The South African motoring media has touted the new Honda Mobilio as the competition for the Toyoya Avanza. But given Mobilo’s class and luxury features, this can’t be true since the Avanza is more a fleet vehicle while the Mobilo will appeal to the family’s daily life.
Perhaps the closest comparison could be to the similarly priced Suzuki Ertiga, which is nearly the same size as the Mobilio in every respects, though the Honda MPV nudges slightly ahead with the length of 4 385mm, against the Ertiga’s 4 265mm.
The front-wheel drive Mobilio is offered in two trim levels: Trend and Comfort. Each model is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine (the same as found in the Ballade and Jazz) linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The exterior design and styling of both models is as follows:
Design
The exterior design of the Mobilio has been created to give the impression of sleek aerodynamics and a compact, sporty look. Generous glass areas ensure good all-round visibility and the appearance of an open, inviting interior. Powerful character lines along the sides and a tapered roofline, also add to the overall dynamic form of this practical MPV.
Profile
Along the Mobilio’s side, a lightning bolt beltline and sculpted character lines stretch from front to rear. Dropping down from the centre pillar, this irregular style line increases window area and improves visibility from the second and third rows of seats.
Front Styling
Bold headlights frame a prominent grille that links a broad metallic centrepiece to the upper and lower air intakes. Colour-coded, integrated bumpers create uniformity to a front-end design that is unmistakeably Honda in its treatment.
Rear Styling
A more pronounced D-pillar with side glass that wraps around towards the rear, improves visibility for third-row passengers and creates a distinct design detail. The tailgate extends all the way to the colour-coded bumper for easier access to the boot compartment. Large tail light clusters and a rear roof spoiler also add a sporty touch in line with the Mobilio’s fun-to-drive character.
The interior gives the Mobilio the egde
Space
A tall roofline and relatively extended wheelbase create an interior that is much more spacious than the exterior dimensions suggest. Comfortable seats, generous legroom and ample luggage space give the Mobilio a sedan-like feeling with the benefit of three rows of seats. Even with both rear seat rows in use, the luggage compartment has up to 223 litres of luggage space, while folding the third row flat increases the cargo capacity to 521 litres. With both seating rows folded flat, long and awkwardly shaped items are also easily accommodated.
Versatility
The backrests of both the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat in stages, along with entire seats being able to tumble forward. This gives the Mobilio a multitude of seating and cargo space combinations to suit any specific transport requirement.
Rear Comfort
Unlike other third-row seat designs, the Mobilio boasts full seating positions at the rear with more than adequate leg and head room. Access is also more convenient thanks to a large rear door aperture and the one-touch, slide-and-fold action of the second-row seats.
Convenience
The Mobilio’s cabin integrates multiple storage binnacles and cup holders, including in the front and rear door pockets, the centre console and the rearmost armrest. A lidded glove compartment provides for more convenient stowage that also keeps valuables safe and out of sight. Controls for the audio system (Comfort models only) and air conditioning are also conveniently located on the centre stack for ease of operation.
Prices:
Mobilio Trend R188 000 –
Mobilio Comfort R207 900
Mobilio Comfort Auto R224 300
Mobilio luxury features stumps competition
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