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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Last updated on: March 05, 2014 17:41 IST

Image: Honda Mobilio.
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

Honda Mobilio is being touted as the latest contender in the growing MPV space in India.

The MPV was also showcased at the recently held 2014 Indian Auto Expo.

The vehicle is expected to hit the showrooms during the months of June or July, and is already on sale in Indonesia.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Maruti Ertiga.
Photographs: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

The major rivals of the MPV are Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy, Nissan Evalia, Ashok leyland Stile and Mahindra Xylo in the Indian automotive industry.

Maruti Ertiga, currently, own the lion's share in the segment, courtesy the unmatched legacy of the company throughout the nation plus its efficient and powerful mills.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio.
Photographs: Courtesy, Honda

Honda Mobilio is based on the Brio platform and it is by far one of the best iteration of the platform which is also shared by the Amaze compact sedan.

The MPV follows Honda's new "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!” language, which was first showcased in India in the new City.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Brio.
Photographs: Courtesy, Honda

This H design philosophy interprets into three factors, which are depicted through three exclamatory signs used, namely, ‘High Tech’, ‘High Tension’ and ‘High Touch’.

The biggest change among the Brio clan which will strike your mind first in Mobilio is that it flaunts the H inspired huge wing shaped honeycombed grill, owing to the “exciting design”.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Amaze.
Photographs: Courtesy, Honda

The front bumper profile is aggressive in nature compared to Brio and Amaze; the split design around the air damp helps the car to attain an impressive stance.

Headlight units are kept same as that of Amaze. Mobilio boosts an unique side profile.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio.
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

Additionally, the step down window line from the B pillar imparts roomy feel inside. The side crease line of the MPV is similar to that of Amaze.

The rear C pillar glass area blends with the rear windscreen, giving a sense of larger green house area. The rear profile of the vehicle is worth a view.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda City.
Photographs: Courtesy, Honda

The rear taillight design of the MPV is similar to that of the 2014 City sedan. The large boot lid of the vehicle intrudes into the bumper, giving low ingress to the boot.

The dual tone, honeycombed rear bumper sports reflectors. The integrated roof spoiler goes well with the overall rear profile of the vehicle.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

Mechanically, the car will be powered by both petrol and diesel powertrains. The diesel variants will be powered by Honda's debutante oil burner in the country, the 1.5 i-DTEC 'earth dreams'.

The 1498cc mill musters out 98.6bhp at 3600rpm and gathers peak torque of 200Nm from  1750rpm onwards.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

This engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission and power will be transmitted to the front wheels via it.

The petrol variants will be powered by the 1.5 liter  i-VTEC, the engine which churns out 117.3 bhp of maximum power at 6600rpm and 145Nm of peak torque at 4600rpm.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

Interiors of the vehicle will be straight lift from Amaze sedan; interiors of the vehicle will be dual toned, beige and black. Honda ditched the beige colour on the dashboard, instead the dash will be complete black with chrome and silver accents.

The AC louvers are surrounded by chrome rings with the driver side vent profile surrounded by chrome strips. The front seats have integrated headrests just like the Amaze and Brio, while rear seats sport conventional ones.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Interior of Honda Mobilio.
Photographs: Courtesy,Honda

For a change, the audio unit in Mobilio is equipped with CD player, other options include AUX-in, USB and tuner.

The HVAC unit in the vehicle is of manual type and has roof mounted blower for the better cooling of second and third row.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Honda Mobilio
Photographs: Courtesy, Indian autos Blog

Front and rear electrically adjustable windows with internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors with integrated side repeaters are further present to facilitate the driver as well as the co-passengers. The MPV has tilt adjustable electronic power steering for effortless maneuverability.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Interior of Honda Mobilio.

On the safety front, the braking of the vehicle is assisted with anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.

The front wheels are equipped with ventilated disc and rear are with drums. The vehicle also boosts side impact beams and dual airbags for driver and passenger. The car rides on 185/65 cross-section R15 radials and sits 189mm above the ground.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: Interior of Honda Mobilio.

The car will directly hit on Ertiga, the segment's top seller. Honda will price the MPV keeping in mind the boisterous competition.

Mobilio scores well on some points such as, it has powerful engine in the segment and equally fuel efficient too.

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Honda Mobilio: The next big thing in the Indian car market

Image: A model stands next to Honda Mobilio prototype on display at The 21st Indonesia International Motor Show.
Photographs: Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images

Unquestionably, it is the best looking MPV in the space which is occupied by van type looking Enjoy and Evalia, Suvlish Xylo.

If Honda is ableto hit the sweet spot, when it comes to pricing; which has been the biggest pillar of strength for Maruti till now, it could really come up with nightmares for its contemporaries. 

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