Toyota Passo has gained prominence and inroads into the Kenyan auto market because of its excellent fuel economy, practicality, and durability.
The car entered the automobile space which was dominated by Mazda Demio, Toyota Vitz, Honda Fit, Subaru Trezia, Nissan Note, and Mitsubishi which had similar characteristics.
Costing between Ksh1.5 million to Ksh2 million for newly imported ones, the Toyota Passo became an ideal car, especially for first-time buyers on a budget.
Design and History
The first model Toyota Passo, designated M300, was produced from 2004 to 2010. The second-generation Toyota Passo M600 went into production in 2010 and continued until 2016.
The third-generation Passo, the M700, debuted in 2016 and is still in production.
Features of Toyota Passo
Exterior
According to Top Car, a vehicle-selling company in Kenya, the Toyota Passo is a minuscule hatchback with a contemporary look.Â
A miniature grille and headlamps on both sides adorn the front end.
The design is stable and offers excellent visibility.
Speed and Fuel Capacity
Toyota Passo 1.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.3 secs and has a fuel tank capacity of 36 liters.
Top Car reviews determined that the Toyota Passo has a ground clearance of 6.1 inches which makes it hard to maneuver in hard terrains.
Stability And Handling
The Toyota Passo offers a smooth and solid ride. The steering wheel is simple to use and responds to road curvature, which is handy while passing other vehicles or maneuvering in a parking lot.
The suspension technology protects passengers from aggressive motions.
It is fitted with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), multiple airbags, lane departure warning, vehicle stability control, and forward collision warning.
Interior Features
The car has plenty of leg and headroom. The seats can be reclined to allow a position that is more ergonomic.
It also has a glovebox, a center console, and door pockets in the first row. Jacket pockets can be found in the second row.
The car has a spacious boot which can be expanded by folding back the seats.