Following Datsun’s GO+ MPV developed specifically for Indonesia, Honda unveiled a similar vehicle at the Indonesia International Motor Show held in Jakarta. Revealed in prototype form, the Honda Mobilio is an MPV based on the Brio hatchback and developed exclusively for Asian markets.

The Mobilio is Honda’s first model to be introduced in the lower priced MPV category, which is the best-selling category in Indonesia. Like Datsun, Honda developed the Mobilio based on research conducted in Indonesia regarding local road and weather conditions, and customer needs.

The compact-sized car has a three-row seat configuration for seven passengers and Honda says it fits the general size of parking spaces in Indonesia that are of less than 4.4 meters (173.3in) in length. The Mobilio is also adapted to Indonesia’s road surface conditions by featuring an SUV-like ground clearance of 185mm (7.3in).

Powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine, the Mobilio will be produced at a new Honda plant in the Karawang region of Indonesia. Design-wise, the Mobilio borrows the front end of the Brio hatchback, with the rest of the bodywork looking somewhat similar to the Datsun GO+.

“Working closely with Honda operations here to study the unique needs of Indonesian customers, this Honda Mobilio will fulfill the dreams of Indonesian customers for an affordable family car featuring Honda’s high standard of quality,” said Honda CEO Takanobu Ito.

By Dan Mihalascu

Thanks to the crew from Autonetmagz for providing the live pictures!

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