Is it a longer Jazz? Is it an AUV? Honda calls it an MUV or Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle.
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has just added the all-new Honda Mobilio to their stable, rounding up their entry-level offerings to a total of three value-for-money vehicles.
The newest addition to Honda’s lineup is their take on the highly popular AUV/MUV segment that is popular in our country, as well as with our Asian neighbors. At the launch, HCPI President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara said “With a clear grasp of the local culture, we believe that the All New Mobilio fits the needs and expectations of the Filipino family in a vehicle and we are thrilled to be able to finally introduce it locally and see more smiles on the road in an all-new Mobilio.” The Mobilio is currently available in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and now the Philippines, with our country being the only left-hand-drive market so far. While this may be an expensive move for Honda, this may be testament to how much our market is valued by the brand.The Mobilio shares the platform of its entry-level brothers, the Brio and Brio Amaze, which are currently the brand’s smallest, and most affordable cars in their stable. It is powered by the same engine that powers the brand’s popular City and Jazz nameplates, Honda’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power output of 120Ps at 6600rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4600rpm. The power plant is mated to either 5-speed manual transmission or the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under the Earth Dreams Technology to keep the balance between power and fuel efficiency.Keeping with Honda’s design philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum,” the cabin seats 7 adults comfortably, with ample leg and headroom for all occupants. The Mobilio shares the dashboard of the Brio, with the triple analog three dimensional (3D) meters and four–aircon-vent design, save for the colors of the gauges and the silver trims scattered on the dash. The three-spoke steering wheel also features controls for the audio. The second row seat is a 60/40 split, recline, fold, and tumble type with 90mm slide function for middle-seat passenger comfort and ensures easy access to the third row. The third row seat, on the other hand, is a 50/50 split, recline-fold-and-tumble type, which gives more flexibility to accommodate different hauling needs. The third row seat can also be quickly and conveniently tumbled forward for maximum the cargo space. The All-New Mobilio measures 4,386mm – 4,398mm (RS) long, 1,683mm wide, 1,603mm tall and 2,652mm wheelbase, and features a 5.2m turning radius for easy maneuverability, and a 189 mm ground clearance that provides a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The top-of-the-line Mobilio RS is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen audio unit with built-in navigation system powered by Garmin which has easy-to-operate features such as an Emergency Hotline Button for sudden roadside needs, Bluetooth audio and hands-free telephone (HFT), CD/DVD drive, as well as USB and AUX ports. The V variant is equipped with a 2-DIN audio unit with Bluetooth/HFT/CD/USB/AUX functions.Safety features include driver and passenger SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Seat Belt Reminder, ISOFIX and Immobilizer as standard safety features in all variants. For those who want to accessorize their vehicle further, Honda is also offering two special utility packages: The Utility Package 1 includes genuine Modulo door visor, trunk tray, body cover, seat back utility box and seat back holder; and the Utility Package 2 which includes genuine door visors, cargo storage, seat back holder, angle adjustment kit, tablet holder and step side garnish. The special Modulo packages are sold separately.For the All-New Mobilio, Honda has also reintroduces one of its sporty grades, the RS, which stand for Road Sailing. RS is Honda’s sporty grade for everyday sport as it balances day-to-day utility with sporty aesthetics. The RS grade is among other Honda sport grades, Type R and Si. The Mobilio RS is the top-of-the-line variant that features seven exclusively-designed exterior parts such as the front grille, front bumper, 15” alloy wheels, side sill garnish, tailgate spoiler, rear bumper with exhaust pipe finisher, and the RS emblem.The Mobilio has so much going for it. Priced below PHP 1 million mark, it is a comfortable people mover with ample head and legroom. It’s a great van alternative for those who don’t need that much space, but won’t fit in a regular sedan either. Plus, it also has the unmistakable Honda look, making it the only one in its segment that offers value for money while still maintaining a sporty edge.
The All-New Mobilio is available in three variants, and is priced as follows: 1.5 E MT – PHP 807,000; 1.5 V CVT – PHP 877,000; 1.5 RS Navi CVT – PHP 967,000; and finally the 1.5 RS Navi CVT with the special White Orchid Pearl color – PHP 987,000). Colors available are alabaster silver metallic (all variants), taffeta white (V CVT and E MT), crystal black pearl (RS Navi CVT and V CVT), sunset orange (exclusive to RS Navi CVT only), and white orchid pearl (exclusive to RS Navi CVT only).