Honda Mobilio makes MPVs look good

The MPV segment has never set the sales charts on fire due to its ungainly boxy design and they end up doing taxi service. No self respecting private car owner would want his vehicle to be identified as a cab. Honda Cars India Ltd, realising the importance and the practicality of this segment, decided to change the mind set for MPVs and launched a stylish and spacious seven-seater, the Mobilio. Its starting price for petrol is Rs 6.49 lakh and Rs 7.89 lakh for the diesel (ex-showroom Delhi). Credit should be given to Honda for keeping the price at an affordable range as they ensured that the level of localisation of parts is more than 90%.

The Mobilio will be available in both diesel and petrol options. The former will rake up majority of the sales. The diesel variant’s powerplant is 1.5 litre i-DTEC engine, also in City and Amaze, delivers a maximum power of 99 bhp, maximum torque of 200 Nm and the company claims that it has the best fuel economy of 24.2 km/l in the class. The petrol version is powered by the tried and tested 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with a power output 117 bhp, maximum torque of 145 Nm and mileage claimed is 17.3 km/l.

Honda’s target customer is a young family which wants contemporary visual appeal, spacious cabin and easy on the pockets when it comes to fuel bills. Those who believe in flaunting their vehicle, the Mobilio is also available in a sporty RS variant, which has bolder and sportier exterior design than base grade. But the deliveries for the Mobilio RS will begin from September 2014.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hironori Kanayama, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “Our ultimate goal is to be the most trusted company in the country and we aim at not only creating great products but also offering an unparalleled experience to our customers. We are confident that Honda Mobilio will meet the needs as well as aspirations of our customers and help us expand the pride and joy of buying a Honda to a new set of customers.”

Honda Mobilio prices (ex-showroom Delhi)

Petrol
Mobilio E: Rs 6.49 lakh
Mobilio S: Rs 7.50 lakh
Mobilio V: Rs 8.76 lakh

Diesel
Mobilio E: Rs 7.89 lakh
Mobilio S: Rs 8.60 lakh
Mobilio V: Rs 9.76 lakh
Mobilio RS: Rs 10.86 lakh