It’s not uncommon to see a Mazda Axela in Kenya. The Mazda brand is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya and East Africa. It’s Mazda Axela in Japan and Kenya, but Mazda 3 in other markets, including North America.
This fun little compact car manufactured by Japanese automaker Mazda is a gem in Kenya. It competes in the popular compact car segment with Toyota rivals like the Auris, Mitsubishi Colt, Nissan Note, and, in the luxury segment, the Volkswagen Golf.
There’s a lot to love about the Mazda Axela. Thanks to the seven-year rule, the third-generation Mazda Axela (2013 – 2018) is currently the most popular model in the Kenyan market.
Overview of the Mazda Axela in Kenya
It’s easy to fall for the Mazda Axela—the fancy-looking front fascia will draw you in. It makes sense why this car is so popular with women drivers in Kenya. Mazda’s design team also made sure these fun little compact cars featured some striking urban color shades.
Add that to a neatly-tailored interior and a fun-loving chassis, and you’ll be a segment winner. That’s not all. The Mazda Axela is aesthetic and handy when it’s time to hit cruising speeds. You also don’t get a roomy interior with many cars for the price tag.
Engine and Performance
It might look small, but depending on the trim you get, the Mazda Axela can be a pocket rocket. Still, the most popular Mazda Axela in Kenya is the one that features an in-line four 1.5-liter Sykyactive engine paired to a 4-speed automatic good for 114 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.
If you want something swifter and more efficient, opt for the 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine, which produces 173 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.
Mazda Axela Price in Kenya
Thanks to their popularity, the Mazda Axela’s prices in Kenya have shot up. It costs between KES 1.4 million and KES 1.6 million (ex-Japan) and between KES 800,000 and KES 1.2 million (used variants) at popular car bazaars like Kai and Karo in Kiambu Road, Nairobi.
The Mazda Axela is a great car option in Kenya if you don’t want to go for the popular Toyota variants like the Auris or Axio. It’s quite a head-turner.