May 5, 2015

First Drive: Honda Mobilio 1.5 CVT

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Nothing spells summer than Katy Perry’s videos on constant loop. Whether you’re into her songs or not, the catchy lyrics and upbeat tunes is the only way to pass the two-hour journey to Mindoro. Either that or your adolescent eyes are trying to spot something in the umm…pink clouds. But the 42-degree heat, constant desire for Gatorade, and bubbly tunes on the radio make for the perfect backdrop for a summer road trip. And since it’s the first week of May, it could very well have been LaBoracay. Only it’s not. This is LaPuertoGalera aboard the LaMobilio.

There’s no underscoring the Mobilio’s importance in Honda’s conquest plans for the Philippines. It’s their first properly-designed 7-seater that tops out below the one million mark (no, the 10-seater CR-V doesn’t count). It’s for the man who needs the extended family space once a month while having to drive it alone to work for the rest of the 29 days. A huge chunk of Filipinos love that—just look at the latest CAMPI sales report. So how does Honda plan to persuade Mr. Family Van to their side? They could have relied on frou-frou, but instead, they stick to what they do best: engineering.



Competing in the small or entry-level MPV segment (formally known as the AUV segment), Honda refuses to call the Mobilio an AUV; and for good reason: it doesn’t look or behave like one. Although social media has developed a distaste for the frontend, what can you expect given it’s developed from the Brio/Brio Amaze platform? Also, it’s in much better shape than other choices out there, so zip it. The profile is more station wagon with the teardrop shape peppered with the usual Honda styling cues. It’s refreshing like Katy Perry before the fourth video or Russell Brand. Plus, unlike the videos on perpetual loop, there’s the RS variant sitting atop the range too with sportier bumpers, side sill garnish, alloy wheels, and spoiler to keep things interesting.

So while you’re still figuring out whether you can see naughty bits in the pink clouds for the nth time, let’s get to the Mobilio’s own naughty bits. Fitted with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Earth Dreams CVT from the Jazz/City, it’s the most powerful one in its class with 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. But this isn’t power for the sake of power. The decision is made purely because Honda engineers didn’t want to sacrifice performance even when fully loaded. They could’ve fitted a 1.3-liter engine and call it a day, but that won’t work. It’ll just make the driving experience suffer.



As it is, the Mobilio’s engaging to drive. Loaded with four people aboard plus luggage, there’s enough grunt to make it feel lithe. From Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, the convoy made its way to the South Luzon Expressway and STAR Tollway. Though there’s usable power down low, the drivetrain truly comes alive when the engine goes past 4,000 rpm. The CVT adjusts quickly, shuffling its infinite ratios to keep things interesting. It’s refined with low wind, road, and tire noise. That said, with the convoy traveling consistently at high speeds meant the CVT had to keep the revs up resulting in a drone-like exhaust note. It’s not overbearing, but you know it’s there. Honda says it can do 16.6 km/L based on their tests. On this occasion, it does 9.2 km/L in the city and 14.4 km/L on the highway—not bad considering the omission of ECON mode.

Just as surprising is how the Mobilio actually feels like a proper car. Not a car on stilts, but a proper car with a proper sense of balance and center of gravity. On the straightaways heading to the Batangas Port, it feels tight and stable. There’s no need to do minute steering corrections like in the Brio and Brio Amaze. It still gets affected by crosswinds, but only to a very minor degree. After the ferry ride, the roads to Puerto Galera from Calapan turn twisty. There, it shows good agility. The steering is quick; enough to keep up with the left-right-left transitions and the body roll is very controlled. On the tighter parts, the non-independent rear suspension does rear its ugly head with tremendous amounts of understeer, but at least the tires didn’t squeal even once. The brakes too, although offering good pedal modulation, don’t bite as well in the initial pedal stroke. In terms of riding comfort, there’s nothing to criticize here. It absorbs ruts and the occasional road cuts very well. Clearly, it’s the best AUV…err…MUV to bring through a mountain pass. And it’s a bonus that the passengers won’t complain.



And while you’re enjoying the drive, everyone else remains comfortable inside the smartly-designed cabin. There’s no hiding the Brio origins (down to The Jetsons’s Rosie-the-Robot glove box), and that’s not such a bad thing; it’s constructed solidly with good levels of fit and finish. The only differentiating factor is the Mobilio has a unique gauge cluster and the RS has silver trimmings around the A/C vents and windows switches. Ergonomics are quite good save for the non-RS 2-DIN audio system which is hard to read in its default blue dot-matrix screen (it’s customizable though). The RS benefits from a Garmin-based touchscreen navigation system that works. All but the base E offer the convenience of Bluetooth hands-free telephony as well. The driver’s seat adjusts in just four ways, but the resulting position is comfortable. The second row offers rake adjustment and folds and tumbles in a 60/40 split with a one-touch mechanism. Access to the third row is easy and if you don’t plan to bring the grandparents (or yaya), it folds down in a 50/50 split for luggage space. With the third row down, there’s 223 liters of luggage. With it folded, it goes up to 470 liters before topping out at 521 with it tumbled. If there’s one single criticism you can level at the seat design is that the third row locks into place with a hook to the second row. No fancy locking mechanism here.

Whether you dig the front-end design or not, there’s no denying that Honda’s first try in the 7-seater, entry-level MPV market happens to be the best one. The drive from Bonifacio Global City to Puerto Galera and back shows the high level of engineering and work done to get it right. It’s designed top-down to be a proper family transporter with none of the shortcuts. Nothing feels compromised or cheap. What’s more, the Honda of family haulers has gotten the price mix correct this time as well. It’s not going to break the bank with prices that range from P 807,000 to P 967,000. This is a quality piece of work with all of the niceties and none of the naughtiness.


137 comments:

  1. fugly front, cheap interior!

    other than those, it's great!!! *seriously?* :-P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Parang pag-ibig lang. Di man gwapo, madiskarte naman.

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  2. Honda got it right, at last!

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  3. i like the ground clearance...

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  4. I like it. I also like the camera you use. Hehehe

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    Replies
    1. magkanu kaya ung camera n gamit nila. lupet! ilang megapix kaya un?

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  5. The Philippines could very well be one of the few countries/markets where the RS does not have those cool and arguably better looking LED-type headlamps. Sayang. Would the price have exceeded 1M with those? Come on Honda Philippines! It's like your cheating on us consumers. Pagdating ng HR-V mapag iiwanan uli Philippine models?

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  6. 4000 rpm? Ertiga A/T can do 100 km/h to 120km/h at 2,650 rpm to 3,000 rpm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ala namang sinabing speed @4000rpm... Hahaha

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  7. It's CVT, there's no "fixed" rpm per speed as it has "infinite" ratios.

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  8. In India they have diesel honda mobilio ,why in the philippines they don't have?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because your grammar is bad and you don't know how to position your coma.

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    2. You're probably Indian.

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    3. Comma brad hehehe

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    4. hahaha both indian

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    5. cge kau ng magaling megengles, pinoy nga naman

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    6. haha nakakatawa tong mga bombay na to!

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    7. hahaha! kinorek pa, mali din naman.

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    8. Dont be a racist! Nobody's perfect. Check yourself first. Kaya nasisira image ng pilipinas sa ibang bansa eh.

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    9. Pilipinas is a place so it should start with Capital "P" mygosh!

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  9. That is an RS already. The looks improved a bit but for the price premium added to that model for so little improvement in the looks. Nah, not worth the extra money.

    Sorry, Uly, for deflating your enthusiasm. And your right, the Brio looks ugly too.

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  10. People who'll buy this have no dignity left in their bodies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my gosh this is the funniest comment! It really is ugly.

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    2. oh my God! can u help me look for my dignity?

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    3. Really!? Nah! I'm driving my RS Navi Mobilio for a week now and still have the so called "Dignity". Where did you get that Fact? Hmmm maybe you yourself has left no more in you or maybe you've lost the letter D of it and mixed up the word. Now you on have " ingity" :) haha

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    4. kung makapg comment kayo napagaling nyo ni hindi nga makapag produce ng sariling sasakyan ang pinas

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    5. marami humanga sa porma ng mobilio rs at na xperience ko na yan.jejeje.at satisfied pa sa performance...

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    6. gasoline type sir ang mobilino r.s ??wala bang deasel type dito sa pilipinas nyan?

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  11. I've never seen anything so ugly. Not even a Honda badge can make this piece of junk look any less cheap than an Isuzu. Honda sales in the Philippines used to be up there with Toyota but it's down to fifth place. And you think this crap on wheels is going break sales records!? Just what did the Honda people put in your drink when you were in Batangas???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was Wilkins mineral water if I wasn't mistaken. And coke zero.

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    2. Are you sure it wasn't spiked? lol, I admire your humor under pressure.

      I can understand the cheap-looking interior. It's for the cheapo market anyway. But the exterior could have been better, that part won't raise the cost of the vehicle. Unless, they scrimp on that also. Hired some Indian designer, mix and match the Brio, City and Odyssey together. Voila! the Mobilio.

      That came out of my mind out of the blue, but I think that's what they really did !

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    3. Given its based off a Brio, I think Honda designers had little choice. It's not out of laziness I think but cost effectiveness.

      Remember, the Brio doesn't look anything like any other Honda so it does betray its developed for developing markets origins. There is the Honda Freed and Shuttle which are based off the Jazz, but I don't think we'll get those.

      I know HCPI considered bringing the Freed in before. Too expensive.

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    4. Honda should make a well-designed car even if it's for entry level or for developing markets. We might be third world but we still have taste :)

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    5. di kaya laid-out people from syangyong had a hand on the design? nagtatanong lang po.

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  12. Not bad for a Brio based design but it is utterly ugly. Any idea when Honda HRV will come out?

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  13. I thought it was ugly at first, so I went and had a look, test drove it too...ok naman, it looks better in person, though it was on a Brio platform, was sold on that 1.5l engine. "hinataw" ko din, from 40 to 80kph, the torque was ok, the engine didn't seem stressed, although there was only me and the sales agent. Tried the last row and middle row...leg room doesn't feel cramped for me (I'm 5'6"). Some complaints: the 2nd row tumble seats snags on the front seats when folding if it was slid too far forward, definitely only a 6 seater, the middle row is only slightly wider than the 3rd row, the 2din Head Unit looks weird and difficult to operate, couldn't find the on/off button!

    Uly, have you tried it with a full load of 7 passengers, was the engine stressed?

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  14. in picture the front does look kinda looks fugly, but seeing it upclose it looks way better. The interiors are not that bad. Yes it lacks luster and it looks cheap but ive never really been a fan of those beige interiors and fake wood accents because they make the car feel like a wannabee luxury car when its not! good car from honda and the price isn't over the top. Sad there's no diesel variant available but atleast they used CVT!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At last may nabasa rin akong fair review...puro kaso negative yung nasa taas..naisip ko na tuloy ibenta agad yung mobilio ko lol...thank you Uly

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  15. Great review as always, Uly. Sans the extra horses, would you consider this over the Ertiga overall? I only see the larger displacement and Honda badge as winning points. The Ertiga on the other hand has a proven Swift-DNA, (arguably) better looks and Php150K lighter on the pocket.

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    Replies
    1. I'm comparing the 1.5V CVT 867k (net of 10k discount) vs Ertiga GLX 782k (net of discounts) not sure how much but last time if I'm not mistaken 30k discount bigay ng dealers. Difference is 85k only not 150k.

      With 85k difference
      -bigger boot space much
      -CVT vs 4 speed AT
      -stronger engine 120ps / 145nm vs 95 / 130nm. Better for more occupants
      -2nd row leg room is not compromised when you fold the 3rd row of mobilio vs ertiga.
      -With the mobilio the 2nd row aircondition space between passenger has adequate space. With the ertiga it feels like it is in front of your face so you really have to slide the seat backwards
      -Leg room on the 3rd row is great but under thigh support lacks but you can recline it and still have space against the rear window. So better safety siguro vs Ertiga for 3rd row occupants.
      -Getting in the 3rd row is easier with the mobilio
      -The mobilio has nice big windows which feels roomier and less claustrophobic.
      -PMS is every 10k. I checked the parts like shocks and engine mount. It will cost you 4k+ per shock and 4k+ for the engine mount or transmission mount.


      What you won't get with mobilio
      -climate control i can leave without
      -Flat cargo plus for bulky
      -fancy dash board.
      -slightly lower finishing.But Ertiga also is not perfect when I saw there units painting hindi rin maganda. Puro orange peel.... But interior I have to give it to ertiga I love the dashboard. But the beige interior is a let down.


      So overall I think the difference in Ertiga is well justified. plus in the long run I think you can get more of your money back. When we compare suzuki vs honda resale value in my opinion honda is holds there value better.

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  16. It's sad that family-oriented vehicles always have to sacrifice decent looks. Why? Is it really that difficult to create a pleasant front fascia?

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  17. When I was planning to buy either Mobilio or Ertiga early this month. I'm really having a hard time deciding because of the Mobilio's simplicity versus the elegance of Ertiga. Price is a bog factor for me because Ertiga is 100K cheaper compared to Mobilio.

    I ended up choosing the Mobilio over Ertiga for several reason.
    1) My main objective is space. Mobilio gives enough space for my family. The 3rd row folds and tumbles. Whereasfor Ertiga, it only folds without the tumbling seats.
    2) Engine is a main factor when the MPV is full. Honda is well known for it's engineering engine design. I believe this was justified by the test drive done by Uly and his team.
    3) I love the seats, sporty, sleak and comfortable. As for Ertiga, it is elegant looking but a bit more thick. Making the 2nd & 3rd row a bit more small compared to Mobilio.
    4) As mentioned in the other comments. The resale value for Honda is better compared to Suzuki.
    5) There is also a rumor that Ertiga will be coming out with new designs by the end of 2015.

    It's a tough decision but I am happy with Mobilio. :)

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  18. I'm very happy with my MT Mobilio E. Entry level but with the same engine power and fuel efficiency. Great buy and Honda never fails to deliver it's high product quality and safety. Very plain exterior design and basic features but it serves it purpose as a family vehicle. Enough space for baggage and comfortable seats (legroom is just about right for Pinoys).

    I guess Ertiga and Mobilio will still have a head to head battle in the next months to come. :)

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    Replies
    1. sir at 100kph cruising speed at 5th gear what was you're rpm? was it full load or 2 passengers only on board? thanks

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    2. I can't say the exact rpm but I believe its around 2500. I have 3 adults and 2 kids passengers. I also have small grocery items at the back.As predicted...it consumed more than the usual gasoline amount versus my normal travel.

      If you're in for the cheaper and more flashy ride MPV. Ertiga is the best for you. Mobilio is more on sporty and spacious type of MPV. Not to mention the premium price of having a Honda. It has a 100K difference between the Ertiga GL MT.

      Delete
  19. Replies
    1. you can always use the help of extra joss!

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  20. if you're looking at this site and asking for a powerful engine. You're in the wrong site my friend. if you want a powerful engine. This vehicle is not for you. You might want to buy buy a full sized SUV if you have the money (ex: Ford Explorer/ Everest).

    This is a decent and cheaper version of SUV. Meaning people who would buy this are not asking for a powerful engine, nor asking for a very big legroom. Just enough for an average Pinoy family.

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  21. Glad mobilio reached the Philippines and add choices who are looking for a spacious cargo or convertible to 7 seven seater at sub one million pesos. I'm happy that mobilio has an RS variant, it's sporty in the outside and makes fathers somehow feel binata! Being one of those early to have this unit, you'll notice other cars in the road slowdown to check out your ride. Some may say it's fugly but I definitely love my mobilio. =) It has good speakers, stable handling, comfortable ride and satisfiable accelaration.

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    Replies
    1. Glad earlyowner of a Mobilio V CVT din. Definitely a head-turner. Drivers are checking it out because it is a different "Honda"

      My co-workers said the curves are a bit different compared to the usual Honda's it looks more like Hyundai+Honda hybrid.

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    2. They're probably turning their heads and looking at your mobilio for the WRONG reasons. Hahaha. Wag masyado maging feeling. Baka iniisip ng mga tumitingin: "ito siguro pinaka pangit na honda na nakita ko sa buong buhay ko!".

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    3. Hindi naman pangit. Nakita mo na ba in person?

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    4. Oo. Kita ko na in person. Mukhang insecto yung harapan. Hahaha!!!

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    5. Ah! Mas oks naman yung mga taong nakasakay sa mukhang insektong sasakyan kesa sa mga mukhang insektong tao na nakasakay sa magandang sasakyan (yun ay kung may sasakyan ka at all) :)

      Delete
    6. Eh papano ka, mukhang insekto ka na nga, ang sasakyan mo mukhang insekto din.

      BTW, may Camry 3.5L ako, bigay ng tito ko. Angal?

      Delete
    7. bigay ng tito hindi afford bumili ng sarili nyang sasakyan nyahahahaha!

      Delete
    8. wahahaha! natawa ako dito. mas nakakatuwa pa yung mga naka Wigo pero sariling pera nila ginastos. yung mga buraot madalas yun pa yung mayayabang eh. lol!

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    9. pinagyabang pa na bigay ng titio nya. hahaha. wala na ngang sariling pera pambili ang laki pa ng bibig.

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    10. lol nbigyan lng ng camey feeling rich na haha hanap ka muna ng sarili mong trabaho iho mas okay ng mukhang insekto sasakyan nila kesa sa utak mong mas maliit pa sa insecto haha

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    11. haha baka naman hindi tito ang nag bigay baka yung bading nyang ka relasyon haha!

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    12. hahahaha so true! kung sino ung wala sya pa yung mayabang. Sinabi lang na head-turner, feeling na agad? ayan soplak ka tuloy!

      Delete
  22. I also own a mobilio 1.5v CVT I have it with me for more than a week.

    Value for money talaga siya.Although I have to disagree the ride is not too comfortable compared to a sedan (corolla or even a mazda 3) it is on the stiff side. I'm guessing it has something to do with carry 7 passengers. I have to agree handling is good for a vehicle with high ground clearance. I just love the versatility to be able to carry 6+1(kid) people or load things. It is not as versatile in cargo as the jazz but you can still haul lots of stuff in it.

    Fuel economy is still haven't really tested it. initial reading was 6.2km/liter. Now nasa 8.5km/liter.

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  23. Just got our Mobilio 1,5 V CVT last June 5. Very satisfied kami ng wife ko sa performance. Although, I have some comments lang with regards to features. There is no driver seat height adjustment, seat belt height adjustment and no low variable speed wiper intermittent. These are some minor comments for future improvements by Honda.

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  24. Msta consumption.ng gas and.pag.puno.ng.passenger.dba hirap pg paakyat??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Based on review,
      14.4 km/L highway Mobilio
      19.2 km/L highway Ertiga

      Malakas sa Gas Mobilio.
      Let's say wala pang nakasakay na passengers sa unit. What more kung meron pa?

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    2. Bias Suzuki sales agent. Haha... Parehas maganda yung 2. Dipende na lang sa buyer kung ano ang gusto at need nila.

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    3. Ano bias dun?
      Nasa article naman yung mga data na sinasabi nya?
      Marmi din ako na babasang articles na mas matipid ang Ertiga pero naman pag dating sa itsura mas na gagandahan ako sa Mobilio compared sa Ertiga.
      Sana dumating na yung diesel ng Mobilio sa Pinas...

      Delete
    4. gwapo ang mobilio rs.pagmasdan in personal.

      Delete
  25. Had a very tough decision with this 2 Top competing MPV's as well, but decided to have the Ertiga. Fuel economy, classy look, comfort and power, definitely sa Ertiga. Pero kung sporty look na mpv hanap mo, mobilio is for you

    ReplyDelete
  26. Had a very tough decision with this 2 Top competing MPV's as well, but decided to have the Ertiga. Fuel economy, classy look, comfort and power, definitely sa Ertiga. Pero kung sporty look na mpv hanap mo, mobilio is for you

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ang hirap talaga mag-decide kung Mobilio or Ertiga. It took me more than a month para lang mapagisipan talaga ng mabuti. Here are several points that you should also consider before making a purchase.

    Ertiga Pros
    1. Elegant look
    2. Value for money- 812k Top of the line (complete accessories and features) na versus sa entry level ng Mobilio at 807k
    3. Smooth driving- it feels like a sedan and very light handling
    4. Cheaper to maintain since Suzuki uses conventional automatic transmission versus the Honda CVT
    5. Fuel efficient since 2.4L lang ang makina
    Ertiga Cons
    1. Space is relatively an issue. 7 Seater pero kung puno na kayo, wala ka nang bootspace sa likod. You’ll end up folding the whole 3rd row making it a 5 seater again. Defeating the purpose of getting a spacious vehicle.
    2. Beige seat covers- elegant pero mabilis madumihan
    3. May complaints about sa aircon sa likod. May ingay and pumapasok daw yung amoy from outside. Sadyang design ng Suzuki to avoid suffocation. (I read this in Ertiga Club PH)
    4. Mejo hirap lang yung engine kung puno and paakyat. As expected naman sa 1.4L engine
    5. Hindi na-recline yung 3rd row seat

    Mobilio Pros
    1. Mobilio may extra bootspace pa likod kahit 7 passengers na… kasya ang 1 full golf bag and 50/50 folding ang 3rd row.
    2. Tumble capable yung 2nd row for easy access sa 3rd row
    3. Pwede recline yung 2nd and 3rd row seats
    4. 1.5 iVTEC engine parehas ng Jazz at City. Kaya kahit puno and paakyat
    5. Honda focused on safety, kahit entry level pasok lahat ng safety features the same as the top of the line variant
    Mobilio Cons
    1. Mejo mahal lang as usual kasi Honda. Entry level asa 807k na agad
    2. Baduy lang yung interiors kasi the same platform ng Brio para makatipid sa production
    3. Hindi din masyado maganda yung exteriors lalo sa front compared sa Ertiga
    4. Konti ang color options

    Decision: I ended up buying Mobilio because I’m more focused on the space. Para sa mga anak ko na 2 plus kasama ko pa ang grandparents kaya I have to consider that. Pinili ko yung Mobilio E M/T variant kasi I’m not a big fan of CVT transmission. Mas gusto ko may control ako sa driving ko plus takot din ako sa expenses ng CVT in the future. As of now, CVT is just starting sa mga latest models. Madami pa ako questions sa CVT transmission..maintenance cost? Reliability? Durability? Parts availability?. At least ang M/T and conventional Automatic transmission, proven na and kahit saang talyer ko dalhin pwede. CVT direcho ka sa dealer/ kasa lang. Sa ngayon lang naman yun, hopefully in the near future maging mainstream na din ang CVT. Sa ngayon, I’m happy with my M/T Mobilio. 

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sir, kamusta nman po mt n mobilio? ayos nman po b? wala b kau nggng problema? im planning dn pero cant decide pa sir kung mobilio mt or ford ecosport trend mt.. mostly kze A/t mga reviews.. need some help.. salamat!

      Delete
  28. Ha ha ha! Funny people nga naman.
    For the price do you expect a rolls royce interiors?
    Funny when you can't even seem to understand, how cheap the interiors of other AUVs are: fortuner, montero,everest,trailblazer, mux and the rest of asian diesel crap. Not to say way too bloated and too underpowered, yet with some cheap chrome plastics and decals, every fool call it, my car, my suv dude. Hahaha pinoy!!!!!!!!! Utak sarao like their fortuner and the rest down to owner type jeep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is very uncalled for.

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    2. What are you doing in this web page anyway? You should be visiting the Rolls Royce site forum.

      Delete
    3. ahahaha!
      buhay na buhay pa rin si born loser!

      Delete
  29. Hi.Torn between Mobilio and Chevrolet's Spin (automatic). Primary consideration is that both are 7 seater. Leg room/space wise, I would give it to Mobilio. Would appreciate your input in terms of performance and the looks. Thanks in advance.

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    Replies
    1. Give up Spin because Chevy already called it quits in producing this model. If you're into space, Spin is far more stiff. 2nd and 3rd row seats are fixed. Meaning it cannot be reclined. 3rd row legroom is really tight.

      Mobilio however, provides flexibility. Legroom is just right for Pinoy standard height (5'6" to 5'9") I'm 5'8" and I don't have any problem seating at the 3rd row. You can recline both 2nd & 3rd row seats. Tumble capable din yung 2nd & 3rd row seats. Mejo mababa lang yung upuan making you look in a slightly squatted position. Pero mas comfy pa din compared sa Spin.

      The main advantage ng Spin is the Diesel variant. Sa Mobilio kasi Petrol/ Gas variants lang.

      I hope this helps, I was also very confused on what to buy last month. 3 choices Mobilio, Ertiga & Spin. I ended up buying Mobilio Manual Trans. because my main focus is space for my family. :)

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    2. What's holding me back is the thought that Spin looks (bit) better than Mobilio (exterior). But then I got to read comments of Spin's review on this site and a lot of negative has been said. So now, I'm leaning more towards Mobilio again. Thanks a lot for your prompt response.

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    3. Really? Spin discontinued? GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.

      Spin production will be moved from Indonesia to India. That's it.

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    4. i'm getting my mobilio this afternoon. tough choice between the three: mobilio, ertiga and spin.
      some may just be typing non-sense but to those responsible netizens, pls know, your comments really helped.
      thanks a lot. all respects to you, Sirs.

      Delete
    5. right choice decision honda mobilio.marami na ang satisfied sa performance at roomy space at good looks..

      Delete
  30. Hi! Anybody help me think and decide either mobilio, ertiga, frod ecosport trend. Almost 3 mnths alredy yet not decide....plsssss need feedbacks...thnx

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    Replies
    1. I'd tested driving Ford ecosport before I'd finally took my RS Navi CVT Mobilio. Speaking of looks and ground clearance Ecosport is the best compared to ertiga and mobilio. However, I thing was discouraging during my test drive is the ecosport's DCT type auto transmission. First, 2nd and 3rd gear is really not that quick and generates engine noise like a newbie driver on manual transmission when shifting gears.

      For me I'm happy with my RS Navi CVT mobilio. It serves and entertains me well. Very responsive and too smooth to recognize its gear- changing.

      Delete
  31. If 5 seater is enough for you, get ecosport. If you are really looking for 7 seater, then it left you with two options: ertiga or mobilio. Specs has already been said in previous posts, however, you should also consider aftersales of Suzuki and Honda.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Things to consider in buying a car:
    1. of course your budget...if you can afford a full sized SUV worth 3M pesos, why not?!
    2. the looks of the car, is it beautiful or macho in your eyes? i'm sure you will not buy a car which is you don't like the appearance.
    3. the brand, even if you like the appearance of the car, but you do not trust the brand, don't buy it. i'm sure you will not be satisfied.
    4. the space and comfort inside, your the one who will use it, and also your family, make sure they are comfortable enough, especially yourself. you have a very beautiful car but the 2nd row legroom was so tight, your family will not be happy everytime they ride on your car.
    5. all powered, buy the variant with all power (if you have the budget), if your money can't buy the variant which is all powered, then wait for the right time. yan ang lagi kong sinasabi sa mga kaibigan ko, pero di nila sinunod, then now, nagsisisi sila. if only they have waited and save some more money. the problem is, di sila makapag-intay. its very comfortable if your car was all powered, evenif its not the highend variant.
    6. the features, not all features are usable by the buyer, its just an extra cost, don't push for the high end if the 2nd variant was already satisfied your needs (but if you have the money, buy the high end evenif you do not need the added features).

    that's just some sort of advice or I may say an opinion.

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  33. Just got the RS Navi CVT of Mobilio a week ago and I so love it. I'm happy with the 7" Touch Screen Audio System with Navigation, DVD/CD, BLUETOOTH Phone Call connection and USB port with 1m cable. It accelerates quickly to my desired speed. Thanks to Honda's new Earth Dreams Technology - CVT, I've got 16-17Km/L mixed city and Highway driving. Just make sure the ECO-indicator shows green always. So far I'm happy riding my RS Navi CVT Variant Mobilio as my 3rd inexpensive family vehicle.

    Just don't compare this vehicle outside its class then you will appreciate its competitiveness against its competitors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow 16-17 mixed city and highway. I own a 1.5CVT I only get at best 7-8 on city. On hiway 12km/l Care to share your route?

      Delete
    2. baka naman traffic sa lugar mo? sa novaliches area ka ba

      Delete
    3. Manila area i drive short trips lang kasi mga 1km lang paminsan may 3-5km one way. Pero average mga 2km one trip. Baka kaya mababa FC ko

      Delete
    4. what variant has a rear parking camera?

      Delete
  34. I definitely won't end up buying an ugly car to spend my hard earned money. i've seen it and really is ugly. Ertiga performance is well praised by actual users. Spin has negatives but not all. With the good looks of these two inside and out compared to mobilio with just a few inches of space? I'll definitely maybe looking to Ertiga or Spin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sino naman ang nagsabi sa iyo na bilhin mo yang mobilio?
      walang pakeelam ang mga tao dito sa iyo noh!
      may nagtanong ba sa iyo na bibili ka ng kotse?
      kung meron, e di kayo mag-usap.
      ha!ha!ha!
      LOSER!

      O sya!
      bili na ng ertiga at spin, i-post mo sa FB mo ha!
      tapos sabihin mo sa amin ang FB account mo para macheck namin kung bagay sa iyo ang ertiga at spin.

      Delete
    2. no one's forcing you bro!. good luck with your hard earned money.

      Delete
    3. tricycle na lang bilhin mapili ka baka kasi di mo kayang bumili letse!

      Delete
  35. Some people just could not accept! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. I own a 1st gen Avanza AT, and recently a Mobilio AT. My brother bought an Ertiga AT early 2015, which I occasionally borrow. I'm kinda leaning towards the Ertiga for overall value and likability, but bought Mobilio anyway for differentiation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. maybe after a month, share us your comparison of the two, it will help a lot for those who are planning to buy ertiga or mobilio.

      - jes

      Delete
    2. hi sir. im also torn between the two. care to tell us if your opinion on both cars have changed or if you are still leaning towards the ertiga and why? thanks.

      Delete
  37. Agree. Drive-tested one, it felt like a cheap car (interiors, handling, performance, noise, etc). Lost the prestige of the Honda brand, but did not lose the premium price. Seems just like a low-end car with an 'H'. IMHO. I don't own an Ertiga or Avanza, but I've driven both, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Interested in mobilio but many bad comments on design, being ugly etc. Not seen it yet though but i seen ertiga and really looks nice. Spin is out for me. I agree with the one mentioned having driven both, pls give your so much honest opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Mga Sirs. 3 months na rin kami undecided if Ecosport or Mobilio. Please help us to decide. Honest Review pleasse... thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. magkaibang category naman yung 2 na gusto mo. base lang ba sa budget kung baket mo napili ang mga yun? if you just need to sit 5 people then get the ecosport, if 7 then get the mobilio. again, different category. you just need a simple answer to a simple question.

      Delete
  40. Hi guys, excited na kami ng wife ko sa Mobilio 1.5V CVT, sana hindi kami nagkamali sa pagpili.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sa mga reviews and feedbacks nyo.

      Delete
    2. This is a goner. Welcome Honda BR-V 7-Seater! It will be worth the wait when you come here in the Philippines!

      Delete
  41. I just drove my 2 month old Honda Mobilio E (Manual Trans.) to Laiya Batangas last weekend. It was a very good break-in for my MPV. Fuel efficiency was great! My total driving fuel consumption is 16.7km/L. I averaged 100kph during my trip. There are moderate to heavy traffic when passing thru Lipa. Total distance is around 260km back and forth. I went out in full tank and when I got back in Manila, gas is meter is 1 bar over half indicator.Not bad for a 1.5L Engine and with an average of 100kph speed (with wind & rain due to the typhoon). Passengers are 4 Adults and 2 big kids. Not to mention the heavy bags since we spent 2 days in Laiya.

    Overall, I'm very satisfied with my Honda Mobilio Manual Trans. Average price, spacious, comfortable and easy to drive (like a sedan). If you need to increase your fuel efficiency. Driving habit is a major factor. Try to learn how to control your burst of speed. :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. hi mga sirs maybe this coming next month i have my own mobilio RS NAVI CVT very good looking MUV

    ReplyDelete
  43. MOBILIO RS NAVI CVT IS THE BEST

    ReplyDelete
  44. Maybe the looks has a slight hint of Indian or Thai in architectural design. It clashes with what Filipinos consider good to look at. Filipinos have this propensity to look good always even if the occasion calls for rough and tumble. And for this reason, Filipinos root for the pretty and the handsome even in the selection of their elected officials. :)

    For my choice, aesthetics is a far next consideration to power. We are not in Milan or French Riviera and considering the climate, road condition and traffic that is trending towards Mad Max era, I place my money on the ultimate horsepower it can get on any brand, class or variant that can get you from point A to B.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I already deposited 10k for reservation last month, but still i dont have idea when my mobilio cvt will receive. I heard also from other customer that they waited for almost 3 months before they received the unit.

    Any idea or comments why it takes time to supply this unit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. siguro what you did eh nag apply ka ng mas maaga or depende sa target mong date kasi base sa kakilala ko sa honda inoorder pa nila yan kaya medyo matagal anyway darating din yan

      Delete
  46. Just got mine thursday. (Sept.24, 2015) mobilio v cvt. Only one week waiting at honda rizal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sir ask ko lng po may kalakasan ba sa gas kpag brand new pa ang moblio or kht na anu pang sskyan ng honda..tnx sir

      Delete
  47. Avanza and Ertiga are way far better than this (looks, performance, and value for money)

    ReplyDelete
  48. malakas po ba sa gas ang mobilio kpag brand new pa

    ReplyDelete
  49. Ayun din ang concern ko about gas! Need help din

    ReplyDelete
  50. Are the mags above available sa V CVT variant

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  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. What's the real numbers when it comes to fuel consumption of Mobilio and Accent Hatch Diesel matic. Pls help for me to decide on what to buy. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  53. depende sa needs,budget or depende sa kung san ka masaya para saiyo or sa family mo,ikaw ang makakasagot sa tanong mo kasi pag kapag binasa mo ang mga negative comments dito eh mailito ka,ask yourself ano ba kailangan ko?ganoon lang kasimple,ako ganyan din dati pero i end choosing mobilio kasi yun ang gusto ko not because of the comments.comparison ets.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Found your blog. Its really nice on driving car. I appreciate your article. Its important to get quality driving lesson to learn driving properly. So thanks for sharing all that important information.

    ReplyDelete
  55. can't decide! honda mobilio M/T or ford ecosport trend M/T. please need help.. which is better?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If a 5-seater car is good enough for you, then i recommend you choose ford ecosport. If you need a 7-seater one, you should consider the mobilio. Also, do your own research para di ka magsisisi sa huli.

      Delete
  56. HONDA Lovr's,,, Honda CVT problem can be fix...automatic trans/auto mech from Europe,Grad automotive mech course Spain,Automatic Choice grad(Automatic Choice Leading in Automatic Trans rebuilding/parts supply Europe),Porsche casa no. 1 mech in spain,familiar in European/american cars and asean cars.
    contact for u'r CVT problem 09052929079,Mla Phils,AUtomatic Transmission mech(facebook) . For Auto shop we can pick up u'r trans (pick-up/rebuild/deliver)or garage svc.

    ReplyDelete
  57. (Repost lang po) Hopefully it will become available with 1.5 DTEC and updated interior. EURO 4 compliant na naman tayo, i guess... btw, interior of newly updated Honda Mobilio, ano msabi nyo guys... http://indianautosblog.com/2016/01/2016-honda-mobilio-all-new-interior-launched-indonesia-212008

    ReplyDelete
  58. I have no idea about cars and their engines. but I am more on space, consumption, service cherges/expense and service parts. Im confused bwtween the three; Mobilio, Ertiga and Avanza. Planning to get nextweek. Please help me to decide. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  59. Guys any news about BR-V, when it will arrive here in the Philippines

    ReplyDelete
  60. December 2016 according to the Sales Agent I had conversation with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Any idea about the price range of BR-V sir? Will it be over 1M mark?

      Delete
    2. Any idea about the price range of BR-V sir? Will it be over 1M mark?

      Delete
  61. Still deciding which one to get, ertiga or mobilio. Sana meron updated n review.

    ReplyDelete
  62. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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