Honda has locked July for the launch of its eagerly awaited MPV, Mobilio in India. The company has already started trial production of the vehicle at its Greater Noida facility which confirms that Honda is on brink of launching the MPV in domestic market. The vehicle was first exhibited at the 2014 Auto Expo, held in Greater Noida in the beginning of February this year. Underpinning Brio, Mobilio is an extended version of the hatchback that has been metamorphosed to offer enhanced cabin space and boot space. This will be the Honda’s first stint in the MPV segment that has seen sea changes in the last couple of years. Battling with the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova and Chevrolet Enjoy, Mobilio MPV is expected to come with a competitive price tag.
Mobilio’s extended dimensions are its USP, unlike most of its rivals that are categorized under the compact segment. The MPV is going to be literally huge with a length of 4,390 mm, width of 1680 mm and height of 1610 mm. A large wheelbase of 2650 mm will allow ample space for the passengers sitting at rear. Ground clearance of 185 mm will enable the driver to maneuver effortlessly through the tricky Indian roads.
Honda cars are known to be styled meticulously and are also equipped well. Following the Honda’s tradition, the new Mobilio MPV is also expected to be inherited with the forenamed traits. In a bid to overpower its closest rival, Ertiga, Honda is working on making the third row more comfortable for the occupants.
Mobilio will be made available in petrol as well as diesel engine options. The petrol variants will come housed with a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine engendering a pinnacle power of 116 Bhp. Diesel variants will be powered by a 1.5 litre i-DTEC powerplant that is good for 99 Bhp of maximum power. A five speed manual transmission will be paired with the petrol and diesel mills. Honda could also offer petrol variants with a five-speed automatic transmission.
