Honda preparing to make Maruti Ertiga sweat with the launch of the Mobilio MPV

After the astral success of the Amaze compact sedan, Honda Cars India is all geared up to launch a slew of brand new cars in India for further success. Among the much anticipated new car range from Honda, the next-gen City, the 2014 Jazz and the new Mobilio MPV are the most speculated.

The recently introduced Honda Mobilio MPV in the Indonesia market is soon expected to arrive in India. It is expected to be a big launch from Honda’s side in India in 2014. The Mobilio Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is developed utilizing the very capable platform of the popular Brio hatchback that is used for the Amaze as well. This seven seater large people carrier is going to be Honda’s answer to the present segment ruler the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV.

The Maruti Ertiga was launched in 2012 and became an instant success. With elegant styling and superb comfort and quality this MPV is also called the LUV (Luxury Utility Vehicle). The Ertiga also uses its maker’s popular hatchback Swift’s platform, and is a seven seater, compact and very affordable quality vehicle. The Ertiga is very much appreciated in both the car markets of India as well as Indonesia. Thus, Honda wishes to get a slice of the success for its new Mobilio, though in a reverse order as the MPV is first launch in Indonesia.

Honda has done a smart job by giving the Mobilio an entirely different look that is nothing like the Brio hatchback or the Amaze compact sedan. The front fascia a bit like Brio owing to the same structure, but it gets an individual look with a larger font grill and a more attractive lower bumper design. The overall design language has been kept elegant and stylish with bold cuts and stylized features.

Being an MPV, the Mobilio has to have superior space in order to fight in its segment. Thus, it has a much longer wheelbase than the Brio or Amaze standing at 2,650mm. However, the segment leader Ertiga has a longer wheelbase of 2,740mm. The Mobilio though makes up for the lost length with its overall massive structure and raised roofline wich are utilized to offer a spacious cabin.

As for the interior, the Mobilio differs from its exclusive exterior styling and stays similar to its siblings Brio and Amaze. The cabin design and features have been kept similar to its hatch and sedan counterparts in order to keep its price tag affordable. In terms of interior styling it might lag behind a bit from the Maruti Ertiga.

Under the hood, the Honda Mobilio will get powered by the very responsive 1,498cc i-DTEC diesel engine that runs the Amaze. This is going against Maruti Ertiga which is powered by the smaller 1,248cc diesel mill. Moreover, the Mobilio Petrol will soon be available as well run by the City’s 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine.

The Honda Mobilio is expected to be unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and give tough competition to the Ertiga.