Clash of segments: Mahindra Marazzo vs Mahindra Scorpio - which car to buy?

The new Mahindra Marazzo is a compelling option in the MPV segment with prices starting from Rs 10 lakh and going up to Rs 13.9 lakh for the top-spec M8 variant. While it competes with the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta, Renault Lodgy and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga at different price points, it does have a similarly priced sibling that also offers seven seats -- the Mahindra Scorpio. The Scorpio is priced from around Rs 10 lakh as well, but the range goes all the way up to Rs 16.35 lakh. So which Mahindra should you pick? First, let’s take a quick look at the distinguishing factors between the two:

Mahindra Marazzo	Mahindra Scorpio
New platform: The Marazzo debuts a new ladder-frame platform for Mahindra. Mahindra says that the Marazzo’s dynamics were honed in the USA by MANA (Mahindra Automotive North America). The Marazzo is, therefore, expected to feel more dynamically sound than any other ladder-frame Mahindra till date. This platform will be the only such platform that Mahindra will use going forward.	Old workhorse: The Scorpio is also underpinned by a ladder frame setup. However, its platform will soon bid goodbye and we expect the next-gen Scorpio to be built upon the new ladder-frame chassis on which the Marazzo has been developed. The Scorpio is not the most sorted vehicle when it comes to drive dynamics, especially at high speeds.
A spacious MPV: The Marazzo has been built for the sole duty of being an MPV. It comes with a front-wheel drive layout and a transverse-mounted engine -- both keeping in mind the fact that the cabin has to be spacious. Mahindra, in fact, claims that the Marazzo’s footprint is the largest when compared to any Mahindra till date.	An SUV that can go off the road: The Scorpio is built to handle tough terrains while also seating seven people. It can be had with a four-wheel drive setup, but only in the top-spec S11 variant, which is priced over Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). Mahindra has not specified the ground clearance of both the Scorpio and Marazzo on its official site, but given the Scorpio’s past record, we can conclude that the Scorpio can handle tough terrain better.
Single powertrain: The Marazzo is available with just a diesel engine, and in only one state of tune across all variants. A 6-speed manual gearbox sends power to the front wheels.	Multiple powertrains: The Scorpio is available in a choice of diesel engines - a 2.5 litre unit and a 2.2-litre unit that is offered in two states of tune. It is even available with four-wheel-drive. Like the Marazzo, the Scorpio is also available with a manual transmission only.
Captain seats: The Marazzo comes with captain seats in the middle row across all variants. When compared to a bench seat, individual seats are more comfortable for passengers in the second row.	Captain seats, but only in the top variant: The Scorpio also gets the option of having captain seats in the second row. However, this option is limited to the top-spec S11 variant, which costs over Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).
Competitors: Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Renault Lodgy.	Competitors: Tata Safari Storme, Tata Hexa

Variants

It is only fair to compare similarly priced variants of both cars. So, we’ve compared the M2, M6 and M8 variants of the Marazzo with the S3, S5 and S7 140 variants of the Scorpio.

Mahindra Marazzo M2 vs Mahindra Scorpio S3

Common features:

• Comfort: Manual air conditioning, fabric upholstery, electric power-assisted steering with tilt adjustment, 12V power outlet in front
• Safety: Engine immobiliser  

What Marazzo gets over the Scorpio:

• Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, disc brakes on all wheels, ISOFIX child seat mount, impact and speed-sensing door lock, overspeed warning, one rear USB power outlet, rear air conditioner, driver information display, rear spoiler  

What Scorpio gets over the Marazzo:

• Micro-hybrid tech  

Verdict:

• The Mahindra Marazzo is the clear choice here as it is clearly the safer vehicle of the two. Both are similarly priced base variants, so neither gets much of an advantage in terms of features and comforts.

Mahindra Marazzo M6 vs Mahindra Scorpio S5

Common Features (over previous variants):

• Lights: Follow-me-home headlamps
• Safety: Dual airbags, ABS, auto door lock while driving

What Marazzo gets over the Scorpio:

• Projector headlamps, cornering lamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, centrally mounted 7-inch resistive infotainment system, onboard navigation, four speakers, 4.2-inch colour TFT screen for driver information system, alloy wheels, front and rear fog lamps, ISOFIX child seat mount, disc brakes on all wheels, rear parking sensors, rear wiper and washer  

What Scorpio gets over the Marazzo:

• Second row 12V power outlet  

Verdict:

• The Mahindra Marazzo M6 offers way more features than the Scorpio S5. The MPV, at this price, offers a lot more value for your money than the SUV, making it our pick yet again.

Mahindra Marazzo M8 vs Mahindra Scorpio S7 140

Common Features (over previous variants):

• Lights: Projector halogen headlamps
• Audio: Audio system with USB+AUX
• Comfort: electrically adjustable ORVMs, voice assist system, height adjustable driver’s seat, armrest on front seats
• Safety: Anti-theft warning

What Marazzo gets over the Scorpio:

• Alloy wheels, electrically foldable ORVMs, leatherette upholstery, two USB ports at the front, centrally mounted 7-inch haptic touch infotainment system with Android Auto, onboard navigation, four speakers, 4.2-inch colour TFT screen for driver information system, front and rear fog lamps, ISOFIX child seat mount, rear parking sensors, rear view camera with steering adaptive parking guidelines, rear wiper and washer  

What Scorpio gets over the Marazzo:

• More power (18PS and 20Nm more) from the bigger mHawk engine

Verdict:

• The top-of-the-range Mahindra Marazzo is considerably more expensive than the closest-priced variant of the Mahindra Scorpio. However, for the extra cost, the MPV offers a considerable number of features and creature comforts which would cost significantly more to have on the Scorpio. For that reason, the Marazzo makes a clean sweep of its seven-seater SUV sibling in terms of offering better value for money when it comes to safety, infotainment and creature comforts.  

Why Buy Mahindra Marazzo?

• Spacious cabin: Mahindra has pointed out that the Marazzo has the largest footprint of any of its models till date and it is bigger than the Scorpio in every way except height. With the 1.5-litre transversely mounted engine with a front-wheel-drive setup, the Mahindra Marazzo has a dead rear axle. That means it has a flat floor and can easily seat even six-footers in every single row with enough knee room to spare.    
• Plusher interiors: The Marazzo comes with captain seats for the second row from the base variant, offering a more plush passenger experience. Also, the rear air-conditioning system with the diffuser functionality should make for a comfortable environment even in the last row.

Don't miss: Mahindra Marazzo vs Tata Hexa vs Toyota Innova Crysta vs Renault Lodgy: Space And Practicality Comparo  

Why Buy Mahindra Scorpio?

• Rugged off-road capability: The Mahindra Scorpio has built a reputation over time for its ability to tackle all kinds of rough terrain that goes beyond dealing with bad roads and massive potholes. With its proportions, there aren’t many obstacles that it can’t drive over. The four-wheel-drive variant comes at a high premium but gives it a more diverse range of usable circumstances.  
• High seating position: Not to say that the Marazzo’s form is diminutive in any way, but the tall design of the Scorpio makes the driver feel like he/she is sitting in a commanding spot. This allows for better visibility while also giving this iconic Mahindra SUV its much loved road presence.  
• Powertrain options and range: The Scorpio has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres compared to the 45 litres in the Marazzo. However, the Scorpio offers slightly less fuel efficiency in exchange for more power, especially the 2.2-litre mHawk that’s tuned to produce 140PS. That being said, if we were to compare their range based on ARAI fuel efficiency figures, the SUV offers a range of 981.6km when compared to 778.5km in the Marazzo. The larger tank offers more kilometres per fill and fewer stops at fuel stations. A good car for highway travels as well, then.

Check out: Mahindra Marazzo vs Toyota Innova Crysta: Variants Comparison || Mahindra Marazzo vs Renault Lodgy: Variants Comparison

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.