It may cost less than other multipurpose vehicles, or MPVs, but the Honda Mobilio cuts no corners where quality in concerned.

In an attempt to provide an affordable vehicle with full comfort and safety features, PT Honda Prospect Motor responded with its low-priced MPV.

In a recent test drive in Yogyakarta, Honda gave 68 journalists the opportunity to get a taste of Mobilio'€™s three different types '€” E M/T, E Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and Prestige '€” which all have three rows of seats and can seat seven people.

Jonfis Fandy, Honda'€™s marketing and after sales director, told The Jakarta Post that the road conditions represented the conditions in other Indonesian cities. The test drive covered trips to Kaliurang, Prambanan and Borobudur Temples.

'€œThe car was specifically developed based on research in Indonesia, taking local road and weather conditions as well as customer needs into account,'€ Jonfis said.

The feeling of comfort was clear immediately upon getting into the car.

The 11-centimeter-long knee clearance for the front row, combined with high head room, gives passengers comfort and leaves plenty of room for belongings.  

Cuts no corners: Honda Mobilio was specifically developed based on research in Indonesia, taking local road and weather conditions as well as customer needs into account.
The front row'€™s semi-bucket seats perfectly hug your back, giving you additional comfort.

The car is also perfect for a family road trip because the rear seats can be folded, providing space that can fit a folded bicycle and several large suitcases.

Mostly in black, the plastic dashboard is designed with little decoration, holding three futuristic cluster meters, which are easy to see.

The 1.5L Mobilio has tilt steering technology so the driver can adjust the height of the steering wheel.

The vehicle has an audio system that is compatible with USB and CDs. In the Prestige type, it has a touch-screen monitor but some features are a bit difficult to operate.

The vehicle has high ground clearance '€” 18.9 cm. It is also complete with a suspension system that comprises the MacPherson Strut type at the front and the Torsion Beam at the rear, thus, generating only light shaking on bumpy roads.

Moreover, the car is equipped with a front-wheel motor system that generates responsive acceleration, keeping the car steady on damaged roads.

Although driving at speed was a bit hard while we were part of the convoy, when the opportunity finially came some drivers immediately put their foot to the floor.

Its electric power-steering system guarantees responsive steering and prevents the car from oversteering at high speed or understeering at low speed.

Interior
The Mobilio is equipped with a four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC SOHC and 16-Valve that can produce a maximum 118 PS per 6,600 rpm.

The CVT type has Earth Dream Technology for smoother transmission shifting and gives maximum performance with efficient fuel consumption.

Another important feature in the vehicle is its safety system. It has a dual SRS airbag that will inflate immediately when heavy impact occurs.

Honda'€™s original G-Force Control Technology (G-Con) and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) are also featured in the Mobilio. They absorb and distribute the force in the cabin during collision.

In addition, the Prestige has anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents locking during sudden braking and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), adding a more efficient braking system to the car.

With all the features and values of the car, Mobilio is available in seven colors. The car was first launched in September last year at the Indonesia International Motor Show. As of January, more than 10,000 have been ordered.

Photos courtesy of Honda Prospect Motor