Honda Mobilio Automatic

The Honda Mobilio is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was introduced in India in 2014 and discontinued in 2017. It is known for its spacious interior, capable of seating seven passengers, although the third row is more suitable for children. The Mobilio comes with both petrol and diesel engine options, with the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine being the more popular choice for its power and efficiency. The vehicle features a monocoque construction, which provides a smooth ride even on rough roads. However, it lacks modern safety features and has an outdated interior design with poor plastic quality. The Mobilio also has a reasonably tight turning circle and good visibility, making it manageable in urban conditions. Despite its practicality and comfortable ride, the Mobilios design and safety shortcomings are significant considerations for potential buyers.

The Honda Mobilio, although it has been discontinued since 2017, still presents a mixed bag for potential buyers in the used car market. On the positive side, it offers ample space, seating seven passengers comfortably, and its 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is powerful and fun to drive, with smooth acceleration and quick gear shifts. The monocoque construction provides a smooth ride, even on rough roads. However, the Mobilio lacks in safety features, with the base trim scoring a zero-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests, and the interior design and plastic quality are subpar. Additionally, the handling is not the best, with noticeable body roll and light steering that lacks confidence at higher speeds. Overall, while it has its strengths, the Mobilios shortcomings make it a less appealing option compared to its competitors.

Hondas official statements at the time of discontinuation suggested that the company was focusing on other models that were better suited to the markets current needs. The BR-V, for instance, was positioned as a more rugged and versatile alternative, which aligns with the changing consumer preferences in India. I think this shift in strategy was necessary for Honda to remain competitive.

Honda has officially discontinued the Mobilio in India, citing poor sales as the primary reason. The vehicle, which was once a strong competitor in the MPV segment, failed to maintain its market traction. The company has removed the model from its official website, signaling the end of its production and sales in the country. I think this move was inevitable given the rising competition and the Mobilios inability to keep up with market demands.

Despite its initial success, the Honda Mobilio faced significant challenges due to its premium pricing compared to its main competitor, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The higher price point, despite offering good space and a robust diesel engine, did not resonate well with Indian buyers. This pricing strategy is likely one of the key factors that led to the Mobilios declining sales. I believe that pricing is a critical factor in the Indian market, and Honda underestimated its impact.

Hondas decision to discontinue the Mobilio was also influenced by the poor sales figures, with the vehicle selling only around 441 units in January and 226 units in February of the year it was discontinued. Such low sales numbers made it unsustainable for Honda to continue producing the Mobilio. I think the numbers clearly indicated that the vehicle was no longer viable in the market.

In an effort to revamp the Mobilio, Honda introduced a facelift version in Indonesia, which was set to debut in January 2017. However, this update did not make its way to the Indian market, further indicating Hondas diminishing interest in continuing the Mobilios production here. The facelift included several cosmetic changes but did not address the core issues affecting its sales in India.

For those considering purchasing a used Honda Mobilio in India, the prices vary based on the model year and condition of the vehicle. You can expect to pay anywhere between Rs. 4.3 lakh to Rs. 6.5 lakh. This price range reflects the vehicles age and the fact that it is no longer in production. When buying used, its crucial to inspect the vehicle thoroughly and consider factors like mileage, maintenance history, and any necessary repairs to ensure youre getting a fair deal. The ex-showroom price is not applicable since its a used vehicle, but the on-road price will include any additional costs such as registration, insurance, and any immediate repairs needed.

The Honda Mobilio is relatively fuel-efficient, especially with its 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. It can return a mileage of around 15 to 17 kml, with some users reporting up to 19 kml under optimal conditions. This makes it a cost-effective option for those concerned about running costs. However, actual mileage can vary depending on driving conditions, load, and maintenance of the vehicle.