Electric vehicles have been around for centuries since a successful experiment performed in 1827. Over the years, they have evolved from hybrids to fully electric vehicles with companies like Tesla championing this move. Electric vehicles have been widely accepted in the European and American markets. However, they haven’t been as popular in the African market until recently. For a few years now, Kenya has opened up its market to electric vehicles. With popular carmakers like Toyota introducing its hybrid cars, many people are becoming aware of the importance and advantages of electric vehicles. This has led to businesses like a Hungarian company, Nopia Ride, to launch its fully electric taxi business. Additionally, Kenyan-owned companies like Knights Energy play a big role in the transition to electric vehicles and sustainable energy by pioneering Zero Emission Transport Options i.e. Electric Vehicles in Kenya. They carry out…
In the fast-paced automotive industry, some cars have quietly carved a niche for themselves, but often go unnoticed. In this article, Topcar Kenya looks at six underrated vehicles in the Kenyan market. Nissan Rogue The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that has been in production since 2007. Now in its third generation, the Rogue offers advanced technology features, great fuel economy, and comfort. Although not as popular in the Kenyan market as its close competitors the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-50, and Toyota RAV4, the Rogue is a solid choice with high reliability ratings. Prices for the Rogue in Kenya start at Ksh 4 million and go up to Ksh 5.7 million for top trim levels. Chevrolet Equinox The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover SUV introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet Tracker and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. The Equinox offers a…
The majority of people in the Kenyan market are switching their loyalty and preference from sedans to crossovers owing to their practicality, reliability, and stellar fuel economy. The Mazda CX-5 has largely benefitted from this shift as it has become one of the most sought-after vehicles, and despite its popularity, the manufacturers are still getting orders to produce more. It takes pride in its stylish exterior design language, spacious cabin, and enjoyable driving experience. As much as it is advantaged in many ways, it faces stiff competition from the likes of Toyota’s RAV4, Nissan’s X-Trail, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Mazda Premacy is a seven-seater minivan that made its debut in 1999 and has evolved to meet the changing preferences of clients over the years until its discontinuation in 2018. As much as it has been in the shadows of the Toyota Wish, it boasts a spacious cabin that is very versatile and can be easily configured to carry people or haul cargo. Compared to its rivals, the Premacy gives good value for money. It competes with the Toyota Wish, Subaru Exiga, Nissan Lafesta, and Honda Freed.
The Mazda Bongo is undoubtedly solidifying its brand as one of the most sought-after vans in Kenya owing to its versatility, fuel efficiency, and reasonable acquisition cost. As much as it compromises on luxury and comfort unlike its rivals, it wins a lot when it comes to practicality and functionality. Folks with large households will find this van suitable to serve their needs. In other regions, it is marketed as the Mazda E-Series and the Ford Econovan. It competes with the Toyota TownHiAce, Nissan Vanette, Toyota LiteAce, Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes Benz Vito, and Suzuki Carry.
The Mazda Bongo has been widely embraced by Kenyans as a reliable van with a roomy and versatile cabin that can be easily configured to either haul freight or ferry people. Its stellar fuel economy makes it cement its position as one of the most sought-after vans even though it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota TownHiAce, Nissan Vanette, Toyota LiteAce, Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes Benz Vito, and Suzuki Carry. It has evolved through multiple generations to meet the changing needs and preferences of clients. The name Bongo originates from an African antelope.
The Mazda Bongo has amassed a significant following in the Kenyan space since its inception in 1966. Owing to the nature of business the majority of Kenyans are engaged in, the Bongo serves their purpose very well for it has a roomy cabin that can be easily configured as either a cargo hauler or to transport many people at a go. It boasts excellent fuel economy hence making it appeal to many people. In other markets, it is sold as Mazda E-Series and the Ford Econovan. The name Bongo is derived from an African antelope. It competes with the Toyota TownHiAce, Nissan Vanette, Toyota LiteAce, Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes Benz Vito, and Suzuki Carry.
The Mazda Demio boasts a significant following in the Kenyan market as you can rarely cover a short distance without sporting one. Good fuel economy, sporty exterior styling, and affordable acquisition cost are the primary factors that have led to its domination in the compact category. The SkyActiv technology encompassed in the Demio makes it stand out in the competitive class it sits in. Urban dwellers will appreciate its compactness and can be used as a daily driver. Its rivals include the Toyota Vitz, Honda Fit, VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Nissan Note.