As cars become more advanced, most buyers expect more from them – more amenities, more kilometres per litre and more effective performance.
These expectations mean that carmakers face a greater challenge with their entry-level models. In Singapore, where new car prices are the highest in the world, dealers have to package their basic models with better-than-basic equipment in order to boost their appeal.
Bucking this trend is the second-generation Mobilio, Honda’s entry-level seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. Instead of trying to attract buyers with a long list of gadgets, the car is marketed as offering “spacious comfort for the whole family”.
Now, although MPVs usually look bland, the Mobilio actually stands out thanks to its eclectic mix of lines. There’s even a standard bodykit to enhance the vehicle’s “sportiness”, if that’s your thing. The first-gen Mobilio, however, still looks cooler thanks to its “bento box” styling.
Contrasting with this automobile’s exterior is its relatively understated interior. There’s no attempt to hide the hard plastics found on the dashboard and doors, and the steering wheel is only adjustable for rake. There is no fancy climate control system either – the air-con controls are old-fashioned knobs. The only “modern” item is the branded hi-fi system (with a touchscreen interface), which offers USB and HDMI ports.
While the cockpit may be a no-frills affair, it is certainly user-friendly and gives the driver enough for his everyday driving needs. For instance, there are audio controls on the steering wheel, and the air-con dials actually feel robust instead of toy-like. To aid with parking manoeuvres, there are reverse sensors and a rear-facing camera. Unless you’re an IT freak, you’re not really missing much here.
At any rate, the Mobilio’s real strengths are its roominess and practicality. The second row offers adequate room for three adults, and either seat can be folded and tumbled forward to allow easier access to the third-row bench. To help keep occupants comfortable, there’s a second set of air-conditioning vents to channel wintry air all the way to the back.
Realistically, however, the rearmost seats are only roomy enough for small children – adults forced back here would find the lack of space to be quite distressing.
Surprisingly de-stressing, on the other hand, is the car’s performance at low to moderate speeds, given this MPV’s powerplant. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder is good for 120bhp and 145Nm, which is fine in a compact saloon (the same unit also powers the Honda City), but is modest for a people-mover. But because the Mobilio is tuned for city driving, it actually feels perky when accelerating from rest to 60km/h.
Getting this vehicle to highway speeds, however, requires plenty of patience, as the engine’s midrange is lackadaisical.
Mashing the throttle pedal to the floor doesn’t help – doing so only creates a workmanlike soundtrack from the motor and the continuously variable transmission (CVT). You’d also be ill-advised tearing up the tarmac in this MPV, as the drum brakes at the rear could mean longer stopping distances, especially when the car is fully loaded.
That said, this automobile excels in delivering a cushy ride. Its well-damped suspension does an admirable job in dealing with road imperfections.
This MPV can also overcome “ponding” situations thanks to its 183mm ground clearance. And because it has compact dimensions, manoeuvring it is also a cinch.
Families shopping for a relatively affordable people-mover will find the Mobilio more attractive than its main rival, the Toyota Avanza. The only obstacle they’ll have to overcome is the former’s not-so-basic price, which at press time is $7k more than the Avanza’s.
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1497cc
Bore x stroke 73mm x 89.4mm
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Max power 120bhp at 6600rpm
Max torque 145Nm at 4600rpm
Power to weight 103.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT
Driven Wheels
Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h
11.6 seconds
Top speed
160km/h
Consumption
16.1km/L (combined)
CO2 emission
148g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear
Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
Type
Dunlop SP Sport 300
Size
185/65 R15
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction aids ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4398mm
Width 1683mm
Height 1621mm
Wheelbase 2652mm
Kerb Weight 1160kg
Turning Circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $123,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Easy-to-manipulate seats, wintry air-con, easy handling
– Lacks midrange punch, rear drum brakes, plasticky cockpit
