they get the same features that come with Verito G4 and Etios G petrol and one may find a slight difference only. But if you talk about the the interior quality and overall performance of the car, the Etios GD is marginally better.
Mahindra Verito D6 Vs Toyota Etios GD SP
The D6 top of the line Verito variant is priced at 7.14 lakh while the Etios GD SP (safety pack) is priced at 7.23 lakh and comes with optional safety features such as ABS, EBD, Airbags and driver seatbelt warning. Here I find it difficult to conclude which car is better as the Etios GD SP is only 10,000 INR more expensive but is well worth it as it has better mileage and engine output. So it’s a tie.
If you wish to have more features in your car and want leather in the passenger cabin, you are free to go for Etios VD and VXD variant that are priced at 7.75 lakh and 8.23 lakh INR.
Car Blog India Verdict – Mahindra Verito Vs Toyota Etios
If you are considering buying any of the diesel variants of the two cars, I would say both the cars are at par and you can go with either. But if you are more inclined towards petrol powered vehicles, the Etios would a better choice over the Verito as it is not only more powerful but frugal as well. Last but not the least I would suggest you to test drive both the cars before making your final decision.