In a market dominated by SUVs and compact crossovers, the Mahindra Marazzo quietly makes a strong case for itself in the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment. Launched in 2018, the Marazzo marked Mahindra’s serious entry into the premium MPV category, a space primarily ruled by vehicles like the Toyota Innova Crysta and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. While it may not have set the sales charts on fire, the Marazzo offers a well-rounded package that combines practicality, comfort, safety, and performance – all at a competitive price point.
Design and Road Presence
One of the first things you notice about the Mahindra Marazzo is its unique design language. Unlike traditional MPVs that often lean towards a boxy appearance, the Marazzo draws inspiration from a shark – a theme that is evident in its sleek front grille, flowing lines, and distinctive tail-lamps. The styling is subtle yet modern, giving it a premium appeal without being too flashy.
Its dimensions place it squarely between the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova, making it a perfect choice for buyers who want a spacious vehicle but find the Innova either too large or too expensive. The 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, and chrome accents add to its upscale feel.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Marazzo, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels airy, functional, and well thought-out. Available in both 7- and 8-seater configurations, it offers flexible seating arrangements suitable for families of various sizes. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a neatly integrated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
One of the standout features of the Marazzo is its comfort-oriented cabin. The second-row captain seats (in the 7-seater version) offer excellent comfort for long drives, while the third row is surprisingly usable even for adults – a rarity in most MPVs. Thanks to its body-on-frame construction and a well-tuned suspension, the Marazzo glides over potholes and broken roads with ease, making it ideal for Indian driving conditions.
Another highlight is the roof-mounted rear AC system, which ensures effective cooling for all rows, something that families in hotter regions will particularly appreciate.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Mahindra Marazzo is a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 121 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. While the engine may not be the most powerful in its segment, it offers a refined and linear power delivery, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway journeys.
The engine’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are impressively low, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable cabin experience. The hydraulic steering is light enough for urban driving yet offers decent feedback at higher speeds. The Marazzo is also the first body-on-frame MPV in India to feature a transverse engine with front-wheel drive, improving cabin space and driving dynamics.
Though currently offered only with a manual transmission, there have been whispers about a future automatic variant, which could widen its appeal even further.
Safety and Features
Mahindra has not skimped on safety with the Marazzo. It received a 4-star rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest MPVs in its segment. Standard safety features across variants include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and disc brakes on all four wheels.
Higher variants add rear parking cameras, cornering lamps, and more, but even the base variant is reasonably well-equipped. The inclusion of features like follow-me-home headlamps, cruise control, and automatic climate control makes the Marazzo a well-rounded offering in terms of convenience.
Value for Money
One of the strongest suits of the Mahindra Marazzo is its pricing. With prices starting from around ₹14 lakh and going up to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts the Toyota Innova Crysta by a significant margin while offering a comparable level of comfort and space. It is more expensive than the Ertiga, yes, but it offers a more premium experience in every aspect – space, suspension, and refinement.
Additionally, Mahindra’s wide service network and generally low cost of maintenance make the Marazzo an economical choice in the long run.
Final Thoughts
The Mahindra Marazzo might not enjoy the cult status of the Innova or the mass appeal of the Ertiga, but it holds its own as a smart, family-oriented MPV. For buyers looking for a comfortable, safe, and spacious people mover that doesn’t break the bank, the Marazzo is a compelling option.
With a potential automatic variant in the pipeline and growing consumer interest in practical family vehicles, the Mahindra Marazzo may yet have its moment in the sun. Until then, it remains a hidden gem in India’s crowded automotive landscape – one that’s definitely worth a second look.