New cars |
by Tristan Wiggill
Honda connects with
Mobilio generation
Honda South Africa has had a busy year, introducing a number of key models, including the latest Accord
and attractive new Ballade.
T
he latest
offering from
the brand
is the 7-seater
Mobilio MPV,
which attempts to
plug the gaping
hole left by the
internationally
withdrawn FR-V,
which for various
reasons, had
a rather short
lifespan in SA.
The car we’re
getting is the 2nd
generation and is
sourced from India.
down function,
access to the
rear seating
row is easy and
convenient.
The third seat
row is split
50:50 with
a reclining
function, and
offers ample
legroom. Both
seat rows can
be folded flat
and tumbled
forward to
maximise cargo
space.
Mobilio is available
in two trims:
Trend and the
higher-specced
Comfort, which both employ Honda’s tried
and tested 1.5-litre petrol Vtec engine that
develops 88kW and 145Nm as in the case
of the Jazz and new Ballade alluded to
earlier.
There is no automatic alternative, with
both models receiving a 5-speed manual
transmission. Honda says a CVT derivative
will arrive in about four months, and isn’t
too perturbed about the wait, saying
demand is overwhelmingly in favour of
three pedalled MPVs.
Strangely enough the cheaper Trend model
is sold without a service plan as standard,
although this can be specified if one
desires. The unveiling of the Mobilio was
just that, with no ride and drive element
to the launch. While we cannot comment
on the performance and ride quality we
can say something on the styling, interior
space, entry and egress and perceived
assembly quality.
Cars of this nature are seldom pretty,
but Honda has done a reasonably good
job of prettifying the extended sheet
metal. Monotone hardened black plastic
dominates throughout the interior, which
in the main is conservative and practical in
line with its intended buyer’s wants.
The radio and controls for the ventilation
system look a little modest in expense.
A single USB connection is provided,
but there is no 12-volt socket. Headroom
appears to be very good throughout and
the inclusion of air-vents for passengers
in the second row is both a boon and a
unique selling point in the segment.
A full-size spare
wheel is stowed
underneath the
car which lends
the modest 223 litre boot more capacity.
The boot enlarges to an effective 521
litres with the third row seat folded down.
It is worth noting that a F