Honda Mobilio S i DTEC

Mobilio S i DTEC Review

Honda India has launched the spacious multi purpose vehicle, Mobilio with both petrol and diesel engine options in the country's car bazaar. It is available in seven variants, out of which Honda Mobilio S i DTEC is the mid range trim. It is equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 98.6bhp in combination with 200Nm of peak torque output. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the MPV to deliver a healthy fuel economy. The company claims, that when it is driven on the highways, it gives close to 26 Kmpl, while in the city traffic conditions, it gives close to 23 Kmpl, which is rather decent for this segment. It is equipped with efficient braking and suspension mechanism, which keeps the vehicle well balanced. The overall dimensions are quite decent and perfect for accommodating seven passengers with ease. This variant is designed with a large wheelbase of 2652mm and a minimum ground clearance of 189mm. Its overall length stretches out 4386mm along with a total height of 1603mm and a decent width of 1683mm, which includes external rear view mirrors.

Exteriors:

At present, the company is selling this variant in six exterior paint options, which are a Brilliant Gold Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, Majestic Blue Metallic, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver and a Taffeta White with metallic finish for the buyers to choose from. To begin with the side profile, it is designed with a few character lines that enhances its look. The door handles and ORVMs are painted in body color and it also has door center sash black tape. The neatly carved wheel arches are equipped with a set of 15 inch alloy wheels , which are covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The front fascia is fitted with a bold radiator grille, which has a thick chrome plated slat. It is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a well designed headlight cluster that is incorporated with halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper has a wide air intake section for cooling the diesel engine. The front windscreen is made of tinted glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. On the other hand, the rear end has a body colored bumper with a couple of reflectors and a bright tail light cluster. The windshield has a wash and wipe function along with a high mounted third brake light as well.

Interiors:

The internal section comes in single tone beige color scheme and incorporated with comfortable 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. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and phone control buttons for the convenience of the occupants. The smooth dashboard is equipped with a features like chrome accentuated AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel, a spacious glove box and an illuminated instrument panel. The company has given this vehicle quite a few utility based aspects, which are 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.

Engine and Performance:

This Honda Mobilio S i DTEC variant is packed with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC valve configuration. It has the ability to displace about 1498cc and this engine is skilfully mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box. This diesel motor can churn out a peak power output of 98.6bhp at 3600rpm along with a maximum torque output of 200Nm at 1750rpm. This MPV can achieve a top speed in the range of 150 to 160 Kmpl that is rather decent for this segment. At the same time, it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmpl in about 13 to 15 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

This trim is blessed with an electronic power steering system, which makes it convenient to handle in peak traffic conditions. This tilt adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters that is rather good for this segment. On the other hand, the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, whereas the rear axle is fitted with torsion beam type of mechanism. 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 .

Comfort Features:

This variant has an air conditioning unit with rear AC vents, which helps in cooling the cabin quickly. The advanced 2-DIN integrated music system, which is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, Aux-in port, USB interface along with four speakers . The illuminated instrument panel features a digital tachometer, headlights off and ignition key reminder notification, seat belt reminder notification, door ajar warning, a low fuel warning light and a few other aspects as well. Apart from these, it also has power adjustable ORVMs, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, rear defogger, tilt adjustable steering wheel, ECO lamp and sun visor with passenger side vanity mirror.

Safety Features:

This Honda Mobilio S i DTEC variant comes with an ACE (advanced compatibility engineering) body structure , which enhanced the safety of the passengers sitting inside in case of any accident. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a number of protective aspects, which includes seat belts for all occupants with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel, an engine immobilizer for preventing the vehicle from unauthorized entry, rear windscreen in integrated with a centrally located high mounted brake light and defogger. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

Pros:

1. Decent ground clearance is a big advantage.
2. Satisfying fuel economy.

Cons:

1. Price can be competitive.
2. A few more safety features can be added.