Sleek and sexy, Honda doesn’t disappoint!

If it was not for a truly dynamic exterior design, the new Honda Mobilio would just be another seven-seater ugly-ducking people carrier.

It is not! The Mobilio is most certainly the best looking of the bunch with its sleeker and interesting profile. And with that bold front end, not unlike that of the Brio on which its suspension has been built, it is pure Honda. And that spells quality and other than standard service visits to the dealer, they will miss you dearly.

That chrome bar across the grille is prominent enough to draw your attention to the complete front-end picture – broad bumper with black inserts – strong wheel arches and then of course, that shoulder line which enhances what would otherwise have been a seriously boring side look. The window design, as it floats towards the rear, is a serious teaser in terms of the perceived interior space of this very practical people carrier.

The rear end is much more grown-up compared with other ugly ducklings with the design of the light clusters being horizontal versus vertical – much more SUV-like instead of the standard bread-bin look. It is not a small car by any standard – I mean 4,4m probably offers many challenges in terms of exciting and modern design philosophies.

With 15” wheels and a ground clearance of 189mm, I will predict that someone out there will see the pimp-your-ride possibilities and delight us with their creativity sooner rather than later.

Being an MPV, space is what it is all about and Honda has utilised that which is available to its optimum. Honda also stiffened the chassis to give it a car-like drive when carrying passengers. First thing one notices is family friendly doors – it opens wider than normal. Kids and moms with bags or little ones on the arm will appreciate this with every entrance and exit.

The seats may be a little slim, but they are still comfortable and of course, they add space. And then once seated, I was immediately impressed with the all-round visibility courtesy of the large windows and narrow A-pillars. The high roof line allows for plenty of head space and with the light interior, the Mobilio offers a pleasant and welcoming interior.

The fascia is practical and focused around the driver. The tight instrument cluster display is bright and clear irrespective of the height setting of the steering, which, although very light at slow speeds, does offer more weight once one gets going. Moms will love it though – makes parking a breeze.

Standard luxury features include but are not limited to multifunction steering controls, front and rear air conditioning, electric windows, adjustable headlights and connectivity for MP3, USB and aux.

Legroom in the rear is superb. Both second- and third-row seats offer one touch tumble and 60:40 and 50:50 split respectively. The tumble feature, which I have always loved and admired, featured in the Honda Jazz also, allows for a flat luggage space and easy packing. The height of the third-row seats, is, in my opinion a little low.

The Mobilio is powered by a 1.5-litre engine developing 88kW@6600r/min and 145Nm@4600r/min and it is, like all Honda power units, free-revving, peppy and responsive. Honda offers a fuel index of 6,1l/100km – mine averaged about 16km per litre in the combined cycle.

The engine is linked to a smooth, light and precise gear action which make the Mobilio a pleasure to drive. It does not suffer significant body roll through corners but, and this is because of its length, it will not prove user-friendly to darting into and out of tight spots. The Mobilio drives like a proper family car – comes with a seriously modern look and design – plenty space – a decent price and of course, above all – that famous durability and reliability. You can’t go wrong. Photos: www.quickpic.co.za