Mahindra Marazzo was launched in September 2018 in 7- and 8-seat configurations and 4 trim levels, including M2, M4, M6 and M8. The BS6 version of the car was introduced in August 2020. With the new model, the variant line-up changed to M2, M4+ and M6+, shelving the M8 variant. Each variant gets a 7-seater and 8-seater option.

The engine and performance figures remain unchanged. However, Mahindra grabbed this opportunity to update the car with new features. The M4+ variant gets new 16-inch alloy wheels, remote-locking and steering-mounted controls. Likewise, the M6+ gets some features from the M8, including automatic climate control, a rear parking camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.

There has not been any major facelift launched since its inception, the car still awaits its mid-life update.

The Mahindra Marazzo features a polished and well-rounded exterior profile, unlike the over-styling of its predecessors.

• The design of the car is claimed to be inspired by a shark, with the projector headlamps, mesh-designed radiator grille and claw-like chrome accents at the front. The dual-tone bumper houses a split air dam beneath.

• At the side, the Marazzo has a sheer size and appears to be van-like. The design is proportionate by the MPV standard, with the 16/17-inch alloy wheels looking perfectly suitable. The character lines and creases crossing the door handles add some interesting bits.

• The rear profile is uncluttered with prominent taillights and a chrome bar on the tailgate lending a premium touch. Overall, the car looks upmarket and gives the impression of a family car.

The interiors of Mahindra Marazzo are a fresh approach with a nice mixture of texture and materials. The moment you step in, you are welcomed by a massive dashboard, with fit and finish one of the best from the brand to date. The black and beige theme works well.

• The car gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that takes the centre stage. The system is powered by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with support for navigation, Bluetooth and USB. The car gets steering-mounted audio controls, a height-adjustable driver�s seat, cruise control and powered ORVMs.

• The 4.2-inch multi-information display has nice fonts and crispy graphics that are easy to read. The automatic climate control and the roof-mounted air cooling for all three rows make sure your family sits back in a relaxed manner.

• And since the wheelbase is longer than the Innova, ingress and egress are a breeze. There is a decent amount of room, irrespective of the row you are seated in. The seating position is exactly right, with the front seats offering excellent lateral support. Marazzo is one of the few cars in which you can travel long distances comfortably without jostling for space.

• In terms of practicality, the second row gets a USB charging slot. You will find plenty of cubbyholes and storage spaces, including a 1-litre bottle holder at each door and a large cooled glove box. There is also a provision for a 60:40 rear seat split.

In the safety department, the Marazzo comes with a decent list of features:

• The car is offered with dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution as standard.

• The MPV also features some other standard aspects, including disc brakes on all wheels, ISOFIX child seat mount, driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder and impact-sensing auto-door lock.

• Mahindra has also provided an audible speed warning in case you are driving the car at high speeds.

• Choosing higher variants will get you goodies like front and rear fog lamps, and a rear camera with a steering adaptive parking guidelines display.

The Mahindra Marazzo gets the D15 1.5L diesel engine indigenously developed by tweaking the D12 engine in KUV100. The powertrain can produce 123 PS and 300 Nm torque, synced with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of performance, you just crank the motor, and it comes to life with minimal noise. And that shows the level of refinement this MPV has. The NVH levels are also excellent, and once the car gets going, the engine vibrates in silence. The power is carried mostly in a linear fashion.

The MPV comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which is fairly light and does its duty efficiently. The car can cruise at 100 kmph and 120 kmph in the sixth gear. Though the car does not feel underpowered at open routes, the performance is satisfactory, not explosive.

As far as top speed is concerned, being an MPV with a kerb weight of 1,650 kg and few passengers onboard, it takes around 15 seconds to reach the 100 kmph mark from nil.

In terms of driving dynamics, riding at low speed will be a comfortable experience, way ahead of other Mahindra UVs.

The suspension impresses on the bad patches of roads, and the passengers will appreciate the ride quality in urban areas and long-distance journeys alike.

The ARAI-certified mileage of Mahindra Marazzo stands at 17.3 kmpl. However, you won�t find much difference in the real-world mileage as Marazzo can deliver around 15 kmpl in cities and 17 kmpl on the highway.

These figures are really impressive not only from the perspective of the buyer with a large family but also considering the fleet and taxi owners.

MPVs are still the popular choice for big families in India. And when you buy such a car, parking in cities always remains a cause of concern. But if you have platforms like Park+, you do not have to worry at all, as the app lets you book the right parking spot well before you reach your destination.

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