There is no denying that Honda's first-ever MPV for India - the Mobilio was one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year; and now when it's finally here we compare it with its two arch rivals - the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova.
While the Innova is known for its spaciousness, comfort and drivability, the Ertiga is an affordable, frugal car with an impressive ride quality. Honda that has priced this vehicle right between the Ertiga and Innova, is aiming to eat into the sales of both. The Mobilio is priced between Rs 6.49 lakh to Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Spaciousness
Since, the MPVs/MUVs are known for their spacious character, the overall dimension of a car is the most important aspect. In this department, the Toyota Innova scores more than both the Ertiga and upcoming Mobilio. The Innova measures 4585mm in length, 1765 in width and 1760mm in height, along with the class-leading 2750mm of the wheelbase. The Innova is the only car among the three to offer both the seven and eight seater models, other two are seven-seaters.
The Mobilio with its 4386mm length, 1683mm width and 1603mm height may look lesser in dimensions than the Ertiga on paper, but the car in real is more spacious. Following Honda's "Man maximum, machine minimum" philosophy, the Japanese automajor has packaged the car so well that despite being a tad smaller in dimesnions, the car offers more space to its occupants.
The ertiga has 90mm more space between the wheels with 2740mm of wheelbase, but the Mobilio scores more in overall length (4386mm). The Ertiga measures 1685mm in height and 1695mm in width.
Power
In this department as well, the Innova outshines both of its rivals. With a 2.0-litre petrol and 2.5-litre diesel engine options, the Innvoa is the most powerful vehicle of the lot. The 2.0-litre petrol engine of the Innova churns out an impressive 131.4bhp @ 5600rpm, while yielding 181Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm. While the 2.5-litre diesel engine produces 100.6bhp at 3600rpm and a rather impressive 200Nm of peak torque at 1200-3600rpm.
Second in the sequence of power is the Mobilio, which will share both of its petrol and diesel engine options with the Honda City. Both the engines are proven and potent, while the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol is known for its refinement and power, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel is the most fuel efficient engine in the country today. The petrol 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine produces 117bhp and 145Nm, while the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel belts out 98.6bhp and 200Nm.
The Maruti Ertiga is the least powerful vehicle of the three. Though, both the 1.3-litre multijet diesel and 1.4-litre K-Series petrol engine are very refined and fuel efficient. The 1.3-litre 16V DDiS petrol engine of the Ertiga develops 88.8bhp and 200Nm, while the 1.4-litre petrol engine of the MPV promises to deliver 93.7bhp and 130Nm.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is yet another important aspect that one takes care of before buying an MPV. One buys an MPV so that an entire family/group of people can travel together in less fuel, though this wasn't the case before. Earlier, spaciousness used to be the prime concern for buyers, but cars like the Ertiga gave them an opportunity to own a car that is both spacious and fuel efficient. So, now when Mobilio has been claimed to be the most fuel efficient MPV in the country, people might prefer that over the other two.
In this area, the Mobilio outshines both the Ertiga and Innova, thanks to the highly frugal 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. The Mobilo's 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine returns the best-in-class mileage of 24.2Km/l (ARAI certified). The Ertiga with its 1.3-litre multijet engine too is quite impressive with an ARAI certified mileage of 20.77kmpl. The Innova's 2.5-litre common-rail diesel with around 12kmpl is the least efficient of the three. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engined model of the MPV too is quite impressive in terms of mileage. It is claimed to return 17.3Km/l.
Note: The mileage figures given above are ARAI certified, which in real conditions might be different.
Pricing
Since all the three products come at different price points, buyers have an option to choose whichever suits to their pocket. The Mobilio is priced in the range of Rs 6.49 lakh - Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova are priced between Rs 5.80 lakh - 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and Rs 9.43 lakh - Rs 14.92 lakh (prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
Overall
Basis on all the parameters we have compared these cars, the Innova is a clear winner here, leading in most departments, except for the mileage. In terms of mileage and features, the Mobilio leads the race, while if you need a car that is affordable and has a decent space and mileage, the Ertiga is the car for you.
In the second half of this year, Nissan's low-cost car brand Datsun too will roll out the GO+ MPV, which being a sub-4 metre car will enjoy excise duty cut and therefore be the most affordable MPV in India. So, one can wait for the GO hatchback based sub-compact MPV as well, if they need a seven-seater vehicle at the price of a B+ segment hatchback.
Also Check Specifications Comparison: Toyota Innova vs Renault Lodgy vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Honda Mobilio
Watch: Honda Mobilio vs Maruti Ertiga
