Honda Mobilio S

The Honda Mobilio S is a 7-seater MUV that aims to balance space, comfort, and performance. It is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine producing 117 bhp and 145 Nm of torque, or a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine producing 98 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. The vehicle features a 5-speed manual gearbox and lacks an automatic transmission option. The Mobilio S stands out with its spacious interior, particularly in the first two rows, and the convenience of rear AC vents and a roof-mounted AC blower. The boot space is generous, with 223 liters available, and the seats offer flexible folding options to enhance luggage capacity. However, the interior design and material quality are areas that need improvement. The vehicles handling and ride quality are commendable, making it feel more like driving a car than an MPV, despite its higher ground clearance. Overall, the Mobilio S is a solid choice for those needing a versatile and spacious vehicle, but it requires careful consideration of its pricing and interior shortcomings.

The Honda Mobilio S, while it has its strengths, falls short in several key areas that are crucial for a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) in the Indian market. The vehicle boasts a smooth and refined 1.5-liter engine, both in petrol and diesel variants, which performs well even with a full load. The rear AC vents and the roof-mounted AC blower are significant positives, especially for long drives. However, the interior quality and design are where the Mobilio S disappoints. The dashboard and plastics feel cheap, and the seating comfort, particularly in the second and third rows, is subpar. Additionally, the lack of essential features like adjustable front neck restraints, seatbelt height adjustment, and Bluetooth connectivity in lower variants is a notable drawback. Despite its good handling and ride quality, the Mobilio S struggles to justify its price premium over competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

Honda has officially discontinued the Honda Mobilio in India due to poor sales and increasing competition in the MPV segment. The vehicle is no longer listed on Hondas official website, and sales have been consistently low. I think this move was inevitable given the stiff competition from other MPVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

The Mobilios sales continued to sag, with Honda registering only 441 units in January and 226 units in February of 2017. This significant drop in sales was a clear indicator of the vehicles declining popularity. I think the lack of updates and competitive pricing played a big role here.

The introduction of new competitors like the Datsun Go+ and the updated Maruti Suzuki Ertiga further eroded the Mobilios market share. These new models offered competitive pricing and updated features, making the Mobilio less appealing to buyers.

The discontinuation of the Honda Mobilio in India was also influenced by the companys strategy to re-enter the SUV segment and focus on premium products. This shift in strategy made the Mobilio less of a priority for Honda.

In early 2017, Honda revealed a facelifted version of the Mobilio, but it was not introduced in the Indian market. This update included several cosmetic changes and was launched in Indonesia. It seems Honda decided not to bring this updated version to India, possibly due to the already declining sales.

The Honda Mobilio S is positioned in a competitive segment, and its pricing reflects this. The ex-showroom price for the Mobilio S in India typically ranges from around 8.5 lakh to 11.5 lakh, depending on the engine and transmission choice. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can go up to 10 lakh to 14 lakh. While the Mobilio S offers a good engine and decent space, its higher price compared to the Ertiga, which is often priced around 1.5 lakh lower, makes it a less compelling value proposition. The premium feel and additional features in higher variants do not fully offset the cost difference, making it essential for buyers to weigh their priorities carefully.

The Honda Mobilio S offers respectable mileage, which is a critical factor for many Indian buyers. The petrol variant is reported to deliver around 14-16 kmpl in city driving and up to 18 kmpl on the highway, while the diesel variant can achieve around 20-22 kmpl in city driving and up to 25 kmpl on the highway. These figures are competitive with other MUVs in its class, making the Mobilio S a viable option for those concerned about running costs and fuel efficiency.