MPVs are a class of car that are slowly gaining acceptance in India. On the other hand, Indonesia has always been a market with a strong affinity for seven-seaters, but the trend has taken a while to reach Indian shores. Manufacturers have now realized the importance of MPVs in the Indian market and many are planning to launch them in India soon. Honda’s most awaited and anticipated car of the year, the , is finally out. It serves as Honda’s first Multi Purpose Vehicle in the country. But it will have to compete with the current segment favourite- the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. To gain a better understanding about these MPVs and allay your doubts, here is a head to head between the Ertiga and Mobilio.
EXTERIOR
Both the Honda Mobilio and Maruti Ertiga come with above average looks. But of the two the one that has the ability to elicit a second look is the Honda Mobilio. Some of the noticeable features of the Mobilio are the chrome lining on its grille, headlights, drawn out rear end and power antenna, which unifies higher level of mechanical security. Maruti’s Ertiga returns serve with adjustable headlights, but differs in the well-engineered fog lamp, finely designed tail lamp, alloy wheels and ORVM. The Ertiga is slightly wider and taller than the Mobilio. But, the Japanese designed Mobilio, despite being a tad smaller in terms of dimensions, makes up as it offers more space and comfort for occupants. This brings us to the interiors.
This round score:
Honda Mobilio: 4.5
Maruti Ertiga: 3.5
INTERIORS
Both the cars comprise of seven seats and they almost share similar inner facilities such as the incorporated air conditioner in their cabins, adjustable steering columns, heater, and fabric upholstery. The very compact dash of the Mobilio has been carried over from the Brio and Amaze to cut down costs and the Mobilio gets the same slim front seats with the fixed headrests as well. The Honda MPV is also integrated with few additional features such as digital odometer and tachometer.
This round score:
Honda Mobilio: 4
Maruti Ertiga: 3.5
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The Honda Mobilio is designed with dual engine options both for petrol and diesel. The Mobilio petrol houses a 1.5 litre iVTEC which manufactures maximum power of 117 bhp and 146 Nm of peak torque. The diesel powered edition houses a 1.5 litre lDTEC which produces the maximum output of 98 bhp and torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. The Maruti Ertiga also comes with dual engine variants. The 1.4 litre K series aboard the petrol version gives the highest power of 95 bhp with peak torque of 132 Nm. The Ertiga MPV in its diesel form offers 1.3 litre Ddis and creates the max output of 90 bhp with 204 Nm of torque at 200 rpm. Both engines give manual type gearboxes. The Indonesian version of the Mobilio is propelled with a version of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC mill from the City, which belts out 116bhp and a torque of 14.6kgm. These numbers reveal that the Mobilio gains an edge over the Maruti Ertiga in terms of power.
Of the two MPVs in this race, it is the Mobilio that offers the more enjoyable drive. This is owed to the fact that the car handles amazingly well and feels more stable when pushed a bit. The Ertiga does well for its size but simply doesn’t offer the pleasing drive the Mobilio does.
This round score:
Honda Mobilio: 4.5
Maruti Ertiga: 4
MILEAGE
Before buying an MPV, mileage in one of the important factors kept in to considerations, so that an entire family or group of members can travel together in less fuel. The Honda Mobilio’s petrol engine offers a mileage of 13.38kmpl in normal condition, and 17.3kmpl on highway. The diesel engine produces minimum mileage of 15-17kmpl in traffic conditions and a superb fuel efficiency of 22-24kmpl in highway conditions. The Maruti Ertiga’s petrol version renders a mileage of 12.1kmpl in the city whereas an energetic mileage of16kmpl on highway. On the other hand, the diesel version gives an average mileage of 19-21kmpl.
This round score:
Honda Mobilio: 4
Maruti Ertiga: 4
PRICE
The Honda Mobilio range starts from Rs 6.5 lakhs for the base petrol variant and the diesel variants are priced starting at at INR 7.89 Lakhs. The Maruti Ertiga variants retail for a starting price of Rs 5.80 to 7.35 lakhs for the base LXi petrol while the top diesel ZDi variant is priced at Rs. 7.2 to 8.24 lakhs.
This round score:
Honda Mobilio: 4
Maruti Ertiga: 3.5
VERDICT:
Honda’s excellent package with aggressive styling, excellent characterstics, and a number of great features powered by an economical diesel engine might give some sleepless nights to Maruti’s Ertiga. The Mobilio is under-girded by the same platform as the Brio and Amaze and is available at a very reasonable cost when compared with the Ertiga. Honda Mobilio may be lacking in size when viewed externally, but with class-defining performance, eye-catching exteriors and three rows of seats, it certainly has the chops to take the fight to the best of its competition.