Mahindra & Mahindra plans to launch a sub-four-metre version of the Verito saloon by early 2013. This will allow M&M to qualify for the excise duty SOP on cars of this length, enabling it to price them competitively.

The sub-four-metre Verito is expected to sport styling cues similar to the recently facelifted Verito. However, we expect the front bumper of the car to be altered a bit. It will use the same basic structure as its bigger sibling, though Mahindra’s engineers have chopped off a large chunk of the boot while retaining the wheelbase. This will help the saloon duck the 4000mm mark (the regular Verito is 4247mm).

While the current Verito is powered by 1.4 petrol and 1.5 diesel motors, the sub-four-metre offering may come with only a single engine option – the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi diesel motor – which has in any case been the reason for the car’s success. The Verito sold over 16,000 units in 2011, nearly double its 2010 tally. With the sub-four-metre Verito, Mahindra will be ready to take the fight to Maruti's Dzire and Tata's Indigo eCS. The sub-four-metre saloon will be sold alongside the existing saloon.