Quashing rumours of discontinuation and confirming the launch plans of the Mahindra mArazzo AMT, a company spokesperson has said-

The Marazzo and the KUV100 are an integral part of our product portfolio. In fact we have invested and launched the BS6 versions of both the Marazzo and the KUV100. We keep upgrading our products from time to time and one can soon expect the Marazzo, to be launched with an AutoShift transmission. The KUV100 is popular in many global markets and we are delighted with its increasing export volumes. All these clearly clarify our commitment to these brands as a part of our product portfolio.

The new AMT transmission will be mated with a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel mill that develops 123bhp of peak power and 300Nm of max. torque. One can expect the new automated manual transmission variant to be marketed as an ‘AutoShift’ unit. Right now, the diesel engine of the MPV is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission that drives the front wheels. With the introduction of the BSVI-compliant model, the Marazzo is no longer on sale in the top-spec M8 variant and has been available in only three variants- M2, M4 and M6+.

The MPV is retailed in 7- and 8-seat configurations. The base M2 variant of the MPV is sold at a starting price of INR 12.03 lakh*, while the top-spec model goes all the way up to Rs 14.12 lakh* for the top-spec M6+ 8-seater trim. The top-end M6+ variant of Mahindra Marazzo is offered with features like projector headlights with follow-me-home function, driver-side window one-touch operation, 17-inch alloy units, on-board navigation, reverse parking camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, fog lamps with cornering function and adjustable lumbar support for front seats.

In other news, Mahindra is also planning to launch the XUV700 by the upcoming festive season. The new flagship from Mahindra will offer a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin than the XUV500. The new SUV will be sold with two power options- 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and 2.0-litre mFalcon turbocharged gasoline mill. The former churns out 150bhp of maximum power and 320 Nm of peak torque, while the latter is tuned to shred out power and torque outputs of 130bhp and 300Nm, respectively. Transmission duties will be done by a 6-speed MT and a 6-speed AT. The same petrol and diesel mills are available on the second-gen Mahindra Thar. We expect these powertrain options to be offered with different states of tune in the all-new Mahindra XUV700. In the Indian market, the new SUV will rival the likes of MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar.

*All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi

Source

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is the latest addition in the seven-seater space having debuted this time last year. With prices starting at INR 4.99 lakh, the MPV comes as a neat package and also India's first modular MPV. Its 5+2 iteration is more than just a passenger favourite, but fold the third row down and you have a boot that is big enough to shame the likes of a Range Rover. The car also scores handsomely in terms of practicality. You get two glove-boxes, front door pockets and storage on the front centre console and there are cup holders for the front two occupants as well.

The second row gets usable door pockets and also on offer are pillar-mounted AC vents and seats that adjust for both recline and reach. In terms of features, the car gets keyless entry and start, a touchscreen multimedia system, a driver information system, dual glove-boxes for additional storage, electric ORVMs without fold function, a cooled box in the centre, and a single-zone manual AC with rear vents that can be adjusted via a dial. The car is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 70bhp and a little under 100Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a manual transmission as well as an AMT.

Datsun Go+

The Datsun Go+ stands as the most affordable 7-seater in India. The car, which is essentially a stretched GO with an additional row of seats, is right suited for a family of seven or less. Its last facelift was back in 2018 when the car benefited from a few tweaks inside and out. However, the icing on the cake came recently in the form of an option for an automatic transmission. Visually, the car resembles its five-seater sibling on the outside, inside as well as the sumptuous list of features for its price.

This list includes elements like a 7.0-inch touchscreen system which offers all the functionality expected of a car in this segment like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and light and dark mode, deep door pockets, covered glove box, a rear parcel shelf. At its heart, the Datsun Go+ is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 75bhp and 104Nm of torque. The car gets two transmission options including a 5-speed manual and a CVT.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Maurit Ertiga stands as the mainstay of the 5-seater space with maximum sales in the segment, while not being as affordable as the Datson Go+, or the Triber. The car's latest update is a major step up over its previous iteration. The deal has also become sweeter with features like the touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC, automatic climate control, ABS with EBS, dual airbags, and ISOFIX rear seats among others.

After the BS-VI update, the car now comes with just one engine options i.e. the 1.5-litre unit that delivers 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque. Transmission options for the car come in the form of a manual as well as a torque converter. If you are one who likes a more premium car, the Ertiga can be bought as the XL6, which Maruti sells from the Nexa dealerships, having a set of features and engine, but a different seating system and updated design.

Toyota Innova Crysta

The Innova Crysta, is without any doubt, the poster boy of MPVs in India. It hasn't received any major update in the past couple of years, yet has a timeless design. In terms of dimensions, the Toyota Innova Crysta measures 4735mm in length and 1830mm in width. The car stands 1795mm high and has a wheelbase of 2750mm. The car gets a boot space of 300-litres with all three rows up, and 900-litres with the third row folded. The Innova Crysta gets a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

In term of powertrain, Toyota offers the Innova Crysta with a 2.7-litre petrol engine that outputs 166PS and 245Nm of torque and 2.4-litre diesel that delivers 150PS and 360Nm of torque. Both are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and offer a 6-speed torque converter unit as an option. The Toyota Innova Crysta comes in 18 variants. The price for the entry-level GX 7-seater variant starts at INR 16.27 lakh*, meanwhile, the top-rung ZX 7-seater variant with automatic transmission goes up to INR 24.34 lakh*.

Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra Marazzo is the brand's first modern MPV since Bolero has been in the market for a long time now and is primary considered a rural SUV. The Marazzo, with the design inspired by Shark, recently got a bump in the prices up to Rs 39,000. Post the same the car is now priced from INR 11.64 lakh* to INR 13.79 lakh*. It is being offered in three variants: M2, M4+ and M6+ and comes in both 7- and 8-seater configurations. The Marazzo sits between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta in terms of pricing.

It is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine rated at 122PS and 300Nm. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual. Mahindra also offers an Eco mode that reduces the engine output to a more modest 100PS. Mahindra’s MPV comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and auto climate control. In terms of safety features, the car comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

*Ex-showroom prices.

Starting with the Mahindra Scorpio, you can enjoy benefits of up to INR 36,542 for March 2021. This includes a cash discount of INR 7,042, an exchange bonus of INR 15,000 and a corporate offer of INR 4,500. Mahindra is also offering an additional cash discount of INR 10,000. Moving over to the Bolero, Mahindra's bread and butter utility vehicle is available with maximum benefits of up to INR 17,500. This includes cash offer, exchange offer and corporate offer of INR 3,500, INR 10,000 and INR 4,000, respectively.

Also Read : 2021 Mahindra XUV300 Spied On Test - Could This Be The XUV300 Sportz?

It is Mahindra's flagship Alturas G4 SUV that can be had with maximum benefits of up to INR 3.06 lakh. Mahindra is offering a flat cash discount of INR 2.2 lakh on the Alturas G4 for March 2021. Additionally, there's an exchange bonus and corporate offer of up to INR 50,000 and INR 16,000, respectively. Mahindra is also offering additional benefits of up to INR 20,000 on the Alturas G4 this month.

Moving over to the Mahindra XUV500, the SUV is listed on the website with benefits of up to INR 85,800. This includes a cash discount of up to INR 36,800, an exchange benefit of up to INR 25,000 and a corporate offer of INR 9,000. Other than this, Mahindra is also offering additional offers of up to INR 15,000. Meanwhile, the KUV100 NXT is available with total benefits of up to INR 62,055. This includes a cash discount of INR 38,055, an exchange bonus of INR 20,000 and corporate offer of INR 4,000.

Moving on to what is Mahindra's one of the more popular vehicles, the XUV300 sub-compact SUV is available with maximum discounts of up to INR 39,325. This comprises a cash discount of INR 4,825, an exchange bonus of INR 25,000 and a corporate discount of INR 4,500. Customers can also avail additional offers of up to INR 5,000. Lastly, the Marazzo MPV is listed with benefits of up to INR 36,000. That includes a cash discount and an exchange bonus of up to INR 15,000 each. Mahindra is also offering other benefits of up to INR 6,000 on the MPV.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

The Mahindra Marazzo AMT will be powered by the same 1.5L 4-cylinder diesel engine that's offered on its manual counterpart. This engine produces 122hp of maximum power and 300Nm of peak torque. The AMT gearbox will likely be the same 6-speed AutoShift unit that Mahindra recently introduced on the XUV300 petrol. Just like the manual variant of the Marazzo, the AMT variants will also come with two drive modes - Power and Economy - the latter of which drops peak power to 99hp for better fuel economy.

Also Read : Mahindra Scorpio Gets More Than INR 50,000 Cheaper - Full Info

The Marazzo is also expected to be updated with a petrol engine. With petrol engines growing more popular over diesel counterparts these days, Mahindra could really boost sales of the Marazzo with a new petrol variant. The Marazzo will likely be offered with a 163hp 1.5L petrol engine from Mahindra's new mStallion turbo-petrol engine family and could be offered with both manual and automatic gearbox options. However, the launch could still be some time away as there has been no official word from the carmaker yet.

Positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga/XL6 and the Toyota Innova Crysta in the Indian market, the Mahindra Marazzo sits in a very sweet spot between the two in terms of pricing and size. That said, in spite of not having a direct rival, the Marazzo has not been quite as successful as the other two. The launch of the diesel-AMT variants will certainly help draw in a few more buyers.

The Mahindra Marazzo is available in three trims - M2, M4+ and M6+. The M4+ and M6+ trims are available in both 7- and 8-seater configurations. Prices for the Mahindra Marazzo current range between INR 11.64 lakh* and INR 13.80 lakh*. The AMT variants are expected to command a premium of INR 30,000-50,000 over their manual counterparts. The launch is expected to happen in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

* all prices ex-showroom, Delhi

Mahindra XUV300 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.7 lakh*

The Mahindra XUV300 diesel is not only the most powerful car in the segment but also has the maximum torque output which makes it an extremely fun-to-drive and capable machine. It gets a 1.5L oil burner which can deliver 116.6 PS of max power while the peak torque output happens to be 300 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Having said that, the XUV300 also remains one of the best cars in the market under INR 20 lakh* in terms of overall comfort and driving dynamics.

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 11.64 lakh*

A 1.5L diesel motor powers the Mahindra Marazzo. This engine churns out 122 PS and 300 Nm of peak torque output. With the ex-showroom price of the car starting from just INR 11.64 lakh, the Marazzo is definitely a value for money product which comes with an extremely practical and useful package. It also happens to be the only 7-seater SUV in our list.

Tata Nexon Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.45 lakh*

The Tata Nexon is currently one of the safest Made In India cars. It is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that puts out 110 PS and 260 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the buyers can also opt for the optional AMT unit. The car also comes with multiple drive modes to make it more suitable for different driving conditions.

Also Read : Top 10 Most Powerful Cars In India Under INR 12 Lakh - IAB Picks

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.87 lakh*

With the launch of the Renault Duster BS6, the brand introduced the new 1.3L turbo petrol engine which delivers 156 PS while the torque output is claimed to be 254 Nm. The power and torque output figures make the Duster one of the most powerful turbo cars available in the market under INR 20 lakh* bracket.

Kia Sonet Diesel

Starting Price: INR 10.39 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment and is offered with four different engine options which also include a 1.5L WGT diesel unit. This engine churns out 115 PS. The peak torque output on the other hand happens to be 250 Nm. The Kia Sonet boasts a premium in-cabin experience and is also available with several features which give it a clear edge over its rivals.

Hyundai Venue Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.28 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is one of the best selling SUVs in the market and comes with an extensive feature list in addition to powerful and refined engine options. The Venue diesel is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine that churns out 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai i20 Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Hyundai launched the new i20 in the market a few months ago and the car is now offered with many upgrades which make it a great package. The i20 diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L diesel engine which also powers the Venue and is claimed to produce 100 PS and 240 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has a strong mid-range which makes it a dependable highway companion.

Ford Ecosport Diesel

Starting price: INR 9.99 lakh*

For those who are looking for a well-built and a fun-to-drive car, the Ford Ecosport will be a great option. The car is powered by the tried and tested 1.5L TDCi motor which boasts supreme driveability and long term reliability. This engine delivers 100 PS while the maximum torque output stands at 215 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine and there is no automatic on offer.

Also Read : Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Ford Figo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 7.74 lakh*

Just like the Ecosport, the Figo is also powered by the same 1.5L TDCi engine that puts up 100 PS and 215 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Ford Figo is not only one of the most affordable diesel cars in the market right now but is also one of the most practical and fun-to-drive cars on sale in India. It has superior driving dynamics to most of the other cars and delivers a claimed fuel economy of 25 kmpl which makes it a practical choice in our list.

Ford Freestyle Diesel

Starting Price: INR 8.19 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 100 PS and 215 Nm respectively, the Ford Freestyle is a practical and capable vehicle. In addition to great build quality, the Freestyle is also offered with a spacious and comfortable cabin while the beefed-up suspension makes it suitable for rough usage as well.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and latest four-wheeler news.

Renault Duster Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 11.14 lakh*

The new Renault Duster comes with a 1.3-L turbocharged petrol engine which makes 156 PS and 254 Nm of maximum torque. This engine can be had with a manual as well as a CVT gearbox and has a strong mid-range, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the segment. Being a turbocharged engine, this engine does struggle at low RPMs but as the tachometer climbs, the surge in the power delivery is commendable.

Ford Ecosport Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.19 lakh*

Powering the Ford Ecosport is the 1.5-L three-cylinder Dragon petrol engine, which is not just refined and smooth, but is also one of the most powerful engines in the segment. This engine has impressed us with its supreme low-end power delivery and highway performance, hence making it a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and a fun to drive compact SUV. For those wondering, the peak power output from this engine stands at 122 PS while the peak torque output is 149 Nm. This engine can be had with a 5-speed manual while the buyers can also opt for the optional 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Top 5 MPVs You Can Buy Under INR 10 Lakh - Ertiga, Bolero and More

Mahindra Marazzo Diesel

Starting Price: INR 12.03 lakh*

We have a limited range of products in the MPV segment and the Mahindra Marazzo is definitely one of the most capable and affordable cars in the market. The car gets a 1.5-L diesel engine producing 122 Ps and 300 Nm of peak torque output, making it a powerful highway companion. This engine is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In addition to this, the Marazzo is the only car in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under Rs 12 Lakh which comes with three rows of seating.

Honda City 5th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 10.99 lakh*

Honda introduced the new DOHC 1.5-L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda City which delivers 121 Ps while the torque output remains similar to the outgoing model at 145 Nm. This naturally aspirated engine not only has a high power output but also provides a great combination of efficiency and practicality to the buyers. On the downside though, the new City petrol struggles with poor low-end and healthy power output only available after you hit the mid-range.

Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.79 lakh*

The Kia Sonet is one of the latest entrants in the segment which also has cars like the Hyundai Venue, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300, etc and is offered as an attractive and a feature rich product. The Sonet can be had with a turbo petrol engine that delivers 120 Ps and 172 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with a DCT and iMT gearbox. The buyers can alternatively buy the 115 PS diesel version of the car as well if the monthly usage is high.

Hyundai Venue Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.73 Lakh*

The Hyundai Venue is the most affordable SUV in the Korean carmaker’s line-up and is offered as a VFM product with a long and extensive features list as well as powerful engine options. The turbocharged petrol engine powering the Venue produces 120 Ps of maximum power output. The peak torque on the other hand stands at around 171 Nm while the gearboxes on offer include manual as well as a DCT automatic gearbox. The powerful car looks funky and fresh and is a great product for those who need a practical urban car.

Also Read: Best Budget Hyundai Cars In India With The Highest Diesel Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai i20 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 8.81 lakh*

The new Hyundai i20 boasts phenomenal driving dynamics when compared to the outgoing model and is now offered as a much better package. The brand is also offering a more powerful version of the car which gets a 1.0-L t-GDi motor that puts out 120 Ps and 171 Nm of peak torque output. This engine can be had with manual as well as with a DCT gearbox.

Tata Nexon Turbo Petrol

Starting price: INR 7.19 lakh*

With a safety crash test rating of five stars out of five, the Tata Nexon is a great choice for buyers looking for a comfortable and a safe vehicle for everyday usage. The turbo petrol powering the Nexon churns out 120 Ps while the peak torque output stands at 170 Nm. This engine can be had with a 6-speed manual as well with an AMT gearbox. While the power delivery from this engine is decent, it is the refinement that could have been improved with the launch of the new facelift model.

Honda City 4th-Gen Petrol

Starting Price: INR 9.29 lakh*

The 4^th gen City is still on sale in the Indian market and can only be had with the 1.5-L i-VTEC engine that delivers 119 PS and 145 Nm of peak torque output. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and is considered to be a great choice for hardcore driving enthusiasts.

Mahindra XUV300 Turbo Petrol

Starting Price: INR 7.95 Lakh*

With maximum power and torque output of 122 Ps and 149 Nm respectively, the Mahindra XUV300 left me impressed with its supreme driving dynamics and comfortable ride quality. The XUV300 is also the safest made in India car and has a GNCAP rating of 5 stars. Mahindra also recently launched an automatic gearbox option with the petrol engine of the XUV300.

With this being said, what do you think about the cars in our list of top 10 most powerful cars in India under INR 12 lakh*? Do let us know in the comments box below.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more such top-10 lists and the latest four-wheeler news.

The biggest change in the new Mahindra Marazzo is under the hood. The 1.5-litre diesel engine complies with the more stringent and stricter Bharat Stage 6 emission standards. This motor has been tuned to produce 121 BHP of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. As for the transmission, there is a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Apart from the less polluting engine, Mahindra has incorporated no other significant changes in the BS6 Marazzo. The MPV continues to have the same aesthetic features such as large headlamps, attractive front grille with vertical slats, stylish front bumper with large fog lamps, large windows for a roomier feel in the cabin, alloy wheels, and more. Even on the inside, there are not any major updates.

The 3 variants of the BS6 Mahindra Marazzo are M2, M4+, and M6+. Some of the standard features of the new MPV include power windows, rear AC with surround cool technology, roof lamp, front row armrests, central locking including liftgate, and tiltable steering.

The range-topping M6+ variant of the BS6 Mahindra Marazzon gets extra features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, follow-me-home headlamps, rear parking camera with adaptive guidelines, a 7-inch touchscreen, front and rear fog lights, and more. Mahindra has also added steering-mounted audio, phone and cluster controls, automatic climate control, as well as remote keyless entry.

The BS6 Mahindra Marazzo has 6 colour options - Iceberg White, Oceanic Black, Mariner Maroon, Shimmering Silver, Aqua Marina, and Poseidon Purple.

Also Read: New Mahindra Thar Looks Brute With Jeep Grille & Off-road Tyres

Following is the variant-wise price table of the BS6 Mahindra Marazzo:

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Mahindra updates and other four-wheeler news.

*Ex-showroom, Delhi

Following is a list of best commercial cars in India across the various segments, depending on the size and seating configurations, available in the market today.

Compact hatchbacks

Maruti Tour H2

The Maruti Tour H2 is based on an already existing Maruti passenger hatchback, the Celerio in this case. The Maruti Tour H2 is a bare-bones version of the Celerio with blacked out door handles and rear view mirrors and no wheel caps. However, power steering and front power windows as the only comfort oriented features.

Powering the Maruti Tour H2 hatchback is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which it retains from the Celerio itself. Available with only a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Tour H2’s engine makes 68 PS of power and 90 Nm of torque. The Maruti Tour H2 is available with two variants – petrol and CNG – the fuel efficiencies of which are 21.63 km/l and 30.47 km/kg, respectively.

Datsun Go

The Datsun Go might not have been a great success in the private car segment, but the commercial car buyers do prefer it for its ease of driving, spacious cabin and the decent fuel efficiency it offers. Moreover, the new facelifted version does get an upgrade in terms of visual appeal and build quality.

The Datsun Go features a 1.2-litre, three cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which makes 68 PS of power and 104 Nm of torque. The car is available with a premium CVT too, however, it is the standard 5-speed manual gearbox which is preferred by the commercial car buyers.

Hyundai Santro

To cater to the commercial buyers as well apart from the country's middle-income families, the Hyundai Santro offers a slightly more premium appeal as compared to all the options mentioned above, without costing a huge premium over them. The lower variants of the Hyundai Santro are the preference of commercial car buyers for its ease of driving and low maintenance.

The Hyundai Santro has a tried and tested 1.1-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine under its hood, which is available with two fuel options – petrol (69 PS/99 Nm) and CNG (60 PS/85 Nm). The car is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an optional 5-speed AMT with its petrol-powered version.

Compact sedans

Maruti Tour S

With the Tour S, Maruti caters to those commercial car buyers who want a big sedan appeal in a compact package at an affordable price point. The Maruti Tour S is based on the second-generation Maruti Dzire, and is a spartan version of the popular compact passenger sendan with just front power windows and power steering available as comfort features.

The Maruti Tour S sources its power from a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which churns out 83 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. Available with a 5-speed manual gearbox and two fuel options – petrol and CNG, the Tour S claims a fuel efficiency of 19.96 km/l for the petrol and 26.55 km/kg for the CNG variant.

Hyundai Aura

Post the discontinuation of the Xcent Prime in favour of BS6-compliance, Hyundai has made the lower variants of the Aura petrol available for the commercial segment. The Hyundai Aura has arrived as a suitable replacement for the Xcent, owing to its better styling and more premium interior cabin.

The Hyundai Aura comes with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine (83 PS/114 Nm), as well as a 1.2-litre, three cylinder diesel engine (75 PS/190 Nm), thus making it the one of the few compact cars in the commercial car segment to feature a diesel engine with BS6 credentials. The petrol engine is also available with a CNG fuel option.

Ford Aspire

The Ford Aspire has been widely accepted by the commercial car buyers for its tough build quality and a tractable diesel engine, which is not only more powerful than the rest, but also offers an impressive fuel efficiency figure.

The Ford Aspire is available with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine (95 PS/120 Nm), however, it is the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (100 PS/215 Nm) which is a more popular choice of the two. Both the engines are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox only.

Compact MPVs

Maruti Tour M

Post the discontinuation of the diesel variants of the Maruti Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki is banking heavily on the commercial variant of the MPV, the Maruti Tour M. The flagship offering from the Maruti’s commercial arm of vehicles, the Maruti Tour M is based on the Ertiga itself and is a dulled down version of it.

The Maruti Tour M shares its 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox with the Maruti Ertiga. Available with both petrol and CNG fuel options, the engine makes 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque, and churns out fuel efficiencies of 18.04 km/l for the petrol and 26.08 km/kg for the CNG variant respectively.

Mahindra Marazzo

The Mahindra Marazzo was launched as a more premium alternative over the Maruti Ertiga, the now-defunct Renault Lodgy as well as being the company's replacement for the ageing Mahindra Xylo. With an intent of filling in the void created by the last-generation Toyota Innova, the Mahindra Marazzo offers a premium and spacious cabin backed by a refined diesel engine and at a more affordable rate than its Japanese rival.

The Mahindra Marazzo is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox and makes 123 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque. The Marazzo is yet to receive a BS6 upgrade, which is already in the works and will be launched soon.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Last but not the least, the Toyota Innova Crysta needs a special mention in this list, as it is the vehicle which revolutionized not only the MPV segment, but also the commercial car market as a whole. The Innova Crytsa has turned out to be a huge success despite its high price, courtesy of its reliable mechanicals and supremely comfortable cabin.

The Toyota Innova Crysta is available with a petrol engine too, but it is the 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which is the de-facto choice for commercial car buyers. Available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options, the engine makes 150 PS of power and 343 Nm of torque.

Also read: Low maintenance SUVs in India - IAB picks

For more such news and featured stories, stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com.

Following are the six best seven seater vehicles in India, ranging from entry level compact seven seaters to premium midsize MUVs

Entry level compact seven seaters

Datsun Go+

The Datsun Go+, in its facelifted avatar, has gained a bit of desirability with better retouches to the exteriors and interior cabin enhancements. The sub-compact seven seater from Datsun now gets daytime running LEDs and 14-inch machined alloy wheels on the outside, while the cabin now sees better finished upholstery and a modern touchscreen infotainment system.

The Datsun Go+ sources its power from a 1.2-litre three cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 68 PS of power with a 5-speed manual gearbox and 77 PS of power with a CVT gearbox. The peak torque is 104 Nm with both the transmission options.

Prices*

Datsun Go+ D – INR 4,19,990

Datsun Go+ A – INR 5,09,990

Datsun Go+ A (O) – INR 5,65,990

Datsun Go+ T – INR 5,99,990

Datsun Go+ T (O) – INR 6,25,990

Datsun Go+ T CVT – INR 6,69,990

Datsun Go+ T (O) CVT – INR 6,89,990

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is a distant cousin to the Datsun Go+, but is based on a completely different platform, and has a totally different design language in and out which has a more youthful vibe to it in comparison. With more seating configurations over Datsun Go+ and a couple of more features like a fully digital instrument console and push button start with keyless entry, the Renault Triber feels more premium and versatile as well.

The Renault Triber shares its 1.0-litre three cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with the Kwid, but here has been retuned to make 72 PS of maximum power and 96 Nm of peak torque. The Triber is being offered with both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearboxes.

Prices*

Renault Triber RXE – INR 4,99,000

Renault Triber RXL – INR 5,85,500

Renault Triber RXT – INR 6,35,500

Renault Triber RXZ – INR 6,89,500

Renault Triber RXL AMT – INR 6,18,000

Renault Triber RXT AMT – INR 6,68,000

Renault Triber RXZ AMT – INR 7,22,000

Compact seven seaters

Maruti Ertiga

The Maruti Ertiga has successfully tried to fill in the void left by previous generation Toyota Innova, which grew from its rather smaller footprints to a much larger Innova Crysta. The first generation Maruti Ertiga became a runaway success backed upon by fuel efficient engines and reliability associated with the Maruti Suzuki badge.

The currently available second generation Maruti Ertiga now has only a 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine backed by Maruti’s mild hybrid technology under its hood, which churns out 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque. The Maruti Ertiga is available with both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox options, with a single variant available with CNG fuel option as well.

Prices*

Maruti Ertiga LXI – INR 7,59,000

Maruti Ertiga VXI – INR 8,34,000

Maruti Ertiga ZXI – INR 9,17,000

Maruti Ertiga ZXI + – INR 9,71,000

Maruti Ertiga VXI AT – INR 9,36,000

Maruti Ertiga ZXI AT – INR 10,13,000

Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG – INR 8,95,000

Mahindra Marazzo

The Mahindra Marazzo was introduced as a replacement to the ageing Xylo, and garnered huge praises for its much more contemporary feel in and out, comfortable seats and plethora of modern features. All these factors do make the Marazzo the plushest compact MPV ever to come out from Mahindra.

The Mahindra Marazzo is yet to receive a BS6 upgrade, which is confirmed for sure. The 1.5-litre four cylinder diesel engine, which produces 123 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque in its BS4 avatar, will be upgraded to BS6 very soon. And like before, it will continue to be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, with the possible introduction of an automatic gearbox as well.

Premium seven seaters

Toyota Innova Crysta

The Toyota Innova Crysta is one seven seater vehicle which is accredited for redefining the segment of MPVs in the Indian market. The first generation model gained a commendable stature for itself with its reliable diesel powertrain and other mechanicals and supreme comfort. And with the new generation Innova Crysta, everything got improved inside out, making it a much more premium vehicle than ever before.

With the BS6 upgrade launched this year, the Toyota Innova Crysta is now available with two engine options – 2.7-litre four cylinder petrol engine (166 PS/245Nm with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed AT) and a 2.4-litre four cylinder diesel engine (150 PS/343 Nm with 5-speed manual and 150 PS/360 Nm with 6-speed AT).

Prices (petrol)*

Toyota Innova Crysta GX – INR 15,71,000

Toyota Innova Crysta VX – INR 19,00,000

Toyota Innova Crysta VX Touring Sport – INR 19,53,000

Toyota Innova Crysta GX AT – INR 17,07,000

Toyota Innova Crysta ZX AT – INR 21,78,000

Toyota Innova Crysta ZX AT Touring Sport – INR 22,46,000

Prices (diesel)*

Toyota Innova Crysta G – INR 16,49,000

Toyota Innova Crysta G+ – INR 17,14,000

Toyota Innova Crysta GX – INR 17,52,000

Toyota Innova Crysta VX – INR 20,94,000

Toyota Innova Crysta VX Touring Sport – INR 22,27,000

Toyota Innova Crysta ZX – INR 22,43,000

Toyota Innova Crysta GX AT – INR 18,83,000

Toyota Innova Crysta ZX AT – INR 23,63,000

Toyota Innova Crysta ZX AT Touring Sport – INR 24,67,000

Kia Carnival

For those who think that Toyota Innova Crysta feels a bit underequipped and less-premium and still don’t want to splurge on a full size luxury van, the Kia Carnival is one perfect solution for them. With bigger footprints and much more premium interior cabin and features over the Innova Crysta, the Kia Carnival feels suitable for the job of carrying seven people with utmost comfort.

Launched with a lot of fanfare at the Auto Expo 2020, the Kia Carnival in India is available with a single powertrain combination of a 2.2-litre four cylinder diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which belts out 200 PS of maximum power and 440 Nm of peak torque.

Prices*

Kia Carnival Premium (7-seater) – INR 24,95,000

Kia Carnival Premium (8-seater) – INR 25,15,000

Kia Carnival Prestige (7-seater) – INR 28,95,000

Kia Carnival Prestige (9-seater) – INR 29,95,000

Kia Carnival Limousine (7-seater) – INR 33,95,000

Also read: Top 5 best small cars in India - IAB picks

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog for more featured stories and the latest four-wheeler news.

*Prices are of Ex-showroom Delhi

Mahindra’s mStallion family comprises three turbocharged direct petrol engines. Announcing these engines, Rajan Wadhera, President (Automotive Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra, said that Mahindra is the first company in the country to manufacture TGDi engines. Mahindra may be the first Indian company to do that, but it was Hyundai that was the first company to manufacture a TGDi engine in India. The South Korean automaker began making its 1.0L TGDi engine in India last year and introduced it first in the Venue.

Speaking further, Wadhera revealed that the new mStallion petrol engines comply with not only India’s BS-VI emission norms but also Europe’s Euro-6d emission norms. Ford and SsangYong will also use them in their vehicles.

The mStallion engines come in three displacements - 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre - and feature an overboost function to mitigate the turbo lag at low engine speeds. The 1.2-litre mStallion petrol engine is a three-cylinder unit producing 130 hp at 5,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,500-3,750 rpm. It will be available in the Mahindra XUV300 and maybe even the Ford EcoSport.

The 1.5- and 2.0-litre mStallion engines are four-cylinder units. The 1.5-litre unit develops 163 hp at 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,000 rpm. The 2.0-litre unit generates 190 hp at 5,000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 1,750-4,000 rpm.

The bigger engines will find applications in models like the Marazzo, next-gen Thar (codename: W501), next-gen Scorpio (codename: Z101) and the next-gen XUV500 (codename: W601). The India-specific Ford C-SUV, which will be a platform-mate of Mahindra’s next-gen XUV500, will also use a mStallion engine.

In related news, Mahindra is developing a 2.0-litre mHawk diesel engine in three versions and will introduce it later this year. This engine will also be used in the aforementioned future Mahindra models. Know more about it here.

The BS-VI version of the Mahindra Marazzo MPV's 1.5-litre diesel engine will feature a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with a rear-mounted urea tank to limit NOx emissions. This engine will also be kitted with a DPF (diesel particulate filter). The output figures are expected to remain unaltered with the BS-VI update, which means that it will generate the same 123 PS (at 3,500 rpm) and 300 Nm of torque at (1,750-2,500 rpm). Also, the 6-speed manual gearbox will likely be carried over. The MPV will also receive an automatic gearbox-equipped variant later this year.

Mahindra will not only do away with the M8 variant but also introduce two new variants, namely M4+ and M6+. With the top-spec M8 variant out of the picture, the M6+ will be the new top-of-the-line trim. The M6+ variant should include some of the high-end features seen of M8.

The Mahindra Marazzo measures 4,585 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width 1,774 mm in height. It has a 2,760 mm wheelbase. It is sold in 7-seat and 8-seat versions, and that's not going to change with the BS-VI upgrade. Folding down the second-row and third-row seats frees up a luggage space of 1,055-litres in the eight-seat version.

Also Read: 2020 Mahindra Thar interior spied again, cruise control confirmed [Video]

The Mahindra Marazzo is an MPV cleverly positioned between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta, but it's not as popular. Its prices currently range from INR 9.99-14.77 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The BS-VI upgrade will lead to higher retail prices.

Mahindra will launch the next-gen Thar, Scorpio and XUV 500 also this year.

Here, in this list, we are going to give you a detailed description of the top five safest cars which have passed the tough tests of Global NCAP programme with flying colors and highest rankings.

1. Tata Nexon - 5/5

Out of all the cars in this list of safest cars, the Tata Nexon is the newest one, so it has got the advantage to keep the parameter of safety in the priority list from day one. And the result, quite obviously, has worked in favour of Tata Motors, as the Nexon is the only made-in-India car till date which has secured a 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection. However, things were not 'perfect' from day one, as the initial tests had got it a 4-star in Adult Occupant Protection. The rating in Child Occupant Protection has remained 3-star.

To achieve a 5-star rating in AOP, Tata Motors had made a seat belt reminder for the front occupants standard. Dual-front airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child-seat mounts also are standard in the Nexon.

Also read: Tata Nexon (5-star NCAP) Falls Into Ditch, Keeps Everyone Safe

2. VW Polo - 4/5

This had to be an obvious entry into the list, as Volkswagen has been a pioneer when it comes to class-leading safety standards. In Global NCAP, two versions of the made-in-India VW Polo were taken into consideration - one with no airbags and one with dual front airbags. While the one with no airbags scored zero star rating for adult occupancy, the one with dual front airbags scored a commendable 4-star rating (12.54/17). On the other hand, both the versions scored three star ratings for child occupancy - 26.97/49 of the one with no airbags and 29.91/49 of the one with dual front airbags.

The made-in-India VW Polo was tested by Global NCAP back in 2014, when the hatchback was offered with dual front airbags only in top-spec Highline variant, while none of the variants featured ABS, which was a shocker. However, things have changed for good now, as all the variants now feature dual front airbags and ABS as standard - a step taken as an after-effect version of this test conducted. The top-spec GT TSI variant features traction control, electronic stability control and hill hold assist in addition.

Also read: 2022 VW Polo Facelift Leaked Ahead of Official Unveil

3. Mahindra Marazzo - 4/5

Ever since its launch, the Mahindra Marazzo has been in news for all the right reasons. After a long time, Mahindra has launched a premium MPV to fulfil the needs of urban customers with all the features at right places. Since the urban customers are kept in mind, Mahindra has left no stone unturned to make the Marazzo a safe MPV. This is the reason why it has performed quite well in Global NCAP crash tests.

The Mahindra Marazzo has scored a 4-star rating in adult occupancy (12.85/17), whereas for child occupancy, the vehicle has scored a poor 2-star rating (22.22/49). Given the fact that the Marazzo is one of the newest vehicles in the list, it is equipped with all the modern essentials like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt with pretensioners across the range.

Also read: Mahindra Marazzo AutoShift to Launch Soon - Confirmed

4. Maruti Vitara Brezza - 4/5

Maruti Suzuki is being criticized for making light weighted cars when compared to the rivals, which is considered to be a deterrent for safety by many. However, the Vitara Brezza has tried to prove this perception wrong by posting good figures in Global NCAP crash tests. The Maruti Vitara Brezza, which also happens to be the best-selling SUV in the Indian market right now, is also one of the safest models in its segment.

The sub-compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki scored 4-star rating in adult occupancy (12.51/17). However, when it came to child occupancy, the SUV fared a bit poor with 2-star rating (17.93/49). According to the testing conducted by Global NCAP, the Vitara Brezza's ISOFIX mounts for child seats do not meet the set standards, and they can leadto injuries to head and shoulders of child occupants. The standard safety features of this SUV include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belt with pretensioners and ISOFIX mounts for child seats across all variants.

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Outsells Hyundai Venue - Full Info

5. Toyota Etios Liva - 4/5

While the Toyota Etios Liva is not a popular choice in its segment, it is a typical Toyota product when it comes to safety. Toyota is known for not compromising in safety, and the Etios Liva - a hatchback for emerging markets - is one perfect example of it. The Etios Liva was tested back in 2016, and the test car at that time had dual-front airbags and front seat belt with pretensioners as standard safety equipment.

The India-made Toyota Etios Liva scored a praiseworthy 4-star rating in adult occupancy (13/16), but a poor 2-star rating in child occupancy (20.02/49). After the test results, Toyota, in addition to the dual-front airbags, made ABS with EBD as well as ISOFIX mounts for child seats standard.

Also read: Toyota Etios and Etios Liva to be discontinued before April 2020 - Report

Mahindra Car Discounts for June 2019

Mahindra TUV300, TUV300 Plus

Mahindra TUV300's sales figures has plummeted over the last few months. Hence, to boost the figures Mahindra dealerships are offering discounts of up to INR 55,000 on the TUV300, and additionally, discounts up to INR 35,000 is being offered on the TUV300 Plus.
Thee TUV300 comes powered with a 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine, while the TUV300 Plus come with a 120hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both the engines work with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Mahindra KUV100 NXT/ KUV100 NXT Trip

The first monocoque hatchback from Mahindra in India, the KUV100 NXT is being offered with discounts of up to INR 30,000. It comes powered with 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol and a 78hp, 1.2-litre diesel engine. Both the engines come mated to a a 5-speed manual gearbox. It rivals the likes of Ford Freestyle and the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. The KUV100 NXT Trip which comes with petrol-CNG option is being offered with discounts of up to INR 45,000.

Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra Scorpio has been on of the most famous SUVs in the Indian market since its launch in 2002. Now the current-generation SUV is inching closer to the end of its lifecycle due to growing competition, and changing market trends. As a result Mahindra will soon be replacing the current Scorpio with the next-gen Scorpio which can make its official debut at the 2020 AutoExpo. Also, the SUV was spotted during tests on public roads previously. Now, Mahindra dealerships around the country are offering discounts of up to INR 40,000 on selected variants of the Scorpio. It comes powered with two diesel engine options– a 2.5-litre diesel available on the base trim and a 2.2-litre diesel engine (two states of tune). The engines come powered with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox.

Mahindra NuvoSport

The company has already announced in the past that it will pull the plugs on the NuvoSport due to the new stricter safety and emission norms. Now, to clear of the stock inventories and boost sales, dealerships are offering discounts of up to INR 35,000 on the NuvoSport. It comes powered with a 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine which is paired with a a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Mahindra Xylo

Mahindra Xylo will meet the similar fate as the NuvoSport, as Mahindra has decided to phase out Xylo, along with NuvoSport and long-Bolero. As a result, the Xylo is available at a discount of up to INR 35,000 across the model range. The MPV comes powered with a 93hp, 2.5-litre unit and a 119hp, 2.2-litre engine. The transmission duties on both the engines is done by a 5-speed manual gearbox only.

Mahindra XUV500

Mahindra's official dealerships across the country are offering discounts of up to INR 27,500 on the XUV500. It comes powered with a 155hp, 2.2-litre diesel and a 140hp, 2.2-litre petrol engine. The oil-burner comes with either a manual or automatic gearbox, while the petrol engine comes only with an automatic gearbox. It rivals the likes of Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass and the upcoming MG Hector.

Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra launched the Marazzo in September last year. It is currently been offered with discounts of up to INR 22,500 on some specific variants. It comes powered with a 123hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Mahindra Bolero Power Plus

Bolero is the bread and butter offering for Mahindra, and its sales have been going strong especially in the rural segments where Bolero enjoys a huge demand. Now, the company also started updating the SUV with safety features like ABS, driver's airbag, seatbelt reminder warning, speed warning and rear parking sensors to make it pass the upcoming stringent safety norms. Mahindra previously announced that it will not be selling the long-Bolero in future, but will continue with the Bolero Power Plus since it sits under 4-meters mark hence attracts less taxation. It comes with a a 71hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. Mahindra dealerships are offering discounts of up to INR 15,000 on this utilitarian SUV.

Mahindra Verito Vibe

Also Read: Mahindra to launch XUV300 AMT this month - Report

Mahindra dealerships are offering discounts of up to INR 20,000 to clear the stock inventories of the Verito Vibe, which is going to be taken off the charts very soon.

Mahindra Car Discounts for June 2019 at a glance

Disclaimer: Discounts and offers in the report above may vary between dealerships. Please contact your nearest Mahindra dealership for exact discount/offers list for June 2019.

[Source - Autocar India]

Mahindra initially planned to introduce a torque converter automatic in the Marazzo. However, that is still about a year away, if not more, and in the meantime, the company doesn’t want to lose customers looking for more convenience. So, it will launch an AMT option as a stop-gap solution.

By the end of the next financial year (April 2019-March 2020), Mahindra will upgrade the Marazzo’s diesel engine to comply with the BSVI emission norms. Around the same time, the company will introduce a torque converter automatic transmission and even a petrol engine. The introduction of a petrol engine, most likely a turbocharged unit, would lower the MPV’s entry-price and make it accessible to a wider band of customers.

The Mahindra Marazzo is currently available in one mechanical configuration. It employs the D15 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 73.3 kW (99.66 PS) and 200 Nm of torque in Economy mode and 90.2 kW (122.64 PS) and 300 Nm of torque in Power mode. A 6-speed manual transmission channels power to the rear wheels. The fuel economy is rated at 17.3 km/l.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 specifications leaked ahead of launch on 14 February

Mahindra offers the Marazzo in 7- and 8-seat versions. Prices start at INR 9.99 lakh* and go up to INR 14.30 lakh* (7-seat version)/INR 14.38 lakh* (8-seat version). India’s first 4-star Global NCAP rated MPV sits between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta.

[Source: autocarindia.com]

Speaking on his company’s participation in 2019 North American International Auto Show, Rick Haas, President & CEO, Mahindra Automotive North America, said:

With Mahindra now a part of the Detroit area automotive landscape, the NAIAS gives us an opportunity to highlight our Michigan-based team and our new manufacturing operation. Today, just over 5 years since the opening of our first Detroit office, this team is fully engaged in the business of envisioning, engineering and producing innovative transportation products for U.S. as well as global markets - helping Mahindra become 'the' brand of choice for mobility in the future.

The company's latest MPV, which has been on sale in India in a price bracket of INR 9.99-14.38 lakh, has shared the floor space with the Roxor and the company's zero-emission GenZe e-scooter engineered and assembled in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mahindra Marazzo is the first jointly developed vehicle by Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Troy, USA, and Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai, India. The design of the company's new MPV, which is said to be inspired by a shark, is a work of the company's Kandivali-based design centre in Mumbai and renowned Italian design house Pininfarina.

Also Read - Here's the Udaipur Royal Family’s Mahindra Thar Wanderlust with 35-inch wheels [Video]

The Mahindra Marazzo is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine that outputs a maximum power of 121 bhp at 3,500 rpm and a peak torque of 300 Nm at 1,750-2,500 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission drives the front wheels.

Image source- motor1.com

The 7-seat Mahindra Marazzo M8 retails at INR 13,90,000*. The 8-seat version, commanding a premium of INR 8,000, costs INR 13,98,000*. The 8-seat version of the M2, M4 and M6 grades are priced at INR 5,000 higher than their 7-seat version. The prices of the MPV were going to go up this month, but they haven’t yet; the introductory prices are still effective.

The M8 grade of the Mahindra Marazzo comes equipped with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lamps, power foldable mirrors, automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, rear camera and 7-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system with 8GB internal memory, GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Mahindra Marazzo measures 4,585 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width 1,774 mm in height. It has a 2,760 mm wheelbase. Folding down the second-row and third-row seats frees up a luggage space of 1,055 litres in the 8-seat version.

Under the hood, the Mahindra Marazzo has a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 121 bhp at 3,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm. This engine sends drive to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Also Read: Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 to employ a 180 hp 2.0L engine

Mahindra launched the Marazzo on 3 September 2018. By the end of the year, it managed to sell 14,994 units. At almost 3,800 units a month, the MPV is off to a decent start. Pricing-wise, it falls in a sweet spot between the Maruti Ertiga (INR 7,44,000* onwards) and the Toyota Innova (INR 14,06,000* onwards).

*Ex-showroom Delhi

The Mahindra M5 Electro is based on the second generation of the Formula E race car.  It is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and can go on to register a top speed of 280 km/h. The M5 Electro features the company's signature red, white and blue livery, while the new team kit has been inspired from the Bengal Tiger and the Lotus, two of the country's iconic symbols.

The Mahindra M5 Electro competes in the latest round of Formula E Championship in the hands of Jerome d'Ambrosio and Pascal Wehrlein. The duo replaces Felix Rosenqvist and Nick Heidfeld at Mahindra Racing, with the latter moving into an advisory role within the team as a reserve and test driver.

d'Ambrosio is an experienced Formula E driver who has won the championship twice and has been a part of the championship since its inception. The Belgian driver moves from Dragon Racing to Mahindra. Wehrlein is a 2015 DTM championship winner and has even been a part of the Sauber Formula 1 team.

Speaking on his company's wish to bring the Formula E to India, Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra and Mahindra and Chairman, Mahindra Racing, said:

Formula E organisers are very keen to do a race in India. We have been talking to various officials at the central government level and city-level to see whether it is possible to bring this to India and we could be able to do that, then we will create excitement in Formula E.

The Marazzo, which meets the latest Indian crash safety norms, has received a 4-star safety rating by Global NCAP.

The Mahindra Marazzo is the first-ever model to be designed jointly by the company's Kandivali-based design centre and Italian design house Pininfarina. Moreover, it's the first product to be developed in cooperation between Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Troy, USA, and Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai, India.

The design of the Mahindra Marazzo is said to be inspired by a shark. Furthermore, the company claims that its latest MPV is the world's first passenger vehicle to feature a transversely-mounted engine with a frame-based architecture. This patented architecture leads to a reduced floor height while providing the ruggedness of a ladder frame.

Powering the Mahindra Marazzo is a 1.5-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine that outputs a maximum power of 121 hp @ 3,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 300 Nm @ 1,750 - 2,500 rpm. The motor comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The MPV has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 17.3 km/l. The company claims to have used crank-offset technology to cut down on the vibrations by 38%. An advanced dual mass flywheel has been put into use to minimise the engine rattle.

Also Read: Mahindra S201 electric in the pipeline, Launch in 2020

The Mahindra Marazzo has found over 3,800 customers in each of the months of October and November, which means the new MPV is very close to achieving its monthly sales target of 4,000 units. In case the high demand persists, the company can ramp up the production to 7,000 units a month starting April 2019.