CVT option broadens Honda Mobilio’s appeal

ONLY six months after introducing the sleek, stylish and affordable Mobilio to the South African market, Honda Motor Southern Africa is broadening the appeal of the attractive, full-featured MPV with the introduction of a third model, equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Based on the Mobilio Comfort, the CVT version retains the same, spacious seven-seater interior and comprehensive features list as its manual-gearbox siblings, while adding the convenience and efficiency that Honda’s CVT is renowned for.

The CVT can be operated like a fully automatic gearbox, which will allow the transmission to always find the optimum combination of power, response and economy. Alternatively, drivers can opt for a sequential manual mode.

The Mobilio Comfort CVT is powered by a zippy 1,5-litre petrol unit. This four-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88kW at 6 600rpm, linked to a torque peak of 145Nm at 4 600rpm.

The CVT-equipped Mobilio offers brisk dynamics, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 11,3 seconds and a maximum speed of 140km/h. At just 6,0 litres per 100km for the combined cycle, the CVT version is also the most economical member of the Mobilio line-up.

Inside, the MPV’s comfortable seats, generous head and legroom for all three rows of seats and plenty of luggage space ensure a feeling of luxury and privacy. Despite its comparatively compact footprint, the Mobilio offers sedan-like space, but with the benefit of three seating rows.

The 60:40 split second seat row has a slide and recline function that allows the space to be optimised depending on preference and requirement. With a large door aperture and the second row’s one-motion fold-down function, access to the rear seating is easy and convenient.

The third seat row is split 50:50 with a reclining function, and offers ample legroom. Both seat rows can be folded flat and tumbled forward to maximise cargo space. Even with all seats in place, the Mobilio will swallow a full 223 litres of cargo, which increases to 521 litres with the third row seat folded down.

Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body construction means that new Mobilio provides peace-of-mind safety by managing collision forces, while active and passive safety equipment includes dual front airbags, head restraints, front inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

Pricing:

• Honda Mobilio 1.5 Trend MT – R184 400.

• Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort MT – R203 900.

• Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort CVT – R219 990.

All three Mobilio models are backed by Honda’s three-year or 100 000km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort models also benefit from a two-year or 30 000km service plan. Services are at 15 000km intervals.