Not everyone needs AWD/4WD. Some only need people movers to move people in comfort, Innova is the best in class and it doesn't provide one.
Fair but if benchmarking to Innova then along with price & space wouldn't it be a good move? Also, in the Mahindra stable if we see, XUV gets AWD then why can't Marazzo too. Agreed that not all need the AWD/4WD but if a brand offers a AWD in XUV then why cant it give it in M8 version. Even if we leave XUV, if Mahindra can give 4WD in S11 Scorpio what stops them to give it in M8 Marazzo.
AT is a missed opportunity but Mahindra is working on it and will launch later.
I hope it doesn't launch later than the new Ertiga. Reason being, MSIL is known to play it's cards well and no matter what, even if priced at premium, Ertiga will be a damn tough competitor to this one.
But some bigger SUVs also offer dual airbags only and that doesn't mean they are demoted to a different segment.
It is not about getting demoted to lower segment it about pricing and feature provision. If at 13-14 Lacs or so Ford provides 6 Airbags to Eco Sport Top model then why didn't Mahindra think on giving atleast 4 in M8? You see, if keep aside the price, just we take the Top model safety for comparison, Innova Crysta, Hexa, Eco Sport all provide 6-7 airbags then why didn't M&M give a thought to that? Even Top Model XUV 5OO gets more than 2 airbags.
CRV is going launch with 1.6 diesel similar priced UVs offer upto 3.2 liter engines and it won't bring CRV down a segment.
As I said, demotion of segment is not the concern. The concern is brands are providing a VFM aspect by downsizing the essentials of the Car/SUV. Anything less than a 2.0L engine on a full size SUV will surely leave a lot of questions in the minds of buyers when at present there are lower segments SUV giving bigger engine and better performance. A good refined 2.0L Diesel engine can definitely make the buyer think before closing the deal. As far as FE is concerned, there is always a difference between figures of ARAI & Real World driving.
Engine is one of main reason for me saying that this car is second best to Innova.
Respected! To me it is only because of the engine that I feel a top spec XUV 5OO with an AT is good competitor to Innova.
The features you mention do add some snob value but are not necessarily a deal breaker for many. I for one, don't like electric seat adjust without memory function. My driver and I have two extreme positions and it takes forever to adjust. After a few months of buying XUV 509, sunroof has been untouched for months now.
See bro, Buyers are different and their needs are different no doubt. But, when the average buyer begins to compare the features among the cars in a specific price range, he or she surely compares the extra features which one brand provides over the other. After buying whether one uses it or not is a personal choice. I bought a Tigor Optional Petrol and in that so far, I have very seldom used the touchscreen, the rear center cup holders and the cooling feature of glove box but that does not mean that TML should omit them from offering in Tigor top end.
I prefer Marazzo over XUV500, just because it has a spacious third row and much better ride.
If from people mover's perspective we see then surely 3rd row space matters. Like the Xylo was being used by Call Centres and Cabs owners. But if I consider it from a personal ownership's point of view, I would say, will all 3 rows up, the boot space gets compromised and it is not fit to accommodate lot of luggage for long trips which family often go for. This issue is pretty much there with most of the 7 seaters. Either one fits 7 pax in the 7 seater by reducing luggage or puts luggage by reducing the number of passengers. About ride quality, I'll say, TML, M&M quite often does a good job in this department and secondly, point of views can be different to some extent among 2 or more people.
I don't trust Tata as a brand worth paying over 10 lakhs just yet. All Tata ownership reports indicate service cost to be higher than the competition and also the question about long term reliability remains.
I respect your viewpoint and believe that to change a perception it definitely takes alot of effort.
Hexa is probably the best from Tata stable. But there is a reason XUV sells much more than that of Hexa. I feel that would extend here.
The low sales volume of Hexa is because of a defined production value i.e a particular number of units to produce. As far as I know, TML is quite happy with the volumes their vehicles are selling in. I feel, a niggle free customer ownership matters more than selling in high volumes. Prior to introduction of Tiago, we all know, the kind of perception generally people had for TML & it's cars and more so, the ARIA didn't fly off the shelves so as a second inning in this segment, TML introduced all new Hexa and possibly also worked out the sales target per month for it. Secondly, Hexa came in quite late as compared to XUV. By 2017, XUV had garnered a lot of buyer base. In a shade over 1.5 Years of Hexa's launch in our market, I feel, it has pretty much lived up to TML's expectations.
I dont think they should even bother AWD and all that - this is a people mover MPV and should remain so. And more than anything else I do want it to challenge the innova - because its far too long Toyota is grinning with a way too overpriced product and i hate that aspect - so hope all the other MPV/MUVs give it a tougher time. The toyota brand has to be challenged by the likes of Marazzo, Hexa etc.
Over confidence of anyone or any brand does not last long. Competition in today's time is surely very very tough in auto industry.
Only thing to watch out for is the initial Mahindra gremlins - time will tell on that front.
I am not saying the Hexa is not value for money, its a great product but somehow Mahindra enjoys much better brand recall among the customers, and that explains why the XUV sells thrice the units of Hexa. Mahindra has built up its reputation with the rugged and reliable Bolero, has lesser legacy issues compared to TATA and therefore the Marazzo will find itself in a much stronger footing straight away. Ultimately its the product that keeps the sales ticking.
I would say if it's about the brand recall, then even TML has built a strong one with vehicles like Sierra, Sumo, Safari, Safari Storme. People still have a strong recall of the Safari & Sumo. Yes, I agree, there might be legacy issues in TML however, that did not stop the Safari from being the heartthrob of many enthusiasts during it's time. It did not stop Sierra from becoming a favorite of many earlier in the day. You are correct in saying that a product helps in sales ultimately and same has been the case with TML and M&M. I sincerely wish Marazzo does equally good for M&M. I want that Marazzo should give tough challenge to likes of Ertiga & BR-V etc.
Between Marazzo and HEXA , its a no brainer but.......T.A.S.S ..OH MY GOD T.A.S.S !
I suppose the fly in ointment for you is TASS. Rest assured, being 1st time TML car owner, I am actually happy with the way the servicing has been done for my car. Yes, there are bit of rough edges but at the end those haven't made me wait for roadside assistance in the middle of road so far.
Regards
Akash