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Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.
Mazda AxelaSubaru Impreza
Mandai score
8.5/10
7.5/10
Typical price
KSh 1,650,000
KSh 2,050,000
Years
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
–
Compact Hatchbacks
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Doors
5
45
Most popular trim
Axela 15S / 15XD L-Package
Impreza 1.6i-L / 2.0i-S EyeSight / Sport
Dealer listings
None listed
None listed
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Impreza 1.6L / 2.0L Boxer
Fuel consumption
21.6 km/L4.6 L/100km combined · about 1102 km a tank
15.8 km/L6.3 L/100km combined · about 790 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,054 / 100 kmKSh 11 a km · KSh 10,544 for 1,000 km · diesel
KSh 1,436 / 100 kmKSh 14 a km · KSh 14,365 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,460 mm (Hatch) / 4,580 mm (Saloon)
4,475 mm (Hatch) / 4,640 mm (Saloon)
Width
1,795 mm
1,775 mm
Height
1,440 mm
1,480 mm
Wheelbase
2,700 mm
2,670 mm
Ground clearance
145 mm
130 mm
Boot space
358 L
385 L (1,240 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,280 kg
1,340 kg
Seats
5
5
Specifications
Engine
1.5L Skyactiv-D Turbo Diesel (15XD)
2.0L FB20 Direct Injection Boxer 4-Cylinder Petrol
Power
105 hp @ 4,000 rpm
154 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
270 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive / i-ACTIV AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
0–100 km/h
9.8 sec
9.2 sec
Top speed
188 km/h
197 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
21.6 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 17.2 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
15.8 km/L (2.0L) / 17.2 km/L (1.6L)
City
18.0 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 14.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
13.0 km/L (2.0L) / 14.5 km/L (1.6L)
Highway
24.5 km/L (1.5L Diesel) / 19.5 km/L (1.5L Petrol)
18.5 km/L (2.0L) / 20.0 km/L (1.6L)
Tank size
51 L
50 L
CO₂ emissions
114 g/km
136 g/km
At a glance
Model
Mazda Axela / Mazda3 (BM / BP Series)
Subaru Impreza (GK / GT Series)
Production years
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
5-Door Hatchback / 4-Door Saloon
Hatchbacks / Saloons
Seating capacity
5 seats
5
Fuel types
Petrol, Clean Diesel, Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Engine sizes
1,496 cc / 1,758 cc / 1,997 cc
1,599 cc (1.6L FB16) / 1,995 cc (2.0L FB20)
Transmission
6-speed Skyactiv-Drive Automatic
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
Drivetrain
FWD or i-ACTIV AWD
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Ground clearance
145 mm
130 mm
Source market
Japan (RHD)
Japan (RHD JDM spec)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc customs duty advantage: 1.5L petrol and diesel models qualify for KRA's lowest excise tax bracket.
- High-torque 1.5L diesel engine: 15XD turbo diesel delivers 270 Nm torque while achieving 21.6 km/L fuel economy.
- Upscale cabin craftsmanship: Soft-touch interior materials, MZD Connect infotainment, and heads-up HUD display.
- Excellent high-speed stability: Rigid SkyActiv chassis and 2,700 mm wheelbase provide planted highway handling.
- Standard Symmetrical AWD: Superior grip during heavy downpours on Nairobi tarmac.
- Subaru Global Platform (SGP): Rigid chassis delivers sharp handling and quiet cabin refinement.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: 1.6L and 2.0L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
What’s not so good
- 145 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over tall estate speed bumps and ramps.
- Compact rear passenger headroom: Sloping roofline reduces rear headroom for tall adults over 6 feet.
- Costly i-Stop AGM battery replacement: Start-stop system requires specialized Q-85 (petrol) or S-95 (diesel) batteries.
- 130 mm ground clearance: Low ride height requires care over tall speed bumps.
- CVT responsiveness: Lineartronic CVT prioritizes fuel economy over aggressive acceleration.