The Honda Mobilio will be the first MPV offering from the stables of Honda Cars India. Expected to be launched in July, the Brio-based seven-seat MPV is an eagerly anticipated newcomer. But it will have to contend with the current segment favourites – the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova. We compare the specifications of these three MPV segment competitors.
What do they cost?
Let’s begin with the pricing details first. The Honda Mobilio will be a direct rival to the Maruti Ertiga which has had a good run on the sales charts till now. The Honda Mobilio range is likely to start from around Rs 6.2 lakh for the base petrol variant. The Maruti Ertiga variants retail for a starting price of Rs 5.80 lakh for the base LXi petrol while the top diesel ZDi variant is priced at Rs 8.24 lakh. The Toyota Innova range starts at Rs 9.67 and goes on to Rs 14.92 lakh for the top trim (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
The power factor
The Honda Mobilio is expected to go on sale with the same 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines that power the recently launched fourth-generation Honda City. The 1497cc, four-cylinder petrol engine makes 117bhp and 14.7kgm while the 1498cc, four-cylinder diesel mill is good for 98.6bhp and 20.3kgm.
The Maruti Ertiga is available with the option of a 1373cc, four-cylinder petrol motor and a 1248cc, four-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol motor produces 93.7bhp and 13.2kgm while the diesel makes 88.7bhp and 20.4kgm.
The Toyota Innova, the biggest and heaviest car of the lot, is powered by a larger 1998cc, four-cylinder petrol engine good for 130bhp and 18.5kgm and a 2494cc, four-cylinder diesel motor that makes 102bhp and 20.4kgm.
Space on offer
Although it is based on the Brio, the Honda Mobilio’s 2650mm wheelbase is 245mm longer than the Honda Amaze's. It measures 4386mm in length, 1683mm in width and 1603mm in height.
In comparison, the Maruti Ertiga has a 2740mm wheelbase which is 90 mm longer than the Mobilio. However, its overall length of 4265mm length is shorter than the Mobilio. At 1695mm wide and 1685mm height, it is slightly wider and taller than the Mobilio.
The Toyota Innova has the edge when it comes to wheelbase, with the space between the wheels measuring 2750mm. While that's only 10mm more than the Maruti Ertiga, it's a substantial 100mm longer than the Honda Mobilio. Overall, it measures 4585mm in length, 1765mm in width and 1760mm in height. The Innova easily surpasses the Maruti Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio in terms of dimensions.
After analysing these three MPVs on paper, one thing is certain; the Honda Mobilio may be the smallest, but with its splendid packaging, striking exterior design and three rows of seats, it definitely could take the fight to the competition. This promises to be a David vs Goliath battle worth watching.
Pradeb Biswas