Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Review
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 |
What's in this Article
What Is the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon?
The Toyota Passo is a five-door city compact hatchback built for Toyota by Daihatsu, which sells the same car in Japan as the Daihatsu Boon. It was launched in June 2004, designed as a small, affordable car aimed largely at younger drivers and women. The name “Passo” is Italian for “step,” chosen by Toyota to evoke a casual and approachable character. In Kenya, the Passo has become a popular first car and a common choice for ride-hailing drivers who want low running costs.
Its sister model is the Daihatsu Boon, sold primarily under the Daihatsu name in Japan. Mechanically, the two cars are closely related, although equipment, trim names and styling can differ.
Three generations exist. The first generation ran from 2004 to 2010, and the second generation went on sale on 15 February 2010. Most used cars now on Kenyan roads are the third-generation M700 series, unveiled in Japan on 12 April 2016. Toyota was no longer involved developing this generation, which is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Boon.
Daihatsu applied its packaging expertise from Japan’s kei cars to enlarge the cabin and reduce the turning radius. In Kenya, a mini-car is commonly called a kadudu. Toyota aimed for the M700 to have low operating costs, easy handling, and a safe driving experience within a compact size. The primary function of the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon is to transport people efficiently, affordably, and conveniently. Additionally, most models were equipped with Daihatsu’s Smart Assist II collision-avoidance system.
CN Buyer’s Note
Toyota ended Passo production in September 2023, and Daihatsu ended Boon production in December 2023. The Kenyan market is therefore made up of used imports and locally registered pre-owned cars.
Exterior Design
What Does the Toyota Passo Look Like?
The Passo is tidy rather than dramatic. It has a rounded, upright body with a tall roofline, which helps headroom and visibility. The standard grades have a plain front end, while the Moda grades add chrome trim and a retro-style face that gives the car a more upmarket look.
Wheels are 14-inch (165/65 R14 tyres). Lighting and wheel designs vary by grade, so check exactly what a specific used unit carries.
2019 Toyota Passo Moda G - 3rd Generation
How Big Is the Toyota Passo?
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 3,650 x 1,665 x 1,525 mm, (Moda: 3,680 mm long)
- Wheelbase: 2,490 mm
- Ground Clearance: Approx. 150 mm
- Weight: Approx. 910 kg
- Doors: 5
- Seating: 5 persons, though 4 adults travel more comfortably
- Min. Turning Radius: 4.6 m
Is the Toyota Passo/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.
CN Buyer’s Note
Inspect the underbody, exhaust and front bumper lip on any used Passo. Low cars often collect scrapes from Kenyan speed humps.
Interior & Practicality
What Is the Toyota Passo Like on the Inside?
Expect a simple, functional cabin. Lower grades have plain plastics, cloth seats and a straightforward dashboard, while higher grades add nicer trim. Controls are easy to reach and easy to understand.
2019 Toyota Passo Moda G Interior - 3rd Generation
The Moda grade is generally more stylish and refined in appearance. It offers a variety of colour variations with two-tone colour options.
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Passo?
The front seats suit city driving, though long journeys may tire taller drivers. The cabin measures about 1,975 mm long, 1,420 mm wide and 1,270 mm high. The rear seat space is a little limited, so four adults is the sensible limit.
With a short wheelbase and a light body, expect a firmer ride over sharp bumps than in a larger sedan.
How Practical Is the Toyota Passo?
The tall body makes loading easy, and the rear seat folds to extend load space. Exact folding layouts, USB ports and cup holder positions vary by grade. Boot capacity is not so spacious, but it suits weekly shopping better than family holidays.
Is the Toyota Passo Easy to Drive Every Day?
Yes. Visibility is good, the body is short and narrow, and the tall seating position makes judging corners straightforward. Parking in Nairobi’s tight spaces is easy, and the 4.6 m turning radius helps with U-turns.
Technology & Infotainment
What Technology Does the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Come With?
Very little, and that keeps the price down. Lower grades have a basic audio unit and air conditioning, while higher grades add some convenience features. Check whether a reversing camera is fitted, because it is not confirmed on every grade.
What About Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Factory smartphone mirroring was not a standard feature on Japanese-market Passos. Many Kenyan cars have an aftermarket head unit that adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Check how it is wired and whether it works reliably before you buy.
CN Buyer’s Note
Original Japanese navigation units usually display Japanese menus and Japanese maps. Budget for a replacement head unit if you want English menus, Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring.
Engine & Performance
What Engine Options Are Available?
All M700 Passos use one engine: the 1.0-litre 1KR-FE. It pairs with a CVT, and a rare four-wheel-drive version (M710A) uses the same engine.
| Engine | Power & Torque | Fuel Economy* | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L 1KR-FE (996 cc, 3-cylinder) | 68 hp (51 kW) | 92 Nm | 28.0 km/L | Budget city commuting |
*Manufacturer figure under Japan’s JC08 test cycle for the front-wheel-drive X L Package S. Treat it as a ceiling rather than what Kenyan driving will deliver.
CN Explained
A CVT uses belts and pulleys instead of fixed gears. It keeps the engine at an efficient speed and shifts smoothly, but it needs regular fluid changes.
How Powerful Is the Toyota Passo/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.
Is the Toyota Passo/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.
Can the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Tow or Carry Heavy Loads?
No. The Passo is just a passenger car for up to four adults and light luggage. Delivery drivers should check the payload against what the car was designed for.
Driving Experience
How Does the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Drive?
The Passo/Boon is light, easy and undemanding. Its job is to move you around town cheaply, and it does that without fuss.
How Does It Perform in City Traffic?
City traffic suits the Passo/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.
Can It Handle Rough Roads or Off-Road Driving?
Only in a limited way. The front-wheel-drive Passo/Boon copes with gravel and well-kept murram, but 150 mm of clearance and a small engine make mud, sand and steep hills hard work. The four-wheel-drive version helps traction but not clearance, and it is rare in Kenya.
How Does It Ride and Handle?
- Steering: electrically assisted rack-and-pinion, light at low speed
- Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear, tuned for comfort over sharpness
- Braking: ventilated front discs, rear drums, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Body control: adequate on smooth roads, lighter and less settled over sharp bumps
- Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH): three-cylinder engine noise is audible under load
Fuel Economy
How Fuel-Efficient Is the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon?
Fuel economy is the Passo’s/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.
How Much Will It Cost to Fuel?
Our CN Fuel Budget Impact estimate assumes 300 km a week and Super Petrol at KSh 214.03 per litre in Nairobi. That is the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) maximum price for 15 September to 14 October 2026.
| CN Fuel Budget Impact | At 18 km/L | At 23 km/L |
|---|---|---|
| Litres per week | 16.7 L | 13.0 L |
| Weekly cost | KSh 3,570 | KSh 2,790 |
| Monthly cost | KSh 15,460 | KSh 12,100 |
| Annual cost | KSh 185,500 | KSh 145,170 |
Formula: Fuel Cost = Distance travelled ÷ Fuel economy × Price per litre.
Safety
Is the Toyota Passo/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.
What Safety Technology Does It Have?
- ABS: fitted, with brake force distribution
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): reported on M700 cars, sold in Japan as Vehicle
- Stability Control: depends on grade
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Smart Assist brakes automatically for vehicles at low speed
- Lane Keeping Assist: no, lane departure warning only
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring: not fitted
- Parking assistance: check for a reversing camera or sensors
An independent crash test conducted by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) in 2017 awarded the XP130-generation Toyota Yaris, the European equivalent of the Vitz, a maximum five-star safety rating.
CN Explained
Smart Assist II is Daihatsu’s collision-avoidance system. It gives collision warnings for vehicles and pedestrians, applies brake assist for vehicles, prevents accidental acceleration from a standstill (false-start control), warns of lane drift and tells you when the car ahead moves off.
Trim Levels
Which Trim Should You Buy?
| Tier | Grades | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | X | Basic equipment; check for Smart Assist |
| Mid-Spec | X S, X G Package, X L Package S | More equipment; grades ending in S usually carry Smart Assist |
| Top-Spec | Moda, Moda G Package | Chrome-trimmed retro styling and the best trim |
| Rare Option | 4WD (M710A) | Better traction, but harder to find and priced higher |
Our pick: A mid-spec grade with Smart Assist, such as the X L Package S, or early third-generation Moda grades. It gives the safety technology most buyers should want without paying for the latest Moda styling.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 996 cc, 1KR-FE |
| Engine Type | In-line 3-cylinder, DOHC petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 68 hp (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 92 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36-40 litres |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive (rare 4WD) |
| Tyre Size | 165/65 R14 |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut with coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion beam with coil springs |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
Ownership Costs
How Much Does the Toyota Passo Cost in Kenya?
| Age of Unit | Typical Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Used 2016–2018 | KSh 750,000 – KSh 1.3 million | Already in Kenya; cannot be freshly imported |
| Used 2019–2023 | KSh 960,000 – KSh 1.2 million | Importable units; showroom ranges |
Prices vary with grade, mileage and condition. Because production has ended, all sales are used cars. Grades available include X, X S, X G Package, X L Package S, Moda and Moda G Package.
How Much Does It Cost to Own?
Fuel is the largest running cost, and our CN Fuel Budget Impact table above puts it at roughly KSh 12,100 – KSh 15,460 a month. Minor services come every 5,000 km and need an oil change, oil filter and air cleaner. Tyre size 165/65 R14 is small and common.
Dealers describe resale value as good.
Is the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Reliable?
Owners and dealers describe the Passo/Boon as dependable. The 1KR-FE is a widely used Toyota/Daihatsu three-cylinder engine, but the reliability of an individual used Passo/Boon depends heavily on maintenance and previous use. The most common owner complaint is the transmission, so check the CVT for hesitation, shuddering, unusual noises or abnormal behaviour when accelerating.
Is It Expensive to Maintain?
No. Parts are widely available and cheap because the Passo/Boon shares components with other Toyota and Daihatsu small cars. Service networks are broad, and mechanics know the car.
Its small naturally aspirated petrol engine is mechanically less complicated than a modern turbocharged powertrain. However, cheap to maintain does not mean forgiving of neglect. A Passo/Boon with an incomplete service history and a tired CVT can become expensive quickly.
Competitors
Who Are the Challengers?
Toyota Vitz: Stronger resale and wider parts pool. It, however, costs more to buy at a similar age. Suitable for buyers who want the safest resale bet.
Mazda Demio: Sharper to drive, more refined, smaller parts network in
Kenya. Drivers who want a nicer drive.
Suzuki Alto: Cheaper to buy and run. Smaller and more basic. The tightest budgets.
Nissan March: Similar compact footprint, with a slightly larger engine. Smaller parts network in Kenya. Best for buyers who want a little more engine power.
The Passo returns better fuel economy than the competition and costs less to buy and maintain.
Which Is Better?
If price and fuel economy come first, the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon is hard to beat. If resale and parts availability matter most, the Vitz is the safer choice. If you enjoy driving, the Demio is worth a look.
Which would you choose? Let us know in the comments or on the CarTalk KE Forum.
Who Should Buy It?
Is the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Right for You?
- First-time buyers: a cheap, simple car with low bills and easy handling.
- Families: workable for a couple with one or two children, but rear space is limited.
- Business owners: a good low-cost runabout for deliveries and errands with light loads.
- Fleet operators and ride-hailing drivers: low fuel costs help margins, provided the car meets platform age and category rules.
- Long-distance drivers: possible, but the small engine and noise make it tiring.
Who should look elsewhere: off-road enthusiasts and anyone who drives rough rural roads should consider a crossover with more ground clearance. Drivers who want engaging handling will prefer a Mazda Demio.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Very good fuel economy | 150 mm ground clearance limits rough-road use |
| Low purchase price | Modest power, requires planning during highway overtaking |
| Cheap, widely available parts | Modest power, requires planning during highway overtaking |
| Easy to park with a 4.6 m turning radius | CVT needs disciplined ser |
| Good visibility and simple controls | Rear-seat space, boot and technology are basic |
CN Verdict
Is the Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon Worth Buying?
Yes, for the right buyer. The Passo’s/Boon’s biggest strengths are low running costs, easy handling and a low price. Its biggest weaknesses are modest power, limited ground clearance and small luggage space.
Overall, it offers strong value for money for city drivers who want simple, affordable transport. Buy a mid-spec grade with Smart Assist, get the CVT and underbody inspected, and it should serve you well for years.
CN Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Exterior Design | 8/10 |
| Interior & Comfort | 8/10 |
| Practicality | 7/10 |
| Technology | 6/10 |
| Performance | 6/10 |
| Fuel Economy | 9/10 |
| Safety | 7/10 |
| Ownership Costs | 8/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 |
Editorial Award
⭐ Highly Recommended – A strong overall choice for most buyers in this segment.
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