Marking its first foray into the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in India, Honda has launched the new seven-seater MVP- the Mobilio, in Mumbai today. The base petrol version is available at a starting price of Rs 6.49 lakh. The vehicle will be available in seven variants which also includes the top-end RS variant.. The base diesel trim has been priced at Rs 7.89 lakh.
The Honda Mobilio is available basically in three versions-E, S and V and offered in petrol and diesel variants, with a manual gearbox. The seventh trim is the sportier Mobilio RS grade that will be available in diesel and comes in an exclusive crystal black pearl colour. The other versions will be available in six colours including a new brilliant gold metallic colour apart from carnelian red pearl, majestic blue metallic, urban titanium metallic, alabaster silver metallic and taffeta white as seen on the Amaze.
This Maruti Suzuki Ertiga competitor is 4.4 metre long with a wheelbase of 2.6 metre and has a ground clearance of 185mm. Though the car is based on the Brio-Amaze platform and looks like its siblings, the stretched out proportions and non-boxy looks depict the changes clearly. The cabin of the Honda Mobilio is very similar to that of the Amaze and the Brio with the usage of beige and black theme for the interiors. The equipment is also same as the ones offered with the Honda siblings. The Mobilio gets a third row of seats that can accommodate children and extra luggage.
The AVN package, currently available in the Indonesia-spec car, is not available now for Indian customers but is expected to be introduced in the next few months. This includes a navigation system, reverse camera screen and a conventional audio and video system.
The sportier variant Mobilio RS gets radical changes to the exterior with the addition of a sportier body kit. This includes a sporty front and rear bumper, projector headlamps with LED position lamps, newly designed alloy wheels, a chrome grille, stylish tailgate spoiler, side sill garnish, retractable ORVM with turn indicators and chrome door handles.
The Honda Mobilio is available with two engine options– a 1.5-litre version of the i-VTEC and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC. These engines churn out 116bhp and 145Nm of torque and 100bhp and 200Nm of torque respectively. Both engines send power to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Honda has left out the automatic trim for the Indian market.
The deliveries of the Mobilio have begun today while the RS version will be available from September this year. The highly anticipated MPV has already received 5,800 bookings since the carmaker had opened bookings for the vehicle from July 8. Currently manufactured at HCIL’s facility in Greater Noida, we hope the carmaker will be able to cater to the good demand of the Mobilio, keeping the waiting period low. Apart from ramping up its production, HCIL is expanding its dealer network which is expected to increase to 230 dealerships spread out in 150 cities by the end of 2014-15. Presently, Honda's network extends to 179 dealers in 114 cities all over India.
Prices of the Honda Mobilio (ex-showroom Navi-Mumbai)-
Honda Mobilio E Petrol: Rs 6.49 lakh
Honda Mobilio S Petrol: Rs 7.51 lakh
Honda Mobilio V Petrol: Rs 8.77 lakh
Honda Mobilio E Diesel: Rs 7.89 lakh
Honda Mobilio S Diesel: Rs 8.60 lakh
Honda Mobilio V Diesel: Rs 9.76 lakh
Honda Mobilio RS Diesel: Rs 10.86 lakh
Click here to check out our first drive of the Honda Mobilio.
