Honda Mobilio Diesel RS (O)

The Honda Mobilio Diesel RS (O) is a compact MPV that was designed to cater to the needs of Indian families and fleet operators. It features a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine producing 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle is known for its practicality, with features like dedicated roof-mounted AC vents for rear passengers and a spacious interior, although the third row is somewhat cramped. The exterior design, while not particularly striking, has its fans, especially with its long-slung stance that gives it an estate car vibe. The Mobilio also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system in the top variants, which is convenient to use. However, it lacks certain features like automatic climate control, seatbelt height adjustment, and Bluetooth connectivity, which are common in other vehicles of its class. Despite its flaws, the Mobilio remains a viable option for those seeking a fuel-efficient and practical MPV.

The Honda Mobilio Diesel RS (O) is a mixed bag when it comes to overall performance and value. On the positive side, it boasts a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that is efficient and capable, especially in city driving, with minimal lag and linear acceleration. The engine, although a bit loud and unrefined, does its job well, and the 5-speed manual gearbox provides a smooth and reassuring feedback. However, the interior and exterior design leave much to be desired, with cost-cutting measures evident in the use of cheap plastics and uneven shut lines. The ride quality is average, with a stiff suspension at low speeds, but it improves as you gain speed. Despite these drawbacks, the Mobilio is a practical MPV with good fuel economy and useful features like dedicated rear AC vents and a versatile infotainment system. However, it falls short in terms of comfort and refinement, making it a less compelling choice compared to its competitors like the Maruti Ertiga.

Honda has officially discontinued the Honda Mobilio in India due to poor sales. The vehicle is no longer listed on Hondas official website, and production has been halted. This decision comes after the Mobilio failed to compete effectively with other MPVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova. I think this move was inevitable given the declining sales numbers.

Hondas decision to discontinue the Mobilio was also influenced by the upcoming launch of the Honda BR-V, which was seen as a more promising model for the Indian market. The BR-V offered a mix of SUV-like features and MPV functionality, making it a more appealing option for buyers. I think this strategic shift was necessary for Honda to stay competitive.

In an effort to revamp the Mobilio, Honda revealed a facelifted version in Indonesia in January 2017. However, this update did not make its way to the Indian market, further indicating the companys decision to phase out the model here. The facelift included cosmetic changes but did not address the core issues of pricing and competition.

The Honda Mobilio RS Diesel was known for its powerful 1.5L i-DTEC engine, producing 99 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. Despite its strong performance, the vehicles sales continued to sag, leading to its eventual discontinuation. The engine was one of the few positives, but it wasnt enough to save the model.

The Honda Mobilio RS Diesel, a variant that was introduced to boost sales, came with features like projector headlamps, LED position lamps, and revised alloy wheels. Despite these upgrades, the vehicle failed to attract significant buyers due to its premium pricing. The RS variant was priced around Rs. 11.89 lakh, which was higher than its competitors. I believe the pricing strategy was a major factor in its lack of success.

The Honda Mobilio Diesel RS (O) variant, although discontinued, can give us an insight into its pricing structure. When it was available, the ex-showroom price for this variant was around 10-11 lakhs, depending on the location. On-road prices would have been higher, typically ranging from 11.5 to 13 lakhs, including taxes, registration, and other costs. This pricing positioned the Mobilio as a mid-range MPV, competing directly with other popular models in the segment. However, the value for money was often questioned due to the noticeable cost-cutting measures and the lack of certain features that are standard in other vehicles of the same class.

The Honda Mobilio Diesel RS (O) offers commendable fuel efficiency, which is one of its strong points. With the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, it can achieve a mileage of around 15-17 kml in mixed driving conditions. On highways, it can return up to 17 kml, making it a frugal option for long trips. This efficiency translates to lower running costs, which is a significant factor for many buyers in India.