Honda Mobilio RS

The Honda Mobilio RS is a compact MPV that was designed to offer the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle with the proportions of a regular sedan. It featured a 1498 cc i-DTEC diesel engine producing 99 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission. The vehicle had a seating capacity of seven, making it ideal for families or those needing ample space. Key features included tumble fold seats, rear AC vents, a rear seat armrest, a touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors, and a rear camera. The RS variant was the top model, offering additional aesthetic and feature upgrades such as a reworked front face and improved interior amenities like automatic climate control and adjustable headrests. Despite its discontinuation, the Mobilio RS remains a notable option for those looking for a practical, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich MPV in the used car market.

The Honda Mobilio RS, although discontinued in India since 2017, was a notable entry in the compact MPV segment. My experience with this vehicle highlights its practicality and efficiency. The Mobilio RS offered a unique blend of space and fuel economy, making it a viable option for families and those needing a versatile vehicle. However, the interior, while pleasant, was often criticized for being plain and not as refined as some of its competitors. The diesel engine, though loud and unrefined, delivered impressive fuel efficiency and performance. Overall, the Mobilio RS was a solid choice for those prioritizing practicality and cost-effectiveness, but it may not have been the best fit for those seeking a more luxurious or refined driving experience.

The discontinuation of the Honda Mobilio RS also led to clearance sales and discounts, offering buyers a chance to purchase the vehicle at a lower price. For instance, in some markets, Honda offered significant discounts to clear out the remaining stock of the Mobilio RS. This was a last-ditch effort to clear inventory before the model was completely phased out.

Honda has officially discontinued the Mobilio, including the RS variant, in the Indian market due to poor sales. The vehicle has been removed from Hondas official website, and there are no plans to revive it in the near future. This move marks the end of an era for a car that once showed promise in the MPV segment. I think this decision is a reflection of the changing consumer preferences in India.

Despite its discontinuation, the Honda Mobilio RS remains a notable example of Hondas attempt to innovate in the MPV segment. The vehicles design and features were aimed at providing a practical and stylish option for families and urban commuters. I believe that while it didnt succeed, it was an important learning experience for Honda.

Hondas decision to discontinue the Mobilio RS in India was also influenced by the shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs and other segments. The MPV segment, which was once promising, saw a significant decline in demand, making it unsustainable for Honda to continue the Mobilio RS. I think this shift in consumer preference is a clear indicator of the evolving automotive landscape in India.

In 2017, Honda introduced a facelift for the Mobilio in Indonesia, which included some cosmetic changes, but this update did not make its way to the Indian market. The facelift aimed to keep the Mobilio competitive, but it seems it was not enough to save the model in India. I believe the lack of significant updates and competitive pricing were key factors in its decline.

The Honda Mobilio RS was priced competitively in the Indian market before its discontinuation. The ex-showroom price for the Mobilio RS i-DTEC variant ranged from around Rs. 11.76 lakh to Rs. 12.33 lakh, depending on the specific trim and features. On-road prices would have been higher, typically adding another Rs. 1-2 lakh due to taxes, registration, and other costs. This pricing positioned the Mobilio RS as a mid-range option in the MPV segment, offering good value for money considering its features and performance. However, with the vehicle no longer in production, buyers would need to consider used or pre-owned options, which can vary significantly in price based on the vehicles condition and mileage.

The Honda Mobilio RS, particularly the diesel variant, boasted impressive mileage figures. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 24.5 kmpl, this vehicle was one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class. In real-world conditions, owners reported averaging between 17.6 to 19 kmpl, which is still quite commendable. This makes the Mobilio RS an attractive choice for those concerned about running costs, as it offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency.