My Way or the Highway!
Honda Mobilio
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onda's newly-launched Mobilio is a great family car offering three rows of seats for all those extra passengers. The Mobilio is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 16-valve engine equipped with the i-VTEC intelligent variable valve-timing system. It has an output of 88 kW coupled with 145 nm of torque. It has a five-speed gearbox .
The 60:40-split second-seat row has a slide and recline function and can be folded down in one movement, offering easy access to the third bench seat which is configured in a 50/50 split with a reclining function which offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to increase loading space. Even with all the seats in place, the Mobilio will accommodate 223 cubic litres for packing and this increases to a healthy 521 cubic litres when the third row of seats is folded down.
The 1.5 Trend is the entry-level model and its exterior treatment includes colour-coded bumpers, an integrated rear spoiler and 15-inch steel wheels. Inside, there are three cup holders and four bottle holders, a lidded glovebox and key-operated central locking, electric front and rear windows, height-adjustable headlights, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
The 1.5 Comfort includes all the standard features of the Trend version, but externally, the model gains colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors, and is equipped with mud flaps as standard. The interior features chromed air vent rings, and metallic finishes for the door handles, gearknob and multi-function steering wheel accents. The centre stack is fitted with an integrated, MP3-compatible audio system with both USB and auxiliary inputs.
In addition, the Comfort is equipped with air-conditioning (with separate vents for rear occupants), remote central locking, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a rear screen wiper, and a 12V socket in the centre console for charging personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets and music players.
In terms of the Honda’s active and passive safety equipment, Mobilio models feature dual front airbags, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, inertia reel seatbelts for the two outer second-row passengers and third-row occupants, and a lap belt for the second-row middle passenger. Head restraints are fitted to all seating positions.
Honda has produced another winner in the Mobilio and if I had a bigger family I would seriously consider this vehicle. And, given the excellent reliability of the Honda brand, the Mobilio will last a lifetime.
Over and above a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, the Comfort will also be offered with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every one year or 15 000 km.
Vusi Mulambo
Motoring correspondent