Substance blends with style in Mobilio

performance matters

Why should an MPV (multipurpose vehicle) or family car have a conservative look or mere functional interiors? Honda’s first MPV for India, the seven-seater Honda Mobilio, offers both stylish looks and superior performance. Mobilio competes with Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy, Nissan Evalia, and Renault Lodgy. It is an ideal option for seven members of a family on a weekend trip or a weeklong pilgrimage.Though new to India, Honda Mobilio is actually second generation. The first generation was sold from 2001 to 2008 in markets including Japan, Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Mobilio, manufactured at Honda’s Greater Noida facility, aims to sell 300,000 units annually by March 2017.

The monocoque (single shell) construction gives it a sporty, contemporary look. It is a personal car and certainly lighter than MUVs like Xylo, Tavera, and Innova. The bonnet is short, while the rear is proportionately bigger. The almond (or eye-shaped) headlamps and sharp taillights add to the allure.

Overall designIn terms of design, Mobilio’s face is identical to Brio and its overall design has a sporty, chiseled, and sculpted look. The T-shaped tail gives it a stylish, sophisticated look. The rear is classy, not tapering but with a flat horizontal view. The flooring is flat. This MPV has a small car platform, small engine, yet is spacious and has a car-like driving feel. Mobilio’s closest rival is Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and it is longer than the Ertiga.

Our test drive of about 180 km experienced both rain and shine. The Mobilio uses high tensile steel in the frame to increase energy absorption and minimise impact from any direction. The top-end variant is equipped with dual front airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
InteriorsThere is nothing dramatic about the interiors and many features, including dashboard and the seats, resemble Brio and Amaze. The top variant has a touch-screen audio video navigation system with reverse parking camera. There are AC vents, with controls, in the second row, but not on the third row. But the vents in the second row are good enough for the whole rear area.

SeatingThe seats can be slided and folded, offering flexibility in managing space. There is ample space in the first row. The second row seats tumble at the push of a lever, providing easy access to the third row. While first and second rows offer comfortable seating with snug head and legroom, that is not the case with the third row. Maybe it is okay for  children, teenagers, or medium-built adults. The third row, however, does have a reclining backrest. The seats are thin and there is not much cushioning. Perhaps the ergonomists might argue that it is good for long distances. Being a low vehicle, you still have to ‘sit down’ on the seats.
Storage SpaceEvery row had storage space and bottle holders, including vertical storage space for tools on one side behind the third row. The boot space can carry about two or three medium-sized suitcases. For more space, the third row can be folded flat. The boot space can be expanded from 223 litres to 521 litres with the third row folded flat.

The glove compartment is medium-sized. The front door pockets are wide and can hold one-litre bottles. Two large cup-holders and a storage bin are placed right ahead of the gear lever. Then, there is the large cubicle/bottle holder between the front seats. The rear doors have an even bigger pocket and bottle holder. Both front seats get useful seat-back pockets.
EngineThe 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine (in our test vehicle) is based on Honda’s latest Earth Dreams Technology, delivers a power of 100 ps@3,600 rpm, maximum torque of 200 Nm@1,750 rpm, and fuel economy of 24.2 kmpl as per test data.The diesel is a practical workhorse. On our test drive, we found that it revs up smoothly, affording a pull with a top speed of 140 km (after all it is supposed to be a family car and safety is paramount). In fact, the top speed has been electronically limited to 140 km/hr. While it glides over sharp curves, it thumps if the humps are rather sharp. Overall, it is easy to drive, and provides a smooth ride. The noise levels are not obtrusive as in other vehicles. The 1.5- litre i-VTEC petrol engine delivers a maximum power of 119 ps@6,600 rpm, maximum torque of 145 Nm@4,600 rpm, and fuel economy of 17.3 kmpl.The diesel engine has an official mileage of 24.2 km/litre. In real test conditions, however,  given the roads and traffic and other hurdles, it is definitely above 20 km. You could call it fuel efficient. The petrol version 1.5-litre i-Vtec officially claims a mileage of 17.3 km/litre.
Drive and handlingThe user-friendly Mobilio offers good ground clearance. The car is compact enough for easy manoeuvrability and effortless city drive. It gives a good performance on the open roads as well as in city roads. The Mobilio can match the C-segment sedans on the highway. Those on the last row have a fair view outside from the window, where the glass is otherwise fixed. Up along the long and winding inclines of Devarayanadurga hills on our test drive, the Mobilio made light work of the inclines delivering a smooth run up the hill.The clutch, though not light, is also not on the heavy side either. It manages to commute fairly well in traffic conditions. If you have been driving a hatchback or sedan, a shift to the Mobilio does not need new learnings. An easy drive should provide reasonable fuel economy. Parking is comparatively easier.  Lane change is a breeze on the highways.
PricingThe Honda Mobilio comes in three variants in petrol, and four in diesel with manual transmission. There’s also a diesel sports Mobilio RS. The MPV is priced between Rs 7.09 lakh and Rs 10.04 lakh for the petrol versions, while the diesel versions cost between Rs 8.56 lakh and Rs 12.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru).DH News Service