Honda Cars India have finally launched their first MPV that truly fulfils the dream many families have: a practical personal MPV
Story: Ravi Chandnani
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
There is a reason why Honda have ‘dreams’ in their tag-line. Many people in India have dreamt of buying a practical, affordable and economical multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that would suit their style rather than look like the company’s cab service. It seems that Honda can read those dreams and maybe it is because of that they have launched their first MPV which looks stylish, feels like a car, is practical, economical and reasonably priced. In the process they have added bling to this rather bland segment. The Mobilio marks a welcome change in the MPV world. We recently test-drove the diesel Mobilio to see how well Honda have read our dreams.
Honda did not have to look far for inspiration to design the Mobilio. After all, they were using the same Brio-Amaze platform to create the Mobilio. Hence the very familiar fascia. There are subtle changes, though, such as the bumpers, which are completely new, the grille is also different and wider and has a thick strip of chrome running across, very similar to that on the Honda City.
The side profile is the strongest element of the Mobilio as it gives this MPV an edge over every other in its segment. Many crisp creases on the side lend it a funky look. In addition, that small kink in the window-line helps you connect it with the Honda Odyssey. For me, however, the stylish rear end of the Mobilio takes the cake as it looks very modern and non-MPVish. The shape of the tail-lamps is great and the contrasting blinkers look neat. As a whole, the Mobilio looks just as good as the Amaze and, honestly, the whole design is pretty refreshing.
