Honda Mobilio 2018 Philippines Review: MUV with Confidence

Airy, fuel efficient and affordable are all about the welfare of the B-segment MPV Honda Mobilio. Up to present, it has gradually become a more viable option over pricey 7-seater SUVs or C-segment MPVs in the Philippines. Yes, if you feel that an SUV is too tall and a van is too big, the Mobilio will be a good alternative.

Airy, fuel efficient and affordable are all about the welfare of the 2018 Honda Mobilio

The Honda Mobilio 2018 is available in three variant in the current market: E, V, and RS Navi. Today, Philkotse.com will choose the mid-range V to analyze in our Honda Mobilio 2018 Review. Now, are you ready to find out the reason why the Mobilio is like a scorching day among the competitive market today?

All-new Honda Mobilio 2018

For 2018, presumably, the changes are shown most clearly at the front fascia. Currently, the Mobilio features its own unique design in lieu of sharing the “face” with the Brio as before. To be bigger means the Mobilio looks more mature than its brother Brio. Besides, the seasoned MPV also receives new Solid Wing Face front grille flanked by tapered headlamps, together with a revised bumper, all exuding its own identity.

The changes are shown most clearly at the front fascia

The side and rear facets remain almost unaltered

The Mobilio 2018 exterior is contemporary and sedated

As the front has mainly held the stage, so it’s understandable when the side and rear facets remain almost unaltered. Nevertheless, the MPV’s appearance still looks good, especially when it comes to a new set of 15-inch aluminum alloys featuring directional design.

A new set of 15-inch aluminum alloys features directional design

It's not too aggressive like the silhouette we see in most modern SUVs

To our eyes, the exterior design of the Mobilio is contemporary and sedated without being too aggressive like the silhouette we see in most modern SUVs.

>>> Read more:

• Honda PH to roll out updated Mobilio for 2018
• Honda Mobilio is listed as one of the best 7-seat vehicles in the Philippines

Many of you must have known the pre-facelift Mobilio used to share the interior with the Honda Brio. The Honda Mobilio 2018 interior, however, borrows components from the Honda City and the Jazz. Now, all of the details are better when compared to its predecessor from the dash, instrument panel, and center console.

The Honda Mobilio 2018 borrows components from the Honda City and the Jazz

Even though there is an abuse of hard plastic throughout the cabin, it just serves as a daily MPV, you know. Elegant and nice also are gloss black plastic on the sleek infotainment source and neat touches of faux metal trim scattered around. By the way, concerning the infotainment system, the outdated 2-DIN sound system has been replaced to make room for a one 7-inch touchscreen supporting AM/FM radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, a new digital air-conditioning system also takes place of the old analog-style control knobs.

A new digital air-conditioning system also takes place of the old analog-style control knobs

The outdated 2-DIN sound system has been replaced to make room for a one 7-inch touchscreen

It goes without saying that the Mobilio space is redundant. Passengers at both the front and rear seats will feel comfortable with spacious head-, elbow- and legroom. For the last row seat, space is not as generous as the others’ yet it is not a problem for young adults and kids. In case you have taller occupants, slide the second-row seat to create more room.

It goes without saying that the Mobilio space is redundant

Under the sheet metal is Honda’s famed 1.5L L15Z1 inline-four engine with i-VTEC which churns out 120 hp @ 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,600 rpm. Power is channeled to the front wheels through an Earth Dreams-developed CVT. Do not scoff at this 1.5L power plant since it’s the most powerful unit in B-segment MPV in the country. Like other Honda vehicles, the manufacturer made Mobilio more special which can even defeat the 1.5L and 1.4L mills of the Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga, respectively.

Park your right foot on the accelerator and you will feel some punch from this tiny engine. The acceleration is admirable and in case of heavy load, it does not feel strained at all. Plus, the great combination of the powertrain and transmission boasts both fuel spirited driving and decent fuel efficiency.

Accordingly, the Mobilio returns between 9.0 – 10.0 km/L in light city traffic while on the expressways, it averaged between 16.0 – 16.5 km/L. Housing more people will change these figures to 7.5 km/L and 14.0 km/L respectively. No matter where you move through, the MPV can deliver a quite smooth drive at all times. Other than that, you can shift the CVT to Sport Mode for sharper response and more fun-to-drive feeling.

Sorrowfully, there are no paddle shifters which are only given on the top-of-the-line RS.

Under the sheet metal is Honda’s famed 1.5L L15Z1 inline-four engine with i-VTEC

With regards to handling, this MPV is relatively nimble in defiance of its “class-leading” length. Developed from the Brio platform, the Mobilio 2018 can deal with corners effortlessly. The steering is precise and sharp as well owing to an EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system. Nonetheless, this system lacked feedback due to a numb feel.

On the subject of ride quality, this is not the most comfortable people carrier, to be honest, but it’s not bad. In reality, it seems to be bouncy when traveling rugged roads. On the other hand, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) should be bettered to enhance the overall ride comfort.

Still coming fitted with dual front airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Speed-Sensing Door Locks and keyless entry, the 2018 Mobilio will certainly keep you protective in every day trip. Sadly, Hill-Start Assist (HSA) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which can be availed on the RS, are absent from the V and the reverse camera is, too.

The 2018 Mobilio will certainly keep you protective in everyday trip

The Honda Mobilio 1.5L V 2018 can be had at ₱948,000 (inclusive of new excise taxes already). Frankly, it is more expensive than the previous model but it’s more qualified. As a result, we think it’s worth that price. If you want more, pay more to get the RS.

>>> Find cheaper Honda Mobilio for sale on Philkotse

>>> Refer to our cars for sale section to experience a diverse range of selective automobiles with similar specs

If you enclose the Honda Mobilio for comparison against the Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Avanza, it still a far better MPV by packing higher levels of aesthetics, functionality, and power. With this 2018 Mobilio, the well-known Japanese car maker has actually made a class-beater fresher than ever.

At last, the Mobilio wins in its own game and hope that our Honda Mobilio 2018 Review wins your heart.