Mahindra Marazzo Review: Potent Rival to Toyota Innova Crysta?

As the SUV space is seeing impressive growth, the other segment is struggling to retain its share in the market. Compared to other larger segment in the market, the MPV segment is more like a niche market which attracts buyers with particular interests in highly practical cars and large seating capacity. Despite SUVs' expanding market share, the MPV is still remaining a stable sales volume. Moreover, the competition in this segment is not as strong as in other more popular spaces like hatchbacks and SUVs, meaning there is still space for new entrants. For those reasons, some car manufacturers are eyeing for this segment. In the last couple of years, we have seen some new competent new cars to emerge in this space. One of those is the Mahindra Marazzo.

Mahindra Marazzo was launched in September 2018. The car was developed and designed by Mahindra Design Studio in collaboration with Italian design studio Pininfarina and Mahindra Research Automotive based in North America. The cross-nation collaboration has brought in a unique looking design for Mahindra’s first people-mover. At the time of its launch, Mahindra Marazzo had gained instant attention for its well-loaded package and a host of segment-first features. In the following review, IndianAuto gives you a detailed Mahindra Marazzo Review.

Mahindra Marazzo Exterior

As mentioned above, the Mahindra Marazzo was the result of the collaboration between Mahindra’s Indian team and the world-famous Pininfarina car design firm which is also owned by Mahindra. The partnership has given the Mahindra Marazzo a unique look that sets it apart from other Mahindra models.

Front end

The name Marazzo means “shark” in Basque language. And the design of the Marazzo is claimed to take inspiration from this fish. On the front end, Mahindra has integrated the “shark” theme into the design of the grille and foglight. While the grille comes with a design that reminds us of the shark’s teeth, the foglight housing gives use the shark and spine-chilling stare of this dangerous fish. Even though these styling bits tell an interesting backstory, the front design failed to deliver some impactful moments.

Side profile

From the side profile, Mahindra Marazzo sports a conventional design that is commonly seen in MPVs. It gets machine-cut 17-inch wheels and a raised waistline with a chrome highlight and sloping window line.

Rear end

The shark theme is carried to the rear end. The dominant taillights are claimed to take inspiration from the shark tail, giving the Marazzo a unique look. Along with the shark-inspired taillight, this MPV also gets a highlight of chrome bar running across the boot lid.

Mahindra Marazzo Dimension

With the length of 4,585 mm, the Mahindra Marazzo comes with the largest footprint out of Mahindra’s passenger vehicle line-up. The MPV measures at 1,866mm in width and 1,774mm in height. Compared to the segment-leading Innova Crysta, the Marazzo is shorter and wider. Even though the Marazzo is shorter, it ends up with a longer wheelbase.

Mahindra Marazzo Interior

From the outside, Mahindra Mazzaro makes its mark as a matured looking vehicle with rather traditional MPV look. This styling continues to be applied in the interior. The Marazzo’s interior design looks simple with a clutter-free dashboard design. While keeping the interior a simple design, Mahindra also brings some sophisticated and classy elements to the table with the use of materials. The black fascia finish adds some appeals to the cabin. However, this design element can be a minor turn-off due to its reflective surface under daylight.

Seating capacity

Thanks to its extended dimensions, the Mahindra Marazzo comes with a generous interior space. There is plenty of interior space available in all three rows. Moreover, the beige colour makes the interior look bright and creates a spacious and airy feel to the Marazzo’s cabin.

Mahindra Marazzo Exterior

On the front row, the seats feel nice and comfortable. However, it would have done better if the front seats get better under-thigh support. Thanks to the high driving position, the driver can have a broad view of the road ahead. This MPV can offer generous space for both the second and the third row. While the third-row space is always a concern for  MPV users, the Marazzo comes as an exception with adequate room for the third row that two adults can sit comfortably. Even during a long road trip, the occupants will not feel cramped or uneasy.

Safety Features

In terms of safety, the Mahindra Marazzo is available with a host of safety features including a dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchor and cornering lamps as standard. Higher variants will get some additional features like parking sensor and reversing camera with guidelines. However, some people might not happy with the dual airbags offer on the top-spec variants.

Comfort Features

Mahindra Marazzo also scores high in terms of comfort and convenience. Mahindra has equipped this MPV with some segment-leading features.

Mahindra Marazzo Touchscreen

Mahindra Marazzo comes with a host of features. Some of which are first-in-segment. These features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, automatic climate control along with the roof-mounted air conditioning system for the second and the third row. The roof-mount AC allows the passengers in both the second row and the third row to enjoy the comfort of cooling air. The best part of this system is the diffusing mode will distribute the fresh air throughout the cabin without blasting cool air at one spot. The charging ports are available for the front end and the second row.

Along with these given features, Mahindra also provides the Marazzo with additional interior accessory kit developed by DC Design.

Mahindra Marazzo Engine

Mahindra Marazzo is available with one engine option which is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, this engine is capable of making a top power of 123PS and 300Nm. However, Mahindra is expected to introduce a new automatic version of the Marazzo in the near future along with the launch of petrol variants. One of the biggest concerns for the Mahindra Marazzo is whether or not this engine can proficiently move the car forward when it is fully loaded.

Mahindra Marazzo Mileage: Is it fuel efficient?

Marazzo’s engine can return a respectable ARAI efficiency mileage of 14.86 km for city driving and 17 kmpl in highway driving. These fuel mileage figures can be considered quite good for an MPV.

Mahindra Marazzo Cost: Is it Affordable?

At the moment, Mahindra Marazzo is on sale at the price range from Rs 11.25 lakh to Rs 13.59 lakh.

Mahindra Marazzo Colours: How many Options?

Mahindra Marazzo is on offer with five colour options:

• Mariner Maroon

• Iceberg White

• Shimmering Silver

• Oceanic Black

• Aqua Marine