Ford Marazzo to be launched from Ford-Mahindra JV

After announcing its partnership with Mahindra last year, Ford is planning to launch a couple of SUVs in the Indian market. The Mahindra Marazzo is a midsize MPV that has been doing well in the Indian markets and with the partnership, Ford plans to launch its own version of the Marazzo although with certain changes.

Chassis and body

Ford was in plans to introduce its global offering the B-max to India, but the plan was scrapped considering the huge demand for SUVs in the Indian market that overtakes that of the MPV segment. Therefore it would not be cost-effective for Ford to develop its own platform for the MPV segment. Luckily for Ford, Mahindra already has a strong product in the market, and Ford will develop the car on the Marazzo’s ladder-frame chassis. The body is expected to be getting a lot of changes and the headlights and the bumpers and the overall design will be changed from the ground up.

The MPV will get its design cues borrowed from Ford’s international lineup and is said to not resemble the look of the Marazzo in any way.

Features of the Ford Marazzo

On the inside as well, Ford is said to add many new features in addition to those that are offered in the Marazzo. It will get the SYNC system of Ford. It will be offered in seven or eight-seater configurations and also get the front-wheel drive.

The suspension as well will be tuned by Ford. There will be plenty of unique elements on the inside like a new dashboard altogether, along with the Sync series infotainment system from the Ford parts bin. Under the skin, however, the Ford MPV will have much in common with the Marazzo.

Ford Marazzo engines

The car will borrow the engines too from Mahindra and therefore it will have a BS6 version of Mahindra’s 1.5-litre diesel engine coupled with manual and AMT auto gearboxes. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (which Mahindra is in the process of developing) is also a likely engine option.

Cost

The Mahindra Marazzo costs Rs 9 lakh(ex-showroom) and the Ford MPV will definitely cost more than this. The car will be seen with a new BS6 engine which will increase the price significantly. The car is likely to go on sale next year.

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