Honda Brio-based MPV Mobilio unveiled in Indonesia
Back in July, Honda had teased us with generated sketches of what it called "a special product for Honda in Indonesia because it is specifically designed to suit the needs of consumers and the character of the road in Indonesia." This was the Brio-based Honda LMPV Concept. LMPV being Low Multi-Purpose Vehicle.
Honda has now used the ongoing 2013 Indonesian International Motor Show to showcase this Brio-based LMPV. The prototype has been monikered the Honda Mobilio. The Brio platform has been quite a cash-cow for Honda. After the runaway success of the Brio-based Honda Amaze, this will be the company's first car to be introduced in the lower priced MPV category, which is growing exponentially.
In pursuit of "both excellent driving performance and fuel economy", the Mobilio is powered by the 4-cylinder 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol unit that makes 118PS and in India also powers the City sedan. The Indian market could also see 1.5-litre i-DTEC oil-burner that is good for 102PS and 200Nm of torque. It will get three variants, namely S, E and E-CVT. Transmissions could be a 5-speed manual and like the name indicates, a CVT. The Mobilio measures 4.4metres in length and has a ground clearance of 185mm.
The headlamps are reminiscent of the Brio/Amaze while the grille itself looks inspired by the next-gen City/Civic. The side profile and the LEDs in the rear lamp assembly look a tad like the Brio's.
Other features like music system with USB, tilt adjust steering, power windows, dual airbags, ORVMs with indicators, 15 inch alloys, rear wipers, Â ABS, chrome surrounded fog lamps, dual interior lamps, seat back pockets, keyless entry, central locking and AC vents for rear passengers will be offered depending on the variants.
"Honda Mobilio will be the special model for Honda in Indonesia because it is specifically designed to meet the needs of consumers and the character of the road in Indonesia. Honda Mobilio will be assembled in Indonesia, and become the first model of our new factory in Karawang targeted to operate in early 2014," said Tomoki Uchida, President, PT Honda Prospect Motor.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Mobilio has been priced 150-180 million rupiah (Rs.8.23 - 9.27 lakh). The Auto Expo 2014 could see its official Indian debut. The Mobilio as and when it will be launched will go against the recently unveiled Datsun GO+ and the Maruti