Honda Mobilio RS i DTEC

Mobilio RS i DTEC Review

One of the largest car maker in the country, HCIL has finally launched its much awaited MPV, Mobilio in the country's car market. It is available in several trim levels in both petrol and diesel engine options. Among them Honda Mobilio RS i DTEC is the mid range variant, which comes with quite a few exclusive features. These aspects are RS exclusive front and rear bumpers, tail gate spoiler and side sill garnish, which gives it a sporty appearance. This variant is equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It can churn out a maximum power of 98.6bhp along with a peak torque output of 200Nm. The overall dimensions are quite standard and can easily accommodate seven passengers. It comes with an overall length of 4386mm along with a total width of 1683mm, which includes external rear view mirrors. Its height is about 1603mm and has a large wheelbase of 2652mm along with a minimum ground clearance of 189mm. At present, the company is selling it in a eye-catching Crystal Black Pearl finish, which is exclusive for this variant.

Exteriors:

To begin with the front facade, this MPV is designed with a bold radiator grille, which is treated with a lot of chrome. This grille is embossed with a prominent company emblem in the center. It is surrounded by a well lit headlight cluster that is equipped with projector type halogen lamps along with LED position lights. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section for cooling the engine and it is flanked by a couple of bright fog lamps. The large windscreen is made of heat absorbing glass and it is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The side profile comes with body colored door handles and ORVMs, while door center sash black tape gives it a decent look. These external rear view mirrors are electrically foldable and integrated with side turn indicator. The neatly carved wheel arches are equipped with an elegant set of 15 inch alloy wheels , which are covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment. On the other hand, the rear end cit designed with a RS exclusive bumper with a pair of reflectors, a bright tail light cluster and an expressive boot lid that gives the MPV a complete look. Its windscreen has a defogger along with wash and wipe function and a high mounted stop lamp for the security of the vehicle.

Interiors:

Its spacious internal cabin are in a dual tone beige color scheme and is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. The second row seats are reclining and comes with split 60:40 seat back foldable function, while third row comes with 50:50 split back foldable function. These seats provide ample leg space for all occupants. The smooth dashboard is equipped with a few features like silver accentuated AC vents, a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel and an illuminated instrument panel with a lot of functions. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and phone control buttons. The company has given this vehicle quite a few utility based aspects, which includes cup holders in center console, front seat back pockets, an accessory socket for charging gadgets, 3rd row cup holders, front and rear door lining bottle holders , two interior cabin lights and many other such aspects for the convenience of the occupants. Then front and rear armrest silver ring, chrome plated gear shift knob and silver plated inside door handles gives the cabin a decent look. 

Engine and Performance:

Under the hood, this Honda Mobilio RS i DTEC variant is blessed with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves using DOHC valve configuration. This engine comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc and can generate a peak power output of 98.6bhp at 3600rpm along with a maximum torque output of 200Nm at 1750rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its from wheels. It allows the MPV to achieve a top speed in the range of 150 to 160 Kmpl that is rather decent for this segment and can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmpl in about 13 to 15 seconds. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system. It can deliver 23 Kmpl within the city, while on the highways it gives close to 26 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

Its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, whereas the rear axle is fitted with torsion beam type of mechanism. On the other hand, the front wheels are equipped with a set of disc brakes, while its rear wheels get conventional drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further enhanced by ABS along with electronic brake force distribution . This trim is blessed with an electronic power steering system, which makes it convenient to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This tilt adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters that is rather good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This variant comes with an advanced 2-DIN integrated music system, which has radio with AM/FM tuner, CD/MP3 player, USB interface and Aux-in port along with four speakers . The efficient air conditioning unit comes with a heater and rear AC vents. The instrument panel is bestowed with a digital tachometer, fuel consumption display, door ajar warning, an electronic tripmeter and a few other notifications. Apart from these, it is bestowed with driver seat with height adjustment function, 2nd row seats with center armrest, ECO Lamp, sun visors with vanity mirror, dual horn and all four power windows with driver side auto down function.

Safety Features:

This Honda Mobilio RS i DTEC trim has a lot of protective aspects, which are dual front airbags, seat belts for all occupants with pretensioner and force limiter, driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel, an engine immobilizer with security alarm for preventing the vehicle from unauthorized entry, speed sensing auto door lock, a central locking system, keyless entry and powered lock hand switch. It comes with an ACE (advanced compatibility engineering) body structure, which enhanced the safety of the passengers sitting inside in case of any accident.

Pros:

1. Attractive exteriors with exclusive features.
2. Advanced safety features.

Cons:

1. Cost of maintenance is too high.
2. Price can be more competitive.