Honda Mobilio V i VTEC

Mobilio V i VTEC Review

The much awaited Honda Mobilio is finally launched in the market. It is introduced in three trim levels with petrol and diesel engine options. The Honda Mobilio V i VTEC is the top end petrol variant that is powered by a 1.5-litre mill. This engine has the ability to produce a maximum power of 118bhp along with a peak torque output of 145Nm. This new vehicle has a large cabin, especially in its second and third row, which provides comfortable seating for at least seven passengers. Its interiors are done up with a dual tone color scheme that is further embellished with silver inserts. Its external appearance is quite attractive, as it is neatly decorated with modernistic cosmetics. This vehicle has trendy aspects like a signature radiator grille, stylish bumper and an attractive taillight cluster. As far as its features are concerned, this trim is incorporated with aspects like an air conditioning system, all four power windows and an advanced 2-DIN music system. This vehicle is also available with important safety aspects like dual front SRS airbags, side impact beams and security alarm system. It will lock horns with the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy and Toyota Innova in the lucrative Indian automobile segment.

Exteriors:

This vehicle has a large body structure that is elegantly affixed with a set of trendy cosmetics. Its rear profile looks very attractive owing to its stylish taillight cluster that is further incorporated with powerful brake lights, courtesy lamp and turn indicators. The rear windscreen looks quite wide and is accompanied by LED third brake light and a wiper. Furthermore, there is a spoiler affixed above the windscreen that gives it an urbane appeal. The rear bumper is equipped with an expressive black colored strip along with a pair of reflectors, which gives it a rugged structure. This MPV has a lustrous side profile, as it is neatly structured with expressive lines all over. Its B and C pillars have a glossy black finish, while the door handles and ORVM caps are in body color. This top end version is blessed with a set of stylish 15-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. The front facade looks quite decent with an oval shaped headlight cluster and smiley radiator grille. There is a chrome strip fitted to this grille, which is further engraved with company's insignia. The front body colored bumper has a small air intake section along with a pair of fog lamps. It is also fitted with a black colored protective cladding that further enhances its style .

Interiors:

This Honda Mobilio V i VTEC trim has a huge cabin space, which can provide comfortable seating for at least seven passengers. There is a two tone color scheme for the dashboard and to its door panels. Furthermore, its central console and the door handles are treated with metallic inserts, which accentuates the interiors. Its cockpit has two individual seats, while the second and third rows are fitted with bench seats. In addition to these, the middle row seat has a center armrest along with a 60:40 split folding functio n. There are a number of utility based features provided inside like bottle holders in doors, front seat back pockets, cup holders in central console, a large glove box unit and head restraints. Apart from these, this MPV has a stylish instrument panel with blue illumination that is further incorporated with a speedometer, fuel gauge and a tachometer. On the other hand, this vehicle comes with a decent of 231 litre boot compartment along with a 42 litre fuel tank.

Engine and Performance:

This vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol power plant that is incorporated with a programmed fuel injection system. This motor is based on a SOHC valve configuration, but it still has 4-cylinders and 16-valves . This naturally aspirated engine has the ability to produce a peak power of 118bhp at 6600rpm that results in a commanding torque output of 145Nm at 4600rpm. This engine is mated with a sophisticated five speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the torque output to its front wheels. The company claims that this vehicle can produce a mileage of about 17.3 Kmpl, which is quite decent.

Braking and Handling:

Its front wheels have been fitted with a set of disc brakes and the rear ones have been paired with solid drum brakes. It is further incorporated with anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution that augments its mechanism. Its front axle has been paired with McPherson strut, while its rear axle has been coupled with a torsion beam system. On the other hand, this MPV is incorporated with a collapsible electric power assisted steering system that supports a minimum turning radius of just 5.2 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Honda Mobilio V i VTEC is the top end petrol variant and is incorporated with several important comfort features. Its is integrated with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system along with roof mounted AC vents in second row . The list of other features include electrically adjustable outside mirrors, accessory power sockets, green tinted glass, second row reclining seats, cup holders, steering mounted audio controls and front sun visors with vanity mirror. It is also equipped with an ECO indicator, all four power windows and 50:50 split folding third row seats. Furthermore, this trim is integrated with a 2-DIN music system that supports MP3 playback and provides connectivity for AUX-In and USB devices.

Safety Features:

This vehicle comes with an ACE body structure that is incorporated with impact protection beams and crumple zones, which protects the passengers in case of an accident. It is also blessed with pedestrian injury mitigation technology that includes a deployable that absorbs the head impact and reduces the severity of pedestrian injury. The list of other safety features include security alarm system, keyless entry, dual front SRS airbags, three point ELR seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter. Furthermore, this trim is equipped with an advanced engine immobilizer device that rejects any duplicate key and safeguards the vehicle.

Pros:

1. Exterior appearance is quite stylish.

2. Its engine performance is rather good.

Cons:

1. A few more comfort features can be added.

2. Fuel efficiency can be improved.