Mahindra’s latest MPV, the Marazzo, is a big step forward for the carmaker. The Marazzo is refined and comfortable, making it a great pick as an MPV to be driven in – and what's more, its light controls and easygoing engine make it easy to drive, too. It is a first-of-its kind MPV with a hybrid monocoque-ladder-frame chassis, a transversely mounted engine and power transmitted to the front wheels. Overall, the Marazzo is a sophisticated package with the potential to attract both Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta buyers.
What are the engines on offer?
The Marazzo is powered by a 123hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. There’s also an Eco mode for those looking to maximize efficiency. In our efficiency tests, it actually performed better than both, the Toyota Innova and Tata Hexa. However, when it comes to performance, the latter two with their more powerful and larger engine have an advantage.
What are the variants on offer?
There are four variants on offer – M2, M4, M6 and M8 – but they are all spaced quite far apart from each other in terms of price. The M2 variant, priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India), is the most value-for-money variant. It has a fully loaded safety kit with ABS, EBD, dual airbags and four-wheel disc brakes. It also gets the basics, like central locking, power windows and even a rear AC. For those people who are chauffeur-driven for the most part, this variant makes a lot of sense as there are 8-seater and 7-seater options with captain seats in the middle row.
The M4 variant is priced Rs 96,000 higher than the M2. The premium gets you a music system with Bluetooth, a rear wiper, a washer and defogger, electric mirror-adjustment, driver seat-height adjustment and plastic wheel caps. These feature-additions don’t seem to be worth the premium; however, equipment like electric mirror adjustment, rear wiper/washer and driver-seat height-adjustment would be difficult to procure aftermarket, so if these are important to you, the M4 could be worth the stretch.
The M6 variant is Rs 2.41 lakh more expensive than the base M2 and Rs 1.45 lakh more than the M4 – so it isn’t exactly well-priced. But for your money you get additional 16-inch alloy wheels, projector headlamps, front- and rear-fog lamps, rear parking sensors, lumbar support for the front seats, remote keyless entry, a touchscreen with navigation, steering controls and a car theft alarm. It also gets smaller details on the inside, like seat upholstery and some bits that differ from the lower variants and make the overall experience a little nicer.
The M8 is the top-of-the-line variant that gets 17-inch wheels, LED DRLs, leather upholstery, cruise control, Android Auto with a different touchscreen and a reverse camera. These are the key additions for the Rs 1.5 lakh price premium. This fully loaded variant is priced at Rs 13.90 lakh. Although Mahindra should have introduced this variant with six airbags, as safety is gradually becoming a must-have for many buyers and they are willing to spend a little extra for it.
Which is the version to buy?
The base M2 might appear unappealing at first glance; but if you look closer, it is the most value-for-money variant. It has all the basics covered, and Mahindra has introduced a long list of accessories that one could opt for to spruce-up the exteriors – like chrome highlights, alloy wheels and features like parking sensors and a music system.
So then, for little money over the base price, one could get all the essentials and some personalisation too, without really opting for the much pricier, higher variants. If you're after the best bang for your buck, the M2 is the one to go for; else the M6 is well-equipped and the feel-good factor you get is aplenty, for what it has on offer.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
