The Mahindra Marazzo has been finally launched with prices starting at Rs. 9.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), but the MPV is offered only with a diesel engine. However, with demand for petrol derivatives consistently rising across all segments, the India automaker will find it hard to ignore the powertrain on its newly launched offering. Answering questions at the Marazzo launch event, Mahindra stated that the petrol version of the MPV is indeed in the pipeline but will make its debut close to when the BS6 emission norms are applicable. With the emission norms set for an upgrade from April 2020, it is likely that the Mahindra Marazzo petrol version will arrive only by early that year in the country.
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Details aren't out yet on the gasoline powertrain of the Marazzo, but the engine is likely to be a 1.5-litre unit as well, likely to produce in excess of 120 bhp. The automaker revealed that the petrol engine will comply with the BS6 emission norms, whereas the current 1.5-litre diesel motor is already BS6 compliant and will have to only go through the certification process and an exhaust upgrade to meet the stringent standards.
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Power on the Mahindra Marazzo comes from the 1.5-litre diesel engine tuned for 121 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque, while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The MPV will be taking on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Lodgy, Toyota Innova Crysta and the likes in the segment. Barring the Lodgy that is only offered with a 1.5-litre diesel, the Ertiga is currently available with the 1.4-litre petrol mill whereas the new generation version scheduled for an October launch will get the all-new 1.5-litre petrol with Smart Hybrid technology that churns out 103 bhp and peak torque of 138 Nm, and will get an automatic version. The engine recently made its debut on the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz facelift. The Toyota Innova Crysta too gets a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 164 bhp and 245 Nm of peak torque, offered in both manual and automatic transmissions.
Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Toyota Innova vs Tata Hexa: Price Comparison
(The Marazzo is based on a ladder-on-frame chassis, but is identical to a moncoque body in weight)
Elaborating on its strategy to opt for a body-on-frame architecture instead of a monocoque on the Marazzo, Mahindra said that the company intended to offer the advantages of a body-on-frame chassis, coupled with the practicality of a transverse-mounted engine that powers the front wheels. The combination is unique and rarely seen on vehicles at present.
While ladder-on-frame vehicles are traditionally heavier, Mahindra - Managing Director, Dr. Pawan Goenka clarified that the kerb weight on the Marazzo is identical to that of a monocoque vehicle, because of the propeller shaft and the heavy rear axle that has been omitted from the construction. Furthermore, the car uses 52 per cent high tensile steel that further reduces overall weight while keeping the strength intact for additional safety. Mahindra claims an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 17.6 kmpl.
Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo: Variants Explained
In addition to the petrol, the Mahindra Marazzo automatic version is also said to be in the pipeline. However, details or timeline for launch on the same hasn't been revealed yet. It is likely that the automaker will assess the demand for the regular variants of the MPV, before introducing the automatic version which will be substantially more expensive in pricing.
The Mahindra Marazzo is offered in four variants - M2, M4, M6 and M8, and gets shark-inspired design. The model has a large footprint, as big as the XUV500 but has been packaged in a compact appearance. The Marazzo is loaded on features including projector lens headlamps with cornering function, LED fog lamps with DRLs, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out D-pillar and more.
Also Read: Mahindra Marazzo: Key Features Explained In Detail
(The 2018 Mahindra Marazzo is loaded on features and gets a well-styled cabin)
The model is offered and 7- and 8-seater options and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Digisense and reverse camera. There's also a colour changing instrument console with a large MID unit, cruise control, auto climate control, multi-function steering wheel, and roof-mounted air-con vents, the latter is a segment first. The Marazzo comes with a 3 year/100,000 km warranty.
