Honda's MVP Mobilio is expected to Launch in July 2014

Honda Mobilio

Expected Launch: July 2014
Expected Price: 6.50 - 9 lacs
Availability - Diesel and Petrol

The Brio platform is one of Honda’s major developments for the Asian markets. The platform can be currently seen in Brio hatchback and the Amaze sedan, while a third model is expected to be launched in India this July. This all-new car is called the Honda Mobilio and is a seven-seater MVP that will compete with Maruti Suzuki's Ertiga.

The Honda Mobilio MPV (codenamed 2NH) is 4.4-metres long (wheelbase of 2.6-metres) and has a ground clearance of 185mm. It may appear like a stretched out version of the Brio but much like Amaze, it looks like it has been designed from the ground up to be an MPV. The Mobilio is a budget MUV, and so it shares a lot of components with the other Honda cars that would help it achieve a very competitive pricing. Despite this budget tag, the Mobilio looks and feels premium car with a trendy design and the Honda badge at the front.

The interiors of the new car are similar to that of the other Honda cars with beige being the predominant colour. The front two rows will certainly be spacious with a foldable third-row that can either accommodate children or make way for extra luggage.

The music system will be similar to that of the City sedan and it will have to be seen whether the touch screen AC panel will be fitted on the higher trims. The safety features will be up to the mark – ABS-EBD will be standard on all except the base variant and, at least the top two variants will get front airbags.

The Mobilio is have two variants

1. Diesel - Will be powered by the new 1.5-litre turbocharged Earth Dreams diesel engine churning out 100bhp and 205Nm
2. Petrol - Will get the 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit putting out 117bhp and 145Nm of torque.

The Honda Mobilio has reached production stage and the MVP is expected to reach the showrooms by July end. Honda will target the Ertiga with the new car, so expect a starting price of around Rs 6.25 lakh for the petrol base variant, the top-end diesel on the other hand should carry a price tag of around Rs 9 lakh. Honda showcased the Mobilio in 2014 Auto Expo. Once launched, the Mobilio will also compete with the Chevrolet Enjoy and Mahindra Quanto.