Mahindra Verito Compact sedan spotted testing!

The Mahindra Verito compact sedan was spotted testing in Bangalore. The Verito compact sedan is expected to be launched during the second half of 2012 and may be priced around Rs. 40,000 less than the present model.

The heavily camouflaged vehicle had a stubby boot which hinted that the car’s length will be less than four meters and hence, will qualify for the small car excise duty sops.

The test mule of the Verito compact sedan had a refreshed rear. The number plate was placed at the middle of the boot lid unlike the regular Verito where the number plate is integrated into the rear bumper. The test mule had reflectors but did not have a tow hook as in the present model. Expect the tail lamp cluster of the Verito compact sedan to have different styling elements as well. Apart from these changes it is essentially a shortened Verito.

The Verito compact sedan may get refreshed interiors but will retain the spacious cabin which can accommodate five passengers easily. However, the boot space of 510 litres offered in the Verito will not be available in the compact version but will stil likely be a decent 350 litres.

The Verito compact sedan will likely be powered by a 1.5 litre dCI engine that churns out 65 bhp of power and 160 Nm of torque. At present, the Verito diesel has a claimed mileage of 21.03 kmpl and hence, the Verito compact version may have similar mileage or even a bit more than the present model. Also read: Why the Mahindra Verito is a good car for its features

As per the government norms, petrol cars that are powered by engines less than 1.2 litres are eligible for small cars. Hence, Mahindra may not offer the Verito compact sedan in petrol version because, the Verito has a 1.4-litre petrol motor that will make it disqualified for the small car excise duty benefits.

The Verito compact sedan may be priced in the range of Rs. 5.78 lakh – Rs. 6.54 lakh (obtained by deducting Rs. 40,000 from the Verito price range). The sub-four meter Verito will take on the two compact sedans, the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire diesel which is priced in the range of Rs. 5.91 lakh – Rs. 7.51 lakh and the Tata Indigo eCS diesel priced in the range of Rs. 5.61 lakh – Rs. 6.14 lakh.

(Image courtesy: Team Fiat)