Honda Motor Southern Africa broadening the appeal of the Mobilio

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• New CVT gearbox adds further convenience and efficiency


• Space and versatility remain key attributes


• Full 6-seater interior offers space and high comfort levels


• Value-added pricing still ensures high degree of affordability

Only 6 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.

Based on the Mobilio Comfort, the CVT version retains the same, spacious 6-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 the same, zippy 1,5-litre petrol engine as the manual-gearbox versions. The advanced 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit is fitted with Honda’;s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system, and has a maximum power output of 88 kW at 6 600 r/min, linked to a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.

The CVT-equipped Mobilio offers brisk dynamics, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11,3 sec, and a maximum speed of 140 km/h. At just 6,0 litres/100 km 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 3 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 3 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 brake force distribution.

“The CVT model adds a further string to the Mobilio’;s bow, and should add further momentum to the demand for this attractive, modern and versatile 6-seater,” says Graham Eagle, operations director at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “It brings further convenience, even greater efficiency and real ease of use to the Mobilio line-up.”

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 3 Mobilio models are backed by Honda’;s 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a one-year AA Roadside Assistance package. The Comfort models also benefit from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.  Services are at 15 000 km intervals.

For more info on buying a vehicle also view:

Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety

Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer

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Honda Motor Southern Africa broadening the appeal of the Mobilio