WOW factors about Honda Mobilio:
Reliability, Fuel efficiency of Diesel engine, Wide network of dealers, Low maintenance cost, Performance of petrol engine, spacious cabin & yes the name “HONDA” !
Factors against Honda Mobilio:
Noisy diesel engine which lacks refinement and low ground clearance — with respect to other models.
People’s love for MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle):
Mpv’s are also known as minivan’s in North America. In one way, mpv’s are a symbol of parenthood, the reason being, most of the people wouldn’t drive it if they don’t have children. Kids love the space in mpv’s whereas sedan, hatchback restrict their movements and MPV’s are great people movers. Mpv’s offer extra large space coupled with the ability to fold down all the seats. The Indian market has already has a few mpv’s like Maruti Ertiga (though it’s called as muv ie. Multi-Utility vehicle), Chevrolet Enjoy, Nissan Evalia etc. The latest one that will join this group in near future is Honda Mobilio after its runaway success in Indonesia.
Looks:
Honda Mobilio is a 7 seater mpv, which was produced in 2001 but not launched in the Indian market at that time. Honda will launch its second generation mpv soon in India. Honda India has also made an official announcement of this news on its website. The platform of Honda mobilio is same as that of Honda Amaze and the Honda Brio. This gives the flexibility to Honda for sharing the parts. Honda mobilio has the same strong bold lines found in its earlier models which looks better than the other mpv’s of this segment. The front carries the sharp grille and looks sporty. The rear comes with integrated roof spoiler, tail lamps which are typical to Honda design.
Interior:
Honda mobilio will have three rows of seats. The mid rows of seats can be folded to make space and access to the 3rd row seats. Mid rows of seats in Honda Mobilio comes with a 60:40 split. The same way 3rd of seats can be folded to get huge space for loading bay. This should also provide a better leg room. Honda has increased wheelbase in Honda Mobilio than Honda Amaze and Honda Brio. Honda mobilio launched in Indonesia lacks steering mounted audio controls and chrome trim, not sure if Honda will include this in the Indian version.
Under the Hood:
Honda mobilio will be powered by the same 1.5litre diesel engine employed in Honda Amaze and latest generation Honda City. This will be a four cylinder engine which produces 100ps @ 3600rpm and a torque of 200n@ 1750rpm. Honda mobilio will also have the time tested petrol offering, which will produce 119ps of power @6600rpm and torque of 145nm @4600. Honda mobilio has already received car of the year award by the iotomotif online magazine.
Bottom-line: The runaway success of Honda Amaze and Honda city with its diesel offering has set the path which should be an advantage for Honda Mobilio.
Curious Questions of Motor heads:
1. Honda Mobilio Launch date?
Expected in July 2014.
2. Honda Mobilio expected Price?
6 – 8.5 Lakhs