Honda Mobilio 1.5 RS Navi CVT (2015) vs BYD S1 GLX-I 1.5 DCT (2018)

Honda Mobilio 1.5 RS Navi CVT (2015) vs BYD S1 GLX-I 1.5 DCT (2018): which should you buy?

For Filipino buyers, the choice between the Honda Mobilio 1.5 RS Navi CVT (₱982,000) and BYD S1 GLX-I 1.5 DCT (₱1,068,000) hinges on priorities. The Mobilio, though discontinued, is a 7-seater MPV with proven reliability and a lower price. Its 120 PS engine and CVT provide adequate, smooth power for family duties. However, the BYD S1, a current model, offers a crossover body style, more ground clearance, and significantly more torque (240 Nm from just 1,750 rpm vs 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm), making it more responsive in city driving and overtaking. The S1 also has a 6-speed automatic transmission, which some prefer over CVT. Downsides: the S1 is ₱86,000 more expensive, seats only 5, and its engine is noted as naturally aspirated, yet produces unusually high torque—this may indicate a discrepancy in data. The Mobilio loses on tech and warranty (both 3-year/100,000 km) but remains a practical choice for larger families on a budget. If passenger capacity and initial cost matter most, choose the Mobilio. If you want a modern, torquey crossover with better low-end response, the BYD S1 is worth the premium.