A Look at Honda Mobilio – Specs, Launch and Price Details

Car! Japanese! Diesel! These three words, when strung together in a singular sentence are enough to make any car aficionado understand that the vehicle in question ought to be one of unmatched superior quality, technology, efficiency and mileage. Now throw in the word ‘Honda’ and you got yourself a runaway success! Don’t trust me? Just have a look at the figures for the Honda Amaze and Honda City diesel version.

Having said that, I’m slightly curious as to what happens when we add the word(s) ‘MPV’ to that sentence as well. Looks like some engineers and folks at Honda were as intrigued as well, resulting in them planning to launch their latest (and foremost) entrant to this burgeoning category under the guise of the “Honda Mobilio”!

We first got an opportunity to witness this sporty new Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014. Based on the extremely popular and well-received Brio platform, this model appears to be a worthy sibling to the Honda Amaze and Honda Brio. The stupendous response received especially by the Honda Amaze – a compact sedan, is what seems to have spurred the development of this new MPV.

Built over Brio Platform, elongated headlights…

It appears to be sporting a relatively low roofline (when compared to some of its competitors in the category). In keeping with the Brio platform, the MPV bears aggressively elongated headlights and chin at the front end. It measures 4390 mm in length, 1680 mm in width, 1610 mm in height and the wheelbase in the range of 2650 mm. Moreover, the chrome grille on the radiator gives a uniquely stylish & characteristic look and feel. Honda has arranged for large inlets in the front and rear bumper in order for good air intake.

Spacious inspite of  3 row seating…

Not much is known regarding the interiors, dashboard looks similar to that in Brio. But having said that I believe that the interiors shall be the least problem-evoking, after all when was the last time we ever had a grudge with the interiors of a Honda?  Last, but certainly not the least, this MPV is claimed to have a spacious and large boot despite the presence of a 3-row seating arrangement.

Performance…

The MPV will be made available in both, petrol and diesel engines in the subcontinent on launch. The petrol variant will pack 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine which can churn out power up to 117 bhp. The 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC engine which comes with the diesel variant powers Honda’s hugely popular City and Amaze products as well. This i-DTEC engine promises to bring a pleasant 98 bhp. The engine, irrespective of the variant, will be married with a five-speed manual and CVT gearbox. While the diesel model of Mobilio is expected to deliver about 18 kmpl, the petrol version is likely to give 14 kmpl – both are figures for driving in the city.

To cost between 6 Lakh and 8.5 Lakh

Thus, this big and bad new horse from the Honda stable seems all set to take on the likes of current market leaders like Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo and Nissan Evalia in India. Honda is likely to price the upcoming MPV competitively between 6 lakh and 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom) bracket. For all those of you already sold on the vehicle, the company started the trial production of the vehicle at their Greater Noida plant earlier last month and the actual production of Mobilio will commence from this month (June). The vehicle is headed for a July, 2014 launch.