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Mazda Axela
Stylish compact hatchback and saloon with SkyActiv performance.
Highest ratedBest value
Subaru ImprezaMazda Axela
Mandai score
7.5/10
8.5/10
Typical price
KSh 2,050,000
KSh 1,650,000
Years
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Compact Hatchbacks
–
Fuel
Petrol
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
45
5
Most popular trim
Impreza 1.6i-L / 2.0i-S EyeSight / Sport
Axela 15S / 15XD L-Package
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Dimensions
Length
4,475 mm (Hatch) / 4,640 mm (Saloon)
4,460 mm (Hatch) / 4,580 mm (Saloon)
Width
1,775 mm
1,795 mm
Height
1,480 mm
1,440 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,700 mm
Ground clearance
130 mm
145 mm
Boot space
385 L (1,240 L folded)
358 L
Kerb weight
1,340 kg
1,280 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
2.0L FB20 Direct Injection Boxer 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.5L Skyactiv-D Turbo Diesel (15XD)
Power
154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
105 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque
196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
270 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Front-Wheel Drive / i-ACTIV AWD
0–100 km/h
9.2 sec
9.8 sec
Top speed
197 km/h
188 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
15.8 km/L (2.0L) / 17.2 km/L (1.6L)
21.6 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 17.2 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
City
13.0 km/L (2.0L) / 14.5 km/L (1.6L)
18.0 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 14.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
Highway
18.5 km/L (2.0L) / 20.0 km/L (1.6L)
24.5 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 19.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
Tank size
50 L
51 L
CO₂ emissions
136 g/km
114 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Impreza (GK / GT Series)
Mazda Axela / Mazda3 (BM / BP Series)
Production years
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
Hatchbacks / Saloons
5-Door Hatchback / 4-Door Saloon
Seating capacity
5
5 seats
Fuel types
Petrol
Petrol, Clean Diesel, Mild Hybrid
Engine sizes
1,599 cc (1.6L FB16) / 1,995 cc (2.0L FB20)
1,496 cc / 1,758 cc / 1,997 cc
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
FWD or i-ACTIV AWD
Ground clearance
130 mm
145 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD JDM spec)
Japan (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Standard Symmetrical AWD: Superior grip during heavy downpours on Nairobi tarmac.
- Subaru Global Platform (SGP): Rigid chassis delivers sharp handling and quiet cabin refinement.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: 1.6L and 2.0L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
- Sub-1,500 cc customs duty advantage: 1.5L petrol and diesel models qualify for KRA's lowest excise tax bracket.
- High-torque 1.5L diesel engine: 15XD turbo diesel delivers 270 Nm torque while achieving 21.6 km/L fuel economy.
- Upscale cabin craftsmanship: Soft-touch interior materials, MZD Connect infotainment, and heads-up HUD display.
- Excellent high-speed stability: Rigid SkyActiv chassis and 2,700 mm wheelbase provide planted highway handling.
What’s not so good
- 130 mm ground clearance: Low ride height requires care over tall speed bumps.
- CVT responsiveness: Lineartronic CVT prioritizes fuel economy over aggressive acceleration.
- 145 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps and ramps.
- Compact rear passenger headroom: Sloping roofline reduces rear headroom for tall adults over 6 feet.
- Costly i-Stop AGM battery replacement: Start-stop system requires specialized Q-85 (petrol) or S-95 (diesel) batteries.