Honda’s portfolio will be further widened by the Mobilio MPV. It’s based on the Brio platform, though suitably lengthened at the wheelbase and rear to free up space and accommodate a third row of seats. The Brio connection is evident from the headlights but Honda’s designers have done a good job with the Mobilio’s styling - that floating D-pillar and wraparound rear screen are particularly distinctive. It also rides noticeably higher than the Amaze and the Brio, and the bigger wheels give it more presence. The 117bhp, 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and 99bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engines from the Honda City will be the ones powering this new MPV. Honda is famous for its packaging skills, and although this is still a relatively compact MPV, the room inside is pretty fantastic. The dashboard, disappointingly, is a direct carryover from the Brio and the Amaze, and although functional, feels Spartan and lacks that premium feel.
The Mobilio, when it goes on sale, is expected to be priced very competitively and rival the Maruti Ertiga.
Also at the Honda stand:
Honda also had the all-new Jazz, which is based on the new City's platform, at its stand. The spacious and flexible hatchback will be priced more competitively this time around, thanks to lots more local content. Honda also debuted the XS-1, a compact SUV concept. This concept previews a seven-seat Toyota Innova competitor that will be built on Honda’s new 2GA platform. The Honda XS-1 exhibits the carmaker’s prowess in delivering fantastic interior space in a compact body.
Honda also displayed the new Accord Hybrid as part of its eco-friendly ‘Earth Dreams’ technology. The Accord’s hybrid system switches between three modes to deliver the best possible efficiency or performance as per the driver’s requirements.
Not radical enough? To really turn some heads, Honda will have its drool-worthy NSX supercar concept that gets a mid-mounted V6 coupled to a pair of electric motors. There was also the latest-generation Accord Hybrid on display, with a possible launch in late 2014.