2014 Honda Mobilio review, test drive

Also disappointing is the fact that the dash has been carried over from the Brio with few enhancements. The car we were driving came with a really basic-spec black dash, no steering-mounted audio controls and no chrome trim either. Honda, however, is expected to spruce up the Mobilio for India. A two-tone dashboard and more chrome are obvious upgrades, a double-DIN touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth is likely, and leather seats and climate control could make it here too.

Where the Mobilio really impresses is from behind the wheel. The further we get away from Jakarta, the more the traffic thins, and finally, I’m able to stretch its legs. Whereas this MPV shares most of its other mechanical bits with the Brio and Amaze, the petrol engine actually comes from the City. Making a fizzy 117bhp at a high 6,600rpm and a healthy 14.8kgm of torque, this engine comes with a Torque Boost Resonator in the inlet. What also helps low engine speed responses is  the fact that the Mobilio has much shorter gearing due to its higher Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). So a mere tap on the throttle gets the car moving smartly. Always ready for action, Honda’s 1.5 is very responsive and the Mobilio gathers pace really quick, allowing you to shift up to higher gears quite rapidly.  

What you do realise, after carrying on for a bit, is that this car needs an additional sixth gear. Either that, or higher overall gearing. This is because 100kph equates to around 3,500rpm in fifth, and cruising at 120 pushes the engine speed up even higher. With highway speeds getting quicker and quicker in India, Honda could look at lengthening the gearing a bit for India.