Honda Philippines launched the 2018 Mobilio

MANILA: Looking at this year's chart, it seems like Honda Philippines is on a launch spree. The Japanese automaker rolled out BR-V, updated City and Civic previously and it has now launched the 2018 Mobilio in the local market. The model introduced in the Philippines is the same as in the Thailand market, which features a bold new design, and a number of advanced features.

The front of the 7-seater is now bold and more aggressive than the outgoing model. Just like any other updated model of the company’s lineup, the Mobilio also features the ‘Solid Wing Face’ look. The round and simple headlights are now replaced with upswept headlights, which are further complemented by a single-bar grille and squared-off edges at the front bumper. There also new LED guide lights with new rim designs while the grille has also a number of options depending on the trim level.

The mid-range 1.5 V get a chrome finish while the 1.5 RS features a gloss black finish. The rest of the profile is kept intact with the introduction of a new color scheme for the RS version, the Phoenix Orange Pearl. The same color scheme is also expected to feature in the upcoming updated Jazz 2018, whose prices were leaked recently. The 2018 Honda Mobilio also gets a totally refreshed dashboard with revised instrument cluster for the 1.5 E M/T and 1.5 V CVT. Honda has also upgraded the infotainment system of the 7-seater, which is a seven-inch touchscreen Bluetooth for phone and audio with USB connectivity.

The other features of the updated Mobilio include speed sensing automatic door locks, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), dual airbags and ISOFIX. The RS variant also gets additional Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. Considering the engine options, the 2018 Mobilio is still powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine which is also a powering unit of Jazz and City. The engine delivers a maximum power output of 120 PS and peak torque of 145 Nm with transmission duties handled by either a five-speed manual or CVT. The RS variant also gets a pair of paddle shifters.

The prices for the 2018 Honda Mobilio are slightly updated and are as follows:

Mobilio 1.5 E M/T: Php 829,000 Mobilio 1.5 V CVT: Php 909,000 Mobilio 1.5 RS CVT: Php 1,029,000