The Toyota RAV4 has greatly improved in terms of interior space and driving dynamics. This has been achieved through clever design and new technologies but still, it lacks the crucial third row seat that made the Toyota Vanguard so popular in Kenya. Regardless, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent SUV that has undergone change and is now in pole position to compete with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Since its launch in 2005, the Toyota Fortuner has established itself as a legitimate SUV that performs almost at the same level as the Toyota Prado but it was historically hindered by rear leaf springs that gave it a bumpy truck-like ride. But now the second generation comes with coil springs all round and a new 2.8-Litre turbo diesel engine that transforms the Fortuner into a silky smooth SUV. This leads us to think it could be a better value for money than the Prado considering its lower price point. It competes with the Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Everest.
The Mazda Demio has gained popularity in Kenya in a fairly short amount of time thanks to its reliability and affordability. This success is also backed by a strong demand from taxi hailing services that are drawn to it like a moth to light. It competes with the Toyota Vitz, Honda Fit, VW Polo, and Nissan Note. It’s best suited for light urban commute but can be used occasionally for long distance travel.
The Nissan Sylphy is a five seater saloon that comes with excellent interior space and a refreshed exterior look. It’s one of the few cars in the market that offers a perfect balance between luxury and economy making it highly recommended for people with families. It competes with the Toyota Premio, Toyota Allion, Mitsubishi Galant Fortis and Mazda Atenza.
We love the Nissan Note for being one of the most spacious hatchbacks in the market offering excellent legroom that is far much better than most station wagons in the market. It is also an efficient car that ranks highly in fuel economy which makes it an excellent car to buy for people on a tight budget. It competes with the Toyota Ractis, Subaru Trezia, Honda Fit and Mazda Demio.
The 2012 Mazda Demio improves on fuel efficiency by introducing the 13C-V SMART EDITION II grade that uses a rear roof spoiler and undercover to improve fuel efficiency by 0.4km/L. This is in addition to the existing SKYACTIV grade that is super efficient and yet powerful.
The Range Rover is a premium SUV that inhabits the pinnacle of luxury and a preeminent symbol of affluence around the world. A distinction it has held for the last 50 years and doesn’t look to relinquish any time soon. In Kenya, it’s favoured by the old money and the wealthy patriarchy, more so for its legendary safety than its luxury. The political class largely avoid it preferring the Toyota Land Cruiser and its lesser brother, the Toyota Prado.
The BMW X3 finds itself in the unenviable position of constantly being overshadowed by its bigger brother the X5 and has never really carved its own niche in the Kenyan market. Most people who buy the X3 would prefer the X5 if all factors were held constant. The deal breaker is usually the price but regardless, the X3 is a solid SUV that boasts of top notch safety ratings, luxurious interior and excellent performance. It competes with the Audi Q5, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX5 and Discovery Sport.