Mahindra Marazzo platform could spawn more body styles

The Marazzo MPV marks many firsts for Mahindra. In fact, Mahindra has filed as many as 33 patents on the vehicle. Chief among the innovations is the Marazzo’s ladder frame and monocoque hybrid chassis with the unique element being the transverse positioning of the engine. Mahindra says the platform is modular and can support a full range of body styles.  

Speaking exclusively to our sister publication Autocar Professional, Rajan Wadhera President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “The platform can take a seven to eight seater product, be it a crossover or a blue-blooded SUV. It can be scaled up or even down to a compact segment car.” Wadhera went on to say, “The lines between a car, hatchback, SUV or MPV are very blurred these days and not as deep as they used to be. Customers are now willing to change over which is why you see a lot of them moving from hatchbacks to SUVs.” Depending on demand for certain types of body styles, Mahindra could potentially use the scalable U321 platform to develop a number of new models.

Powertrain options should be common between the platform siblings as well. The Marazzo’s new 1.5-litre diesel engine could be the engine of choice on new models spun off the platform, though more petrol and diesel engines are in the works as well. The Marazzo’s 123hp, 1.5-litre engine will next find use on the S201 compact SUV that is scheduled to go on sale within 2018.  S201 aside, Mahindra is also set to launch its version of the SsangYong Rexton which is expected to be launched in the run up to Diwali this year.