The Mahindra Marazzo MPV, launched in the second half of last year, is doing steady numbers. While Mahindra showcased a heavily customized version of the MPV at launch, that version only had its interiors redone by DC Design. While buyers of the Marazzo have the option of getting their vehicle’s interiors customized by DC Design, exterior modifications for the MPV wasn’t offered through this package. Now though, that has changed with a Kerala-based car modifying outfit called Tuners Edge coming up with a body kit for the Marazzo.
The body-kit equipped Mahindra Marazzo looks like a low rider. The front and rear bumper have extensions that make the MPV look sharper than the stock version. Of course, the extensions do result in a lower ground clearance and the driver of a Marazzo modified thus has to be careful of tall speed breakers and steep ramps.
The MPV also gets side skirts which give it a low rider look. The alloy wheels are of a different design and there’s a roof spoiler at the rear that adds a sporty touch to the modification. Last but not the least, the front bumper sees a new daytime running LED surrounding the fog lamps.
Apart from these changes, the modified Mahindra Marazzo in question retains stock mechanicals and interiors. The MPV is powered by a newly developed 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 121 Bhp-300 Nm. This engine is paired to a six speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels.
Interestingly, the Marazzo is a body- on-ladder frame MPV that comes with a transverse (East-West) engine mounting and a front wheel drive layout. This configuration is quite unique, and Mahindra claims that the Marazzo is the world’s first vehicle to have such a layout. Prices of the Marazzo start from Rs. 9.99 lakhs, and the MPV is available in 4 variants.
By the end of this year, an AMT option is expected to be added to the Marazzo. A 6 speed AMT option on the MPV is likely to make it about Rs. 60,000-80,000 pricier than equivalent manual versions. The MPV will also get a turbocharged petrol engine option sometime next year. The AMT option on the Marazzo will be a stop-gap arrangement as Mahindra is said to be working on a 6 speed torque converter automatic option for the MPV.
The torque converter automatic gearbox will be pricier but smoother. Many customers who opt for cars priced over Rs. 10 lakhs don’t prefer the AMT’s unrefinement, and would rather pick a torque converter automatic or a CVT. It is for this reason that Mahindra is working on a new, torque converter automatic gearbox for the Marazzo. The Marazzo currently sits in between the recently launched, 2nd generation Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. This positioning won’t change even with the addition of the automatic and turbo petrol options.