We now have fresh and full details of the new Honda Mobilio, along with live photos of the vehicle from its world debut earlier today at the Indonesian International Motor Show 2013. The budget seven-seat MPV is an interesting vehicle indeed, especially since it’s aiming to be the cheapest of its kind in Indonesia.
Still labelled as a prototype, the budget MPV will not go into production exactly as it’s seen here, but the changes will be minimal, according to Honda. It looks completely production ready though, so perhaps it won’t be very long before the Mobilio completes its development programme.
It looks rather good in the flesh; much better than most pictures suggest. Its ‘Dual Solid Motion’ design concept is distinctive, if not exactly unique. The character line that runs across the side of the vehicle draws attention away from the thick proportion as well as help improve all-round visibility. Honda calls it the ‘lightning-bolt’ belt line.
While the front is heavily based on the Brio hatchback it’s derived from, the rear end is all new. The lights have a BMW-like notched design, and the D-pillar is partly covered by the rear quarter panel – another move to break up the visual mass. The prototype sits on 15-inch aluminium wheels.
No pictures of the interior yet, as we weren’t allowed in (this is a prototype, after all). Honda claims to have a class-leading “sensation and comfortable” cabin, without saying it’ll be the roomiest small MPV around. It goes on to say that the rear-most seats will have limited space, but makes up for it by having a “comfortable and relaxed atmosphere” back there.
Practicality should be a high point in the Mobilio. The third row seats can be folded 50/50, while the centre row can tumble down in a 60/40 configuration. A necessary feature in all MPVs, the small Honda MPV will feature a double-blower air-conditioning system, with a dedicated multi-vent panel behind the front seats.
Engine-wise, the Honda Mobilio is powered by a 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC unit with 118 PS at 6,600 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. There’s either a five-speed manual or a CVT ‘box. That should be sufficient for a vehicle that measures 4,390 mm long, 1,680 mm wide and 1,610 mm tall. The Brio platform has been stretched, here offering a long 2,650 mm wheelbase.
Safety is paramount in a people (often family) carrier, yes? The Mobilio has dual airbags, Honda’s G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) and ABS with EBD. Seatbelts with pretensioners, impact mitigating headrest and integrated pedestrian protection are all standard too.
