Daihatsu Boon Review

How Does It Perform in City Traffic?

City traffic suits the Boon best. The 4.6 m turning radius, short body and good visibility make parking and lane changes simple. The CVT pulls away smoothly in stop-start traffic.

Is It Comfortable on the Highway?

It is adequate rather than relaxing. Expect road and engine noise at higher speeds, and note that a car this light can feel unsettled in crosswinds. Keep speeds sensible, and plan overtakes early.

How Fuel-Efficient Is the Daihatsu Boon?

Fuel economy is the Boon’s biggest strength. The official JC08 figure is 28.0 km/L for the front-wheel-drive car, while the four-wheel-drive model is 24.4 km/L.

What's the Real-World Fuel Economy?

CarNews KE working estimate is 18-23 km/L for mixed city and highway. Expect the low end of the range in heavy Nairobi traffic, and the upper end on steady highway runs. The 18–23 km/L range is CarNews KE’s working estimate from importer, dealer and owner reports.

Is the Daihatsu Boon Safe?

It is reasonable for a small car, but protection levels depend on the grade. Daihatsu says the M700 Boon matches the Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) maximum crash-safety score of five stars, based on its own measurements. The third-generation Passo is equipped with Daihatsu's Smart Assist II collision-avoidance system, whose primary role is to help prevent or mitigate damage from collisions in urban environments.

Front airbags are standard. Side airbags, curtain airbags and rear seatbelt pretensioners came in an optional safety pack; we recommend confirming with the seller if the car comes equipped.