Peach Car Of The Week: 2014 Toyota Passo Review
Arguably the most popular hatchback in the Kenyan market, the Toyota Passo lives up to its reputation. The Passo is compact, great on fuel, and cheap to maintain yet it also has a roomy interior that’s comfortable for drivers and passengers alike.
Basic Features
- 996cc
- Automatic
- Petrol
- 2WD
- 5 doors
- 5 seats
- Spare tire
- Display
- Cup holders
- Rear roof spoiler
- Armrest
- Airbags
- Power steering
- Anti-lock braking system
- Remote lock
Comfort and Design: Toyota Passo Interior
The Toyota Passo has been in production since 2004 and the 2014 model is part of the second-generation Passos. It comes with a more attractive exterior design compared to the previous models. The interior space, while comfortable, may prove restrictive for exceptionally tall passengers.
One of the things you’ll love about the Toyota Passo is how its interior is designed to help passengers keep the vehicle tidy. In the front row, an armrest compartment, two cupholders, a center box, and door panel storage ensure you can neatly stack away your items while driving. Backseat passengers get front seat jacket pockets and two cupholders for their items and drinks.
The boot is fairly spacious for sizable luggage, and you can always fold the rear seats to create additional space.
Perhaps the emphasis on high functionality coupled with ease of use is what makes the Passo one of the most loved mini hatchbacks in Kenya. Some drivers refer to it as a sofa on wheels. That’s how comfortable the Passo is.
Toyota Passo Handling and Ride Quality
It’s not only the Passo’s design and comfort that you’ll love. It also offers decent performance and has good handling and ride quality. Its ground clearance of 6.3 inches is just 0.2 inches short of the recommended clearance (6.5 Inches) for Kenyan roads. But you won’t need to add spacers to the car as it can comfortably clear regular speed bumps (most insurance companies in Kenya don’t allow spacers anyway).
The only downside to the Toyota Passo is that it takes time to pick up speed. However, what it lacks in acceleration is made up for in cruising. This car is a lovely car to cruise in. even at 100 km/h, the engine will still be noiseless and the interior quiet. You need to exercise caution though when navigating corners at high speeds.
This second-generation Passo competes with the Mazda Verisa, Nissan March, and Suzuki Swift.
What Does It Cost to Maintain a Toyota Passo?
On average, the Toyota Passo consumes about a liter of petrol every 24km. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Kenya and is the ideal car for city drives.
The Toyota Passo is a low-maintenance car. Toyota Passo spare parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. It is the best car to buy for Uber and other rideshare jobs as the maintenance costs won’t eat into your profits.
Buy a Toyota Passo in Nairobi
The 2014 Toyota Passo is one of the best city cars to buy in Kenya. Its great fuel economy, comfortable interior, and decent performance make it a compelling choice to consider for a small hatchback.
If you’re looking to buy a locally used Toyota Passo or any other hatchback in Nairobi, we can help you out. Simply call or Whatsapp Peach Cars on 0715004488.
