Mahindra to do two Logan variants this year

The failed partnership between Renault and Mahindra has turned out to be beneficial for the Logan in India. Very soon, the silver diamond and Logan badge will bid adieu as Mahindra is padding up to sell it under a different brand.

Mahindra will sell two variants of the Logan under a different name (Logano, anyone?). This will be Mahindra's first product in the passenger car segment. Post the divorce, Logan prices were slashed and the sales have increased drastically. The boot-cut operation is expected to bring prices down further, and that is only going make it better for customers.

The first variant will be a sub 4-meter sedan that will benefit from lower duty costs. It should come with the same 1.5-liter diesel engine on the regular Logan that will go under the surgeon's knife and come out looking like a Mahindra product. Mahindra seems to be very fond of the sub 4-meter concept. The Xylo will also sport a truncated rear for tax breaks.

Part of this transition will include removal of Renault badges from some 150 dealerships across India.

Renault is working on setting up its own distribution network in India and plans to have 70 dealers by 2013 to sell the Fluence, Koleos, Duster and V-Platform derivatives.