After showcasing it at this year's Auto Expo, Honda recently commenced the production of it's Ertiga rival- Mobilio. To be launched next month, the MPV is based on an extended version of the Brio platform same as the Amaze. It is the very first time that Mobilio has been spotted on Indian roads, as before this, the only glimpse we got, was from the Greater Noida facility's production line. Possessing dimensional figures- 4386mmX1683mmX1603mm, the Mobilio won’t be a part of the under 4-metre group (like most of us earlier believed) that is liable for excise duty benefits in the country.
This test mule seen here in the pics is of the top-end diesel trim, as it sports a 'V' and an I-DTEC badge on the boot lid. With no registration plate, the picture has been clicked standing next to the loading truck and is believed that this particular Mobilio is on its way to dealerships across India.
According to Honda, unlike its competitors, the Mobilio focuses more on the luxury space. The carmaker believes MPV customers in India want style, space and comfort, especially in the third row. The company has already already demonstrated its good interior packaging skills in their earlier products, and the same formula is expected to be applied to the Mobilio as well.
Seen in the images, this diesel variant of the Mobilio will be powered by the recent sensation-100PS 1.5l i-DTEC, which claims a fuel efficiency of around 25kmpl. And for the petrol variants, Honda might bring the City's 118PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC or even the Amaze's 88PS 1.2-litre mill, to make it a VFM preposition. The trusted 118PS will purely an enthusiast focused game, while the later focuses more on the fuel efficiency. The petrol variants will come with a choice of five-speed manual and autobox options, while the diesel may stick only to five-speed manual transmission.
The MPV will be manufactured at their plant in Greater Noida. After its arrival, the new Honda Mobilio will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga including the Nissan Evalia and Chevrolet Enjoy. And if reports are to believed, Mobilio's price will be closer to the rivals and the launch price will be around INR 6.5 Lakhs.
Source : CarDekho
