Japanese carmaker Honda is aiming to launch a series of new products in the Indian car market. The company will launch the Mobilio MPV, new generation Jazz hatch and Brio based SUV in the country. Honda’s Brio platform is very flexible which currently underpins the Brio and the Amaze compact sedan. Unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, the Mobilio MPV is the third model based on this platform. The all-new seven seater MPV is all set to hit the Indian market by the mid-2014. It will directly compete against the likes of Maruti Ertiga and Chevrolet Enjoy. Well, we feel Ertiga MPV will be the closest competitor for the Mobilio MPV.
The Maruti Ertiga is being developed on the Swift’s monocoque platform and is a seven seater MPV. The third row seat doesn’t have very much space, and it is best suited for children. Here, we try to figure out how the new Honda Mobilio will justify itself against the top selling Maruti Ertiga.
Exterior & Interiors
The Honda Mobilio is a budget MPV which share most of its design cues and components with the Amaze compact sedan. At the front, the vehicle looks more masculine than the sedan sibling. The front fascia is blessed with thick horizontal slat grille with chrome inserts while the bumper gets oval shaped fog lamps. The hood features prominent lines which visually flow to meet the A-pillar, while the fog lamps also gets black plastic casing. The side profile features prominent sewage lines which merges the B-pillar. The rear fascia of the MPV is what distinguishes it from the Amaze compact sedan. It features new set of tail lights and a wraparound look of the windscreen.
Maruti Ertiga styling resembles other Suzuki cars running across the nation. The vehicle gets a grille and bonnet that looks like the Ritz which is flanked by the swept-back headlights that resemble the new Swift. The rear styling looks ordinary and offers the standard MPV like design. The overall styling is adorable but you won’t call it eye-catchy or appealing.
The Honda Mobilio MPV shares most of its interior component and styling with its siblings. The dual tone interior with beige being the predominant colour feels rich, while the material quality is top notch. The steering wheel, switches, music system and air conditioner are directly lifted from the Amaze compact sedan. The first two rows are spacious enough to seat five adults comfortably, while the third row seat lacks knee room space. The third row seats can be fully foldable that can easily accommodate 2-3 suitcases.
Maruti Ertiga features supportive seats while the large windows offer a roomy feel. The interior components also shares most of its styling and components with Swift hatchback. Like the Mobilio MPV, this model lacks knee room space for third passengers. All the components including steering, audio system and AC are directly lifted from the Swift hatchback.
Safety Features
The Honda Mobilio MPV will be equipped with several advanced safety features such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), airbags, central locking, engine immobilizer and others.
Price
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV is priced at Rs. 5.80 lakh for the entry spec model while the top spec variant costs Rs. 8.49 lakh. Honda Mobilio MPV is expected to be tagged around Rs. 6 lakh for base model and Rs. 9 lakh for top-of-the line variant.
| Technical Specifications | Honda Mobilio | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga |
| Petrol Engine | 1.5-litre i-VTEC | 1.4L K-Series with VTVT |
| Diesel Engine | 1.5-litre i-DTEC | 1.3L DDiS |
| Power Output Petrol | 116bhp | 94bhp @6000rpm |
| Power Output Diesel | 98bhp | 86bhp @4500rpm |
| Torque Petrol | 145Nm | 130Nm @4000rpm |
| Torque Diesel | 205Nm | 200Nm @1750rpm |
| Mileage/Fuel Economy | ||
| Transmission/Gearbox | ||
| Overall Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4390mm | 4265mm |
| Width | 1680mm | 1695mm |
| Height | 1610mm | 1685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650mm | 2740mm |
| Fuel Tank | 45-litres | 45-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 185mm | 185mm |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Disc | Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
