Is the MPV segment really shrinking? Perhaps, but one look at individual sales figures and two models stand tall – the Toyota Innova Crysta and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Despite the price having doubled since the previous-generation version was launched, the Innova still clocks over 6,500 units monthly, while the Ertiga, now in the last few months of its current iteration, still managed over 3,500 units in August. These two have proven that if the packaging is right and the product is dependable, sales are inevitable.
Interestingly, there’s a Rs 5 lakh vacuum between the Ertiga diesel (Rs 8.78 to Rs 10.69 lakh) and the Innova 2.4 diesel (Rs 15.77 to 20.71 lakh). Yes, the Renault Lodgy does sit in this space, but it’s failed to make a mark. Enter the new Mahindra Marazzo. Priced at Rs 9.99-13.90 lakh, it sits neatly between the two, making the carmaker’s intentions quite clear – it’s gunning for buyers from both sides.
Developed from a clean slate by the Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Michigan, USA, the Marazzo looks and feels vastly different from any Mahindra before it. It’s built on an all-new platform, is powered by a new 123hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine, gets a new six-speed manual gearbox, and, crucially, it wears a design language that’s safe and contemporary.
There’s only one engine and transmission option currently available across the Marazzo’s four variants – M2, M4, M6 and M8. Safety kit like ABS, EBD, dual airbags, all-wheel disc brakes and Isofix child seat mounts are standard on all. The bottom three variants get both eight- (second row bench) and seven-seater (second row captain seats) options, whereas the top trim is only available in the seven-seat configuration. Features like a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto, a reversing camera and sensors, 17-inch alloys, a rear wiper and washer, part-leather upholstery, rear air-con, climate control, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and cruise control are part of the equipment list in the top variant.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, with good touch sensitivity and an interface that’s quick to respond. What’s nice is that it gets Android Auto, but Apple CarPlay isn’t available for now. The user interface, too, is fairly easy to work with, but it could still do with a bit more spit and polish. The integrated navigation system works precisely, and it will even give you turn prompts on the multi-info display between the dials, which is useful. You can also sync a phone via Bluetooth while on the move, though for safety’s sake, it’s best to let your passenger do it for you.
Mahindra has outdone itself with the Marazzo in terms of design and quality. As a people mover, it is spacious, comfortable and well equipped. The engine’s refinement and effortlessness in the city are highlights and the car’s light controls, high seating and excellent visibility make it nice and easy to drive. The body-on-frame construction gives it a sense of indestructibility over bad roads, and its ride is quite simply the comfiest in its segment. This 1.5-litre diesel engine could have done with stronger performance, particularly with a full load of passengers, and some cabin ergonomic quirks should have been sorted out. While its starting price is attractive, Mahindra could have priced the higher variants a touch more aggressively. But on the whole, the Marazzo is a huge leap forward for Mahindra and for those looking for an easy-to-drive, plush and spacious seven-seater family car, this MPV is certainly the one we can recommend.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2O2wJXa
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