Honda Mobilio 1.5 RS i-VTEC Luxe (A) vs Toyota Avanza 1.5 (A)
29 Jun 2015|45,424 views
During the mid-90s, the popular crossover between a minivan and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) gave rise to a new breed of vehicles in Asia, particularly South East Asia.
Just like local food, which aims to connect producers and consumers in the same geographic region, these vehicles are generally described as Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV), owing to the fact that they are specifically designed to meet the needs of Asian markets.
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These AUVs, like the two we have today, are more utilitarian than a stationwagon although in recent times they have become more car-like in amenities.
Recently launched on our shores, the second generation Honda Mobilio makes its debut into the local motoring scene, alongside its close rival, the Toyota Avanza. Which one will suit our local taste better?
Exterior
Measuring 4,398mm x 1,683mm x 1,621mm (L x W x H), the Mobilio is 258mm longer, 23mm wider but 74mm lower than the Avanza. The bigger dimensions also help to give the Honda a stronger road presence.
The Mobilio shares the familiar signature face of Honda and is equipped with large distinctive taillights along with prominent wheel arches and a roof-mounted spoiler for a sportier look.
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Combined with a sleek and modern design with a silhouette more similar to a stationwagon than a cumbersome AUV, the Mobilio is definitely the more appealing one.
On the other hand, the design of Toyota's AUV isn't as impressive, although we reckon its conservative and straightforward nature do work well for a vehicle of this class.
There are no frivolous design elements outside, except for a bit of chrome work on the grille and the honeycomb-looking air intake. The Avanza may not excite or seduce anyone, but it certainly won't cause hurt to the eyes.
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Interior
Honda is particularly proficient when it comes to utilisation of interior space, and this car is no exception, as the entire second row can be folded flat and even tumbled forward using a one-touch fold-down system. This allows rear passengers to easily access the last row that can also be tumbled forward for more cargo space.
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The dashboard design of the Mobilio is pretty simple and features ordinary-looking manual air-con dials. However, the Mobilio gets a large 7.0-inch touchscreen display for multimedia and navigation functions as standard.
This said feature also doubles up as a reverse camera, allowing the Honda to come across as the slightly more sophisticated one. It's also notable that the cabin is predominantly clothed in black, doing without the unnecessary silver bits, which helps it to look classier.
Coincidentally, the Toyota also sports a simplified centre console with switchgear kept to a minimum although its traditional design comes across as a little dated and has more traces of hard plastics.
While the Avanza may be the smaller car in terms of length and width, it feels more spacious inside, perhaps due to its taller height that grants more headroom for passengers.
The second row of seats can also be folded and tumbled in one simple motion and the third row is slightly more comfortable than its rival, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase.
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The Drive
From the lights, the Mobilio picks up speed smoothly, thanks to the excellent combination of a 1.5-litre engine and a CVT transmission. The powerplant is eager to lug the car along, allowing this AUV to go from 0 to 100km/h in a rather impressive 11.6 seconds.
Considering we drove the car 'hard', the Honda remains to be fuel efficient as we achieved a favourable fuel economy figure of 12.5km/L during our time with it.
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Blessed with a car-like geometry, the Mobilio remains relatively steady around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle meant to ferry seven people. Notwithstanding the 'sportiness' it exudes, the car maintains its level of comfort for passengers, levelling out road undulations in a calm manner.
Over on the other side, the Avanza is also powered by a 1.5-litre engine and does well on the go. Although the motor delivers less power than the Honda's and sounds a little harsh when pushed, it is well-paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Once up to speed and on song, it is composed and well-behaved.
Another highlight of the Toyota is its lack of thirst for fuel. It may be equipped with a traditional four-speed automatic gearbox, but it is capable of returning excellent fuel efficiency of 13km/L.
Round corners, the Avanza feels a little more cumbersome with evident body roll. But more relevantly, it is still reasonably stable and provides decent ride comfort that will not unsettle its occupants.
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Conclusion
With its innovative looks, decent space and great flexibility, the Mobilio is a compelling AUV. Furthermore, it boasts a comfortable ride and decent performance from its smooth drivetrain.
In comparison, the Avanza may not excite with its looks nor its performance, but it boasts a humble disposition and still gets the job done in an effortless and efficient manner. It also costs $5,111 less than its competitor here.
Sure enough, the Mobilio may be the pricier one at $127,999 (as of 18th June 2015) but its decent standard equipment kit will appeal more to our local taste buds. In our eyes, this vehicle is the deal sealer in this comparison.
During the mid-90s, the popular crossover between a minivan and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) gave rise to a new breed of vehicles in Asia, particularly South East Asia.
Just like local food, which aims to connect producers and consumers in the same geographic region, these vehicles are generally described as Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV), owing to the fact that they are specifically designed to meet the needs of Asian markets.
These AUVs, like the two we have today, are more utilitarian than a stationwagon although in recent times they have become more car-like in amenities.
Recently launched on our shores, the second generation Honda Mobilio makes its debut into the local motoring scene, alongside its close rival, the Toyota Avanza. Which one will suit our local taste better?
Exterior
Measuring 4,398mm x 1,683mm x 1,621mm (L x W x H), the Mobilio is 258mm longer, 23mm wider but 74mm lower than the Avanza. The bigger dimensions also help to give the Honda a stronger road presence.
The Mobilio shares the familiar signature face of Honda and is equipped with large distinctive taillights along with prominent wheel arches and a roof-mounted spoiler for a sportier look.
Combined with a sleek and modern design with a silhouette more similar to a stationwagon than a cumbersome AUV, the Mobilio is definitely the more appealing one.
On the other hand, the design of Toyota's AUV isn't as impressive, although we reckon its conservative and straightforward nature do work well for a vehicle of this class.
There are no frivolous design elements outside, except for a bit of chrome work on the grille and the honeycomb-looking air intake. The Avanza may not excite or seduce anyone, but it certainly won't cause hurt to the eyes.
Interior
Honda is particularly proficient when it comes to utilisation of interior space, and this car is no exception, as the entire second row can be folded flat and even tumbled forward using a one-touch fold-down system. This allows rear passengers to easily access the last row that can also be tumbled forward for more cargo space.
The dashboard design of the Mobilio is pretty simple and features ordinary-looking manual air-con dials. However, the Mobilio gets a large 7.0-inch touchscreen display for multimedia and navigation functions as standard.
This said feature also doubles up as a reverse camera, allowing the Honda to come across as the slightly more sophisticated one. It's also notable that the cabin is predominantly clothed in black, doing without the unnecessary silver bits, which helps it to look classier.
Honda is particularly proficient when it comes to utilisation of interior space, and this car is no exception, as the entire second row can be folded flat and even tumbled forward using a one-touch fold-down system. This allows rear passengers to easily access the last row that can also be tumbled forward for more cargo space.
The dashboard design of the Mobilio is pretty simple and features ordinary-looking manual air-con dials. However, the Mobilio gets a large 7.0-inch touchscreen display for multimedia and navigation functions as standard.
This said feature also doubles up as a reverse camera, allowing the Honda to come across as the slightly more sophisticated one. It's also notable that the cabin is predominantly clothed in black, doing without the unnecessary silver bits, which helps it to look classier.
Coincidentally, the Toyota also sports a simplified centre console with switchgear kept to a minimum although its traditional design comes across as a little dated and has more traces of hard plastics.
While the Avanza may be the smaller car in terms of length and width, it feels more spacious inside, perhaps due to its taller height that grants more headroom for passengers.
The second row of seats can also be folded and tumbled in one simple motion and the third row is slightly more comfortable than its rival, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase.
The Drive
From the lights, the Mobilio picks up speed smoothly, thanks to the excellent combination of a 1.5-litre engine and a CVT transmission. The powerplant is eager to lug the car along, allowing this AUV to go from 0 to 100km/h in a rather impressive 11.6 seconds.
Considering we drove the car 'hard', the Honda remains to be fuel efficient as we achieved a favourable fuel economy figure of 12.5km/L during our time with it.
Blessed with a car-like geometry, the Mobilio remains relatively steady around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle meant to ferry seven people. Notwithstanding the 'sportiness' it exudes, the car maintains its level of comfort for passengers, levelling out road undulations in a calm manner.
Over on the other side, the Avanza is also powered by a 1.5-litre engine and does well on the go. Although the motor delivers less power than the Honda's and sounds a little harsh when pushed, it is well-paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Once up to speed and on song, it is composed and well-behaved.
From the lights, the Mobilio picks up speed smoothly, thanks to the excellent combination of a 1.5-litre engine and a CVT transmission. The powerplant is eager to lug the car along, allowing this AUV to go from 0 to 100km/h in a rather impressive 11.6 seconds.
Considering we drove the car 'hard', the Honda remains to be fuel efficient as we achieved a favourable fuel economy figure of 12.5km/L during our time with it.
Blessed with a car-like geometry, the Mobilio remains relatively steady around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle meant to ferry seven people. Notwithstanding the 'sportiness' it exudes, the car maintains its level of comfort for passengers, levelling out road undulations in a calm manner.
Over on the other side, the Avanza is also powered by a 1.5-litre engine and does well on the go. Although the motor delivers less power than the Honda's and sounds a little harsh when pushed, it is well-paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Once up to speed and on song, it is composed and well-behaved.
Another highlight of the Toyota is its lack of thirst for fuel. It may be equipped with a traditional four-speed automatic gearbox, but it is capable of returning excellent fuel efficiency of 13km/L.
Round corners, the Avanza feels a little more cumbersome with evident body roll. But more relevantly, it is still reasonably stable and provides decent ride comfort that will not unsettle its occupants.
Conclusion
With its innovative looks, decent space and great flexibility, the Mobilio is a compelling AUV. Furthermore, it boasts a comfortable ride and decent performance from its smooth drivetrain.
In comparison, the Avanza may not excite with its looks nor its performance, but it boasts a humble disposition and still gets the job done in an effortless and efficient manner. It also costs $5,111 less than its competitor here.
Sure enough, the Mobilio may be the pricier one at $127,999 (as of 18th June 2015) but its decent standard equipment kit will appeal more to our local taste buds. In our eyes, this vehicle is the deal sealer in this comparison.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Toyota Avanza 1.5 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|13.2km/L
Horsepower
74kW (99 bhp)
Torque
133 Nm
Acceleration
15sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota AvanzaHonda Mobilio 1.5 RS Luxe (A)
CAT A|Petrol|16.1km/L
Horsepower
88kW (118 bhp)
Torque
145 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Honda Mobilio
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