The Mobilio comes with smart styling, a spacious cabin and strong engines. It strives to be a family car, not just a people mover. Does it succeed?
Honda's promising Mobilio MPV is finally here. Soon to be launched with petrol and diesel engines under the hood, this seven-seater, however, is an MPV with a difference. Whereas regular MPVs use as much vertical space as possible, the Mobilio eschews boxy dimensions for a sleeker, more interesting profile.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
This is evident when you take a quick walk around the car. Up close, it's the nose that gets your attention first. Yes the Brio-like details are easy to spot, but Honda has made the chin of the car much sportier, and there's also an attractive-looking bar of chrome across the grille. Walk around to the side of the car and it is the clever lightning bolt-like feature and the 'floating roof' that are well executed. What's interesting is that this detail also has a practical use; it effectively drops the otherwise climbing window line and allows the rear of the car to be more airy. Also nice are the big tail-lights and the grown-up, Honda Odyssey-like rear of the car.
What you also notice is the sheer size of the car. At 4.4 metres, it’s much longer than an Ertiga and the 2,650mm wheelbase, though not as generous as the Ertiga’s, still frees up a lot of space. To make it drive like a regular car, Honda has stiffened the chassis considerably and beefed up the springs as well in the interest of better dynamics.