The Marazzo platform can be used to make Crossovers and more SUVs. The plans are in process to build new models over this platform.
The Mahindra Marazzo MPV was recently launched in India. The premium MPV sits between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta. It is priced starting at Rs 9.99 Lakhs up to Rs 13.90 (Ex-showroom New Delhi). Marazzo spawns the all-new U321 platform which is a ladder frame and monocoque hybrid chassis. The platform has a unique element, which is the transverse positioning of the engine. This type of platform is the first in the world. In a recent interview, with Autocar Professional, Rajan Wadhera, President of Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra has talked about these things. He states that this platform can be used further for making more models including crossovers and full-size SUVs.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 300 India Launch, Expected Prices, Features, Mileage And Specifications
Rajan Wadhera said, “Yes, it is. It can take a seven- to an eight-seater product, be it a crossover or a typical blue-blooded SUV. 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. It’s a platform of a C-sized segment, typically seven- to eight-seater, which can be scaled up or down to even a compact segment car.”
The report states that as the time is going, more and more people are accepting the concept of SUVs. The Indian market is somewhat ready to move from hatchbacks to SUVs, including compact SUVs and the full-grown ones too. So with the demand for different body styles, the Marazzo Platform will be scaled to develop new models.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 700 India Launch, Price Expectations, Features, Mileage And Specification Details
The Marazzo was jointly developed by Mahindra Research Valley and the carmaker’s North American arm, Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC). Also, the MPV is designed by Pininfarina Design team, which Mahindra recently bought. It comes in 7-seater and 8-seater options and is the largest Mahindra vehicle to date.
The cars which will spawn the new U321 Marazzo platform might also continue with the new 1.5 Litre turbodiesel engine. This engine produces 121 BHP of power and 300 Nm of torque. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This particular engine is mounted transversely on the Marazzo platform.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 700 launch likely in 2018 itself; S201 compact SUV coming next year
Currently, there are two more SUVs remaining on the list include the sub-compact S201 SUV and the fully-grown Mahindra Y400 (XUV 700). Recent reports suggest that the XUV 700 might launch in this festive season. The remaining Mahindra S201 might launch in the early months of 2019.
