In the bustling Indian automotive market, where SUVs and compact cars dominate the landscape, the Mahindra Marazzo has carved out a unique niche for itself.
This stylish Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) has been turning heads and winning hearts since its launch, offering a compelling blend of design, comfort, and practicality that appeals to both families and fleet operators alike.
A Design Inspired by Nature
The Marazzo’s design is a departure from the boxy silhouettes typically associated with MPVs. Drawing inspiration from the sleek and powerful form of a shark, Mahindra’s designers have created a vehicle that stands out in its segment.
The front fascia features a bold grille with chrome inserts, flanked by sharp, swept-back headlamps that give the Marazzo an aggressive stance.
The streamlined profile, with its subtle character lines and gently sloping roof, contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a spacious interior.
One of the most striking design elements is the unique tooth-like design on the front bumper, which not only adds to the shark-inspired theme but also houses the fog lamps.
The rear of the Marazzo continues the aquatic theme with distinctive shark-tail inspired taillamps that wrap around the corners, creating a wide and stable appearance.
The attention to detail in the Marazzo’s design extends to practical elements as well. Large doors with a wide opening angle facilitate easy ingress and egress, a crucial feature for a family-oriented vehicle.
The high ground clearance, a necessity for Indian road conditions, has been seamlessly integrated into the design without compromising the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
Step inside the Marazzo, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both premium and practical.
The interior design follows a piano-black theme with silver accents, creating an upmarket ambiance. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all controls within easy reach of the driver.
One of the Marazzo’s standout features is its flexible seating configuration. Available in both 7-seater and 8-seater variants, the MPV offers multiple seating arrangements to suit different needs. The second row, in particular, deserves special mention.
In the 7-seater configuration, it features captain seats that can be adjusted for optimal comfort. The 8-seater version comes with a bench seat that can accommodate three adults comfortably.
The third row, often an afterthought in many vehicles, is surprisingly spacious in the Marazzo. It can comfortably seat two adults, making it a genuine seven or eight-seater.
When not in use, the third row can be folded flat to create a large cargo area, adding to the vehicle’s versatility.
Comfort features abound in the Marazzo. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, making long journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.
Climate control is taken care of by a highly effective air conditioning system with industry-first surround cool technology, ensuring that all passengers, even those in the third row, remain comfortable.
Storage spaces are plentiful, with numerous cubby holes, bottle holders, and a cooled glovebox providing ample room for all the knick-knacks that accompany family travel.
The roof-mounted sunglass holder and retractable armrests in the second row (for the 7-seater variant) are thoughtful additions that enhance the overall user experience.
Performance that Impresses
Under the hood, the Marazzo is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine that strikes a fine balance between performance and efficiency.
This powerplant produces 121 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, figures that ensure the Marazzo never feels underpowered, even when fully loaded.
The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, which offers well-spaced ratios for both city driving and highway cruising.
An automatic transmission option is also available for those who prefer a more relaxed driving experience, especially in urban traffic conditions.
One of the Marazzo’s key strengths is its refined nature. The engine is remarkably quiet for a diesel unit, with minimal vibrations making their way into the cabin.
This, combined with the well-insulated interior, results in a serene driving experience that’s more akin to a premium sedan than a utilitarian MPV.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for both families and fleet operators, is another area where the Marazzo shines.
With claimed figures of up to 17.3 km/l, it’s one of the most economical vehicles in its class, making it an attractive proposition for those who clock high mileages.
Ride and Handling: A Pleasant Surprise
MPVs are typically not known for their dynamic abilities, but the Marazzo breaks this stereotype. Its unique body-on-frame construction with a transverse engine layout (a first for Mahindra) results in handling characteristics that are more car-like than one would expect from a vehicle of this size.
The suspension setup, consisting of McPherson struts at the front and a twist beam arrangement at the rear, is well-tuned to provide a comfortable ride without compromising on stability.
The Marazzo soaks up road imperfections with aplomb, ensuring that occupants remain comfortable even on long journeys over less-than-perfect roads.
Steering feel and feedback are surprisingly good for an MPV, with a light feel at low speeds for easy maneuverability in tight spaces, and a reassuring weight at higher speeds for confident highway cruising.
The turning radius of 5.25 meters is impressive for a vehicle of this size, making it easy to navigate through congested urban environments.
Braking performance is another area where the Marazzo impresses. The all-disc brake setup provides strong and consistent stopping power, inspiring confidence in the driver.
The inclusion of ABS with EBD as standard across all variants further enhances safety.
Technology and Features: Modern Touches
The Marazzo comes equipped with a host of features that cater to the needs of modern families. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This system not only provides entertainment options but also doubles as a display for the reverse parking camera.
Other notable features include:
Cruise control for relaxed highway driving
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Steering-mounted audio and phone controls
Voice command functionality
Eco mode for enhanced fuel efficiency
Follow-me-home headlamps
Electrically adjustable ORVMs
Higher variants of the Marazzo also come with a sophisticated instrument cluster that includes a 4.2-inch TFT display, providing a wealth of information to the driver.
Safety: A Top Priority
Mahindra has not compromised on safety with the Marazzo. The MPV comes with a robust body structure that has been designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively. Standard safety features across all variants include:
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Overspeeding warning
Seat belt reminders for driver and co-driver
Rear parking sensors
Higher variants add features like:
Side and curtain airbags
Emergency call function
Front and rear fog lamps
Automatic headlamps and wipers
The Marazzo’s commitment to safety is reflected in its 4-star Global NCAP rating, a commendable achievement for a vehicle in this segment.
Variants and Pricing
The Mahindra Marazzo is available in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and requirements. The lineup includes:
M2: The base variant that offers essential features at an attractive price point.
M4+: Adds comfort features like rear AC vents and a more advanced infotainment system.
M6+: Includes premium features like leatherette seats and a rear parking camera.
M8: The top-end variant with all the bells and whistles.
Pricing for the Marazzo starts at around ₹12.30 lakh for the base M2 variant and goes up to ₹14.57 lakh for the top-end M8 variant (ex-showroom prices).
This pricing strategy positions the Marazzo as a value-for-money proposition in the MPV segment, offering premium features and build quality at a competitive price point.
Mahindra Marazzo : A Worthy Contender in the MPV Segment
The Mahindra Marazzo represents a significant step forward for the Indian automaker in the MPV segment. It successfully combines the practicality and space of a traditional MPV with the style and driving dynamics more commonly associated with crossovers and SUVs.
Its unique design, inspired by the grace and power of a shark, sets it apart in a segment often criticized for bland aesthetics.
The spacious and versatile interior caters to the needs of large families and fleet operators alike, while the refined powertrain and impressive ride quality make it a pleasure to drive and be driven in.
With its competitive pricing, impressive feature list, and Mahindra’s reputation for ruggedness and reliability, the Marazzo presents a compelling case for those in the market for a versatile family vehicle. It’s not just an MPV; it’s a statement that practical family transportation can be stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on SUVs and crossovers, the Mahindra Marazzo stands as a reminder that there’s still a place for well-designed, purpose-built MPVs.
It’s a vehicle that doesn’t just meet the needs of its target audience but exceeds their expectations, setting a new benchmark in its segment.
Whether you’re a large family looking for a comfortable and stylish mode of transport, or a fleet operator seeking a reliable and efficient people mover, the Mahindra Marazzo deserves serious consideration. It’s a shark in a sea of ordinary fish, ready to make waves in the MPV segment.