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Mazda Demio
Fuel-economy leader pairing sleek Kodo design with responsive SkyActiv.
Highest ratedBest value
Nissan NoteMazda Demio
Mandai score
7.5/10
8/10
Typical price
KSh 1,500,000
KSh 1,250,000
Years
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
–
Compact Hatchbacks
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
5
5
Most popular trim
Note e-Power X / Medalist / Aura e-Power
Demio 13S Touring
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Dimensions
Length
4,100 mm
4,060 mm
Width
1,695 mm
1,695 mm
Height
1,520 mm
1,500 mm
Wheelbase
2,600 mm
2,570 mm
Ground clearance
150 mm
145 mm
Boot space
340 L (1,000 L folded)
280 L
Kerb weight
1,220 kg
1,030 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
1.2L HR12DE 3-Cylinder + EM57 Electric Motor (e-Power)
1.3L SkyActiv-G Inline-4
Power
116 hp (136 hp Aura) electric motor output
93 hp
Torque
280 Nm instant electric torque
123 Nm
Drivetrain
FWD or e-4ORCE AWD
Front-Wheel Drive
0–100 km/h
7.9 sec
10.8 s
Top speed
150 km/h
180 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
28.0 km/L (e-Power) / 18.0 km/L (1.2L Petrol)
22 km/L
City
30.0 km/L (e-Power) / 15.5 km/L (1.2L Petrol)
18 km/L
Highway
25.0 km/L (e-Power) / 20.5 km/L (1.2L Petrol)
25 km/L
Tank size
41 L
44 L
CO₂ emissions
82 g/km
104 g/km
At a glance
Model
Nissan Note (E12 / E13 Series)
Mazda Demio / Mazda2
Production years
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
Hatchbacks / Compact MPV
5-Door Hatchback
Seating capacity
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Power Hybrid
Petrol, Clean Diesel
Engine sizes
1,198 cc (1.2L e-Power / DIG-S)
1,298 cc, 1,496 cc
Transmission
Automatic (CVT / Single-Speed e-Power)
6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD or e-4ORCE AWD
FWD / AWD
Ground clearance
150 mm
145 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD JDM spec)
Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Instant 280 Nm electric torque: Smooth, rapid acceleration away from Nairobi traffic lights.
- Exceptional 28+ km/L fuel economy: Slashes monthly commuter fuel bills by over 50%.
- Generous rear knee room: Cavernous rear passenger space despite compact 4.1m length.
- Superior fuel efficiency: The SkyActiv petrol and diesel engines achieve up to 25 km/L on Kenyan highways.
- Premium interior finish: Soft-touch materials and available MZD Connect screen rival European subcompacts.
- Smooth torque-converter automatic: Avoids the rubber-band CVT feeling found in competitor hatchbacks.
- Sub-1,500 cc tax advantage: Qualifies for Kenya lower customs valuation and excise duty bracket.
What’s not so good
- 150 mm ground clearance: Requires care over tall speed bumps when fully loaded.
- Engine generator sound under heavy hill climbs: 1.2L engine revs up to charge battery during steep ascents.
- Modest rear legroom: Tighter rear passenger seating space compared to the Honda Fit or Toyota Vitz.
- Diesel DPF sensitivity: The 1.5L SkyActiv-D diesel requires regular long highway runs to prevent DPF clogging.
- Low ground clearance: The 145 mm clearance requires careful driving over tall speed bumps.