After tasting the success of Brio and Amaze, Honda Cars India is contemplating to launch a third model on the Brio platform, called ‘Mobilio’ which was recently shown to the public at the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show. Ammar Alvi checks it out.
If all goes well as per its planning and strategy, ‘Mobilio’ will be the third model based on Brio’s platform to be launched in India by Honda Cars India. The MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment has been witnessing a decent surge with other manufacturers tasting success with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Chevrolet Enjoy.
This seven-seater appears very similar to that of the Brio —you will find same headlights, bonnet and bumper design. The Mobilio, however, gets a larger front grille with a more prominent chrome bar running along the centre. Then the bumper gets a new faux air dam at the bottom while the fog lamps remain the same as those on the Brio. When you move away and check the side profile, you will find that the Honda designers have cleverly borrowed design cues from Brio again, the floating D-pillar above the window makes the MPV look longer. The flared wheel arches touch upon the sporty design character. The wheelbase of Mobilio has been expanded in order to make way for a more roomy cabin which ensures three comfortable rows of seating. The rear has also been kept neat with a curved tailgate shaping for the licence plate in the centre. The tail lights have been neatly integrated into the curvature of the body from the rear panel to the tailgate which also sports a section of the tail light.
Interiors of the Mobilio sport a dual tone theme which makes it appealing. At 4.4 metres, the MPV will be powered by the 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol and the new 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel in India. Other features include a double-DIN stereo with USB and iPod connectivity, power windows, power socket, keyless entry, engine immobiliser, dual airbags at the front and ABS.
The bulk of the sales, it is assumed, will come from the diesel-powered engine like in the case of Brio and Amaze. However, it is expected that Mobilio will shake up the competition which has been witnessing a surge, thanks to the entry of Ertiga and Enjoy.
Well one more reason for the MPV consumers to smile!