Mahindra Marazzo MPV: Design and features explained
Mahindra and Mahindra finally announced the name of its much anticipated MPV, the Marazzo. The MPV, developed under the project name U321, gets its naming from Basque, a sub-language of Spanish, where the word Marazzo means shark and is linked to the vehicle's shark-inspired design. The Mahindra Marazzo is based on an all-new platform and does not replace anything that is on sale from the Mahindra portfolio, said Dr. Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra and Mahindra. We believe this is to confirm that the Mahindra Marazzo is not a Xylo replacement, something that has been speculated for long now.
The company mentions that the Mahindra Design Studio and Italian design house Pininfarina have collaborated closely during the design development process of the Mahindra Marazzo. The result of which can be seen in the MPV's global design. Mahindra has already confirmed that the Marazzo will be launched in India before the festive season. While there is still some time before we get to see the vehicle in flesh, here are some of the design and cabin features that the Marazzo MPV will come equipped with.
What the Cheetah is to the Mahindra XUV500, the shark is to the Mahindra Marazzo. The front of the Mahindra Marazzo will come with a shark teeth inspired grille. As seen on the spied images of camouflaged test vehicles, the Mahindra Marazzo's front does look look imposing with the sharp headlights and the aggressively styled grille. We believe the grille will sport a combination of chrome and matte plastic. Â It will also give the Mahindra u321 a wider profile that what it actually is
DRLs embedded in the fog lamps:As seen from this image, the fog lamps positioned on the bumper come with LED DRLs. We believe this will be offered only in the top-spec along with some of the mid-spec variants. The spied images of the Mahindra Marazzo MPV have also revealed that the headlight assembly too comes with integrated LED DRLs. We assume the base variants might be offered only with the LED DRLs integrated with the  bumper to comply with the rules and the regulations of all new cars.
Shark-tail inspired tail lights:The shark inspiration can be seen at different places on the Mahindra Marazzo and not just the front and the grille. The tail lights too take inspiration from the aquatic being, especially the tail part that lends its inspiration to the rear lights. While it does look premium and the chrome strip on the side tends to add on to the appeal, the overall design reminds us of the lights offered in the Renault Lodgy. We will reserve our comments on the overall design until we see the production model.
Shark fin antenna:
There is nothing unique about a shark finn antenna because it is a design that is seen in most of the offerings on sale in the Indian market.
New instrument clusterThe interiors are expected to be feature loaded in a similar fashion to the XUV. It will be available in a 7-seater and 8-seater layout. Its dual-tone interior is expected to be equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, piano black panelling and a new steering wheel. What you see here is a much cleaner instrument cluster than what is offered on Mahindra vehicles. Also, did you notice the 4x4 / AWD drivetrain logo on the left of the instrument cluster.
Leather wrapped seatsThe mid and top spec variants of the Mahindra Marazzo MPV will come equipped with premium leather drapes seats. Considering that Mahindra is aiming to take on the Toyota Innova Crysta MPV with the Marazzo, the latter will have one of the most comfortable seating in the segment. Also, the Mahindra Marazzo has the largest footprint (area) compared to any other Mahindra vehicle on sale.
Roof mounted air-conditionerThe Mahindra Marazzo will come with roof mounted air-conditioning. As seen from the images, the design of this unit will offer uniform cooling across the cabin and to the individual occupants. The image that was shared with us seems to be of the captain seat variant. The base variant might be offered with bench seats.
Also see,Â
Mahindra U321 MPV spotted testing in camouflage
Upcoming Mahindra U321 MPV seen in more spyshots
Also see: 2018 Mahindra Marazzo First Drive review | Details, specifications and price