SOMETIMES we wonder how a car manufacturer comes up with a name for an upcoming model. We may get an idea by reading the list of models being sold by manufacturers on certain markets.
For example, if the car will be released in the US and European markets, then the name might describe the purpose which the vehicle was designed for or they may opt to name it after a place like Chevy’s Orlando; Hyundai’s Santa Fe, Tucson and the discontinued Veracruz.
Car companies even come up with names of animals, like Ford’s Mustang, Cougar and Lynx, or even a tree, as in the case of Toyota’s massive Sequoia sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
Honda, on the other hand, christens its car differently. Certain models sold in the US bear the names Odyssey and Pilot. The Odyssey, if one will consult Mr. Webster, means journey. The Pilot SUV is so named, perhaps, to project the feeling of being inside a cockpit.
Honda’s newest entry in the Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) segment, the Mobilio, doesn’t have a corresponding definition in the dictionary. The nearest adjective to it was “mobility,” which Honda readily admitted the vehicle’s name was based upon. Mobility, as describe by Mr. Webster means “the quality of moving freely.” This may very well describe the Mobilio.
In a glittering launch recently held at the Metro Tent at Metrowalk in Pasig City, select members of the motoring beat got a glimpse of the new entrant in the hotly contested segment dominated by the likes of the Toyota Avanza, Chevrolet Spin and Suzuki Ertiga.
During his opening remarks, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara proudly said, “The new Honda Mobilio is Honda’s first multipurpose utility vehicle especially developed for the Asian market. And with the clear grasp of the local culture, we believe that the all-new Mobilio fits the needs and expectations of the Filipino family in a vehicle.” He also added, “We are thrilled to be able to finally introduce it locally and see more smiles on the road.”
Just before the launch, Honda whetted the appetite of the public by publishing ads in different dailies heralding the arrival of its newest offering. The all-new Mobilio is based on another vehicle which it introduced not too long ago—the Brio Amaze. According to Kuwahara, it took Honda more than a year after the introduction of the Mobilio in other markets, like Thailand, Indonesia and India, to bring it to the Philippines, which is the only left-hand-drive country in the region where the Mobilio is being sold.
Honda engineers based the Mobilio’s design on the “Progressive Private Jetliner” concept that offers modern and youthful styling, advanced technology, superbly spacious cabin, flexible seating and comfortable sedan-like ride that feels like sitting in a private jet.
Motivation comes from a 1.5 I-VTEC engine, the same one that powers the Honda Jazz and Fit models, which pumps out a maximum of 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and, more important, 145 N-m of torque at 4,600 rpm. The said engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or the continuously variable transmission. The engine and the transmission boast of “Earth Dreams Technology”—a term now used by Honda in all its new models to describe the balance between power and technology.
Up-front, the Mobilio looks like a wider version of the Brio Amaze. Sidewise, one will notice the “lightning window” theme used on the previous Odyssey, which is also carried to the rear. Parked side by side, the Mobilio looks like a smaller version of the Odyssey.
To be able to demonstrate its superb handling, Honda invited motoring scribes to first-class Infinity Beach Resort in Puerto Galera in Mindoro.
First, we spent the night at the classy Seda Hotel inside Bonifacio Global City, a stone’s throw away from HCPI’s headquarters after the launch. The next day, we all woke up to a hearty breakfast, then a short briefing led by motorsports organizer George Ramirez. We took off at around 9:30 a.m. in Car No. 6 together with veteran motoring journalist Ron de los Reyes and Autoindustriya’s Martin Aguilar. Sitting in the rear dring the first leg of the journey, I noticed the spaciousness and comfort of the vehicle.
The Mobilio is equipped with a rear air conditioner and a separate blower control. The powerful cooling system kept the cabin comfortable, despite the sweltering midday sun. My turn to drive came after the Calamba toll plaza. The seven-seater MUV didn’t have any problem keeping up with the rest of the convoy, led by Ramirez aboard a 2.4 Honda Accord. I marvel at the engine of this car squeezing out 120 hp out of a mere 1.5-liter displacement without any aid of turbocharging. Honda’s I-VTEC (Variable and Lift Timing Control) was impressive, indeed.
Lunch was in a restaurant near the Batangas Port, where we waited for almost an hour before being allowed to board at the roll-on and roll-off ferry. After disembarking at the Calapan Port, the second part of the journey began with Aguilar behind the wheel.
The handling, ride and the power of the Mobilio were also tested on the zigzags of the highway on our way to the resort. Things became more interesting when Aguilar turned over the wheel to de los Reyes, whose cool demeanor belied his skillful handling of our vehicle. I spent most of the time holding on to dear life in the rear, because it was my first time to ride in a vehicle driven in such a manner. The Mobilio handled admirably and conquered curves like a racecar.
After spending the night at the first-class Infinity Resort at the far end of the famous White Beach, we spent the morning swimming, relaxing and basking in the beauty of the resort. The next day, we left for Manila. We were assigned Car No.1, which was the RS variant, while Ramirez gave explicit instructions for me to keep up with him.
I took the wheel on the first part of the return trip and I had never enjoyed driving so much. I am such a big fan of the Ramirez clan, most especially their late father. During the drive, I learned how to conquer apexes and curves with the Mobilio.
When we arrived four hours later, I spoke to Kuwahara about the introduction of the Mobilio. When I asked him about their sales projection of their newest offering, he said that he would be very happy to at least get half of the monthly sales being enjoyed by the segment leader, Toyota Avanza.
But if the reviews of all those who participated in the event are any indication, it seems that Kuwahara’s wish is bound to come true.
Story & photos by Patrick Tulfo
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo