Honda Mobilio facelift to be launched in second quarter of 2016: Report

Honda Cars India's MPV, the Mobilio, was launched in July 2014 as a competitor for Marti Suzuki Ertiga. Two years down the line, Honda has updated the Mobilio with a new dashboard recently and the updated version has been launched in Indonesia in January this year.

A report in AutocarIndia indicates Honda Car India will launch the updated version in the second quarter of this year. The launch in all probability can be expected in the festive season. The 2016 model comes with a mild update on the exterior, while the interior gets a completely new layout.

The design of the new dashboard is inspired from the upcoming BR-V SUV and now looks more up-market. The previous dashboard, which was based on the Brio hatchback, was criticised for its quality.

The round-shaped air con vent has now made way for a rectangular one. The centre of the dashboard features a touchscreen entertainment system with integrated reverse-camera display. The three-pod dials made way for conventional cluster with blue back light. Additionally, the 2016 Mobilio gets automatic climate control. A new cup-holder has been added in place of the rotary button of the previous manual AC.

On the exterior, the 2016 Mobilio comes with newly designed alloy wheels and chrome touches in front and rear bumpers. There is no change in the power train. Under the hood, Honda Mobilio packs a 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine or a 1.5 L i-VTEC petrol engine. The diesel engine of the Mobilio delivers 99bhp at 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm at 1,750rpm, while the petrol model promises a maximum power of 118bhp at 6,600rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm at 4,600rpm. Both engines come mated to five-speed manual transmission.