Notifications
Clear all

Daihatsu Boon Review

13 Posts
2 Users
1 Reactions
501 Views
CarNews Team
Posts: 26
Admin
Topic starter
(@cn-admin)
Member
Joined: 5 months ago
[#19]

CarNews KE examines if the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon remains a sensible choice as an affordable city hatchback, and highlights which grades are worth considering.

CN Quick Verdict


Overall Rating 8/10

  • Best For: Buyers who want cheap, dependable city transport rather than space, speed or rough-road ability

  • Starting Price (Kenya, used): From about KSh 750,000 for 2016 units; 2019–2020 units about KSh 960,000 – KSh 1.2 million

  • Engine Featured: 1.0-litre 1KR-FE three-cylinder petrol

  • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

  • Real-World Fuel Economy: About 18–23 km/L; official JC08 figure 28.0 km/L

  • Main Competitors: Toyota Vitz, Mazda Demio, Suzuki Alto, Nissan March

 

CN Quick Facts

 
 

What We Like

Things to Consider

✔ Low purchase price

✘ Only 150 mm ground clearance

✔ Very light on fuel

✘ Modest power; noisy when pushed

✔ Easy to park and drive

✘ Safety features varies by grade

✔ Affordable, widely available parts

✘ CVT complaints reported by owners

✔ Good visibility and tight turning circle

✘ Rear space and tech are basic

 
 

>> Read the full car review here.


12 Replies
Km100
Posts: 128
Moderator
(@km100)
Member
Joined: 5 months ago

Is the Daihatsu Boon Built for Kenyan Roads?

Partly. The 150 mm ground clearance is adequate for tarmac and well-kept murram, but it will scrape on deep potholes and tall speed humps. Some Kenyan drivers argue that the clearance falls short of what rough roads demand.

The Passo weighs only about 910 kg, so it is a light car built for city and estate roads, not for off-road work. Water wading and rough-road use are best avoided.


Reply
Km100
Posts: 128
Moderator
(@km100)
Member
Joined: 5 months ago

How Powerful Is the Daihatsu Boon?

The engine produces 68 hp at 6,000 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Power goes to the front wheels through the CVT. The low 910 kg weight helps the small engine, but it is still one of the least powerful cars you can buy.


Reply
Km100
Posts: 128
Moderator
(@km100)
Member
Joined: 5 months ago

Is the Daihatsu Boon Fast Enough?

For town driving, yes. Third-party figures put 0–100 km/h at about 14 to 15 seconds. Overtaking needs planning, and steep climbs such as the Kikuyu Escarpment will slow a fully loaded car. The three-cylinder engine buzzes under hard acceleration, but suits city speeds up to about 80 km/h.


Reply
Km100
Posts: 128
Moderator
(@km100)
Member
Joined: 5 months ago

How Does the Daihatsu Boon Drive?

The Boon is light, easy and undemanding. Its job is to move you around town cheaply, and it does that without fuss.


Reply
Page 1 / 3
Share:

Our site uses cookies. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

error: