This article lists the best cars for the taxi business in Kenya. The taxi business is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, with its success hinging on various factors. One of the most critical aspects is the choice of vehicle. While there are numerous car models available in the market, not all are suited for the taxi business.
The ideal car strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and passenger comfort. It should be fuel-efficient, given the high cost of fuel, and durable to withstand the wear and tear of constant use. Additionally, the maintenance cost is a crucial consideration, as frequent breakdowns can lead to loss of business and increased expenses.
The selection of a car can also vary depending on the specific requirements of the business and the market it serves. Hence, those in the taxi industry must make well-informed decisions when selecting a vehicle. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top cars for this sector. These vehicles meet most of the necessary criteria, thus rendering them highly suitable for taxi operations.
In no particular, here is a list of the best cars for Taxi business in Kenya
- Toyota Vitz
The Toyota Vitz is a popular choice for the taxi business in Kenya for good reasons. It’s a compact car with a small engine size, typically 1000cc or 1300cc, which makes it fuel-efficient and ideal for urban commuting. This efficiency translates to a bigger profit margin for taxi operators.
Moreover, the Vitz is loved by many for its affordability and reliability. It’s comparatively spacious, providing sufficient legroom for passengers, making it practical and ideal for short urban commutes.
- Mazda Demio
The Mazda Demio is another excellent choice for the taxi business in Kenya. It has gained popularity in a fairly short amount of time due to its reliability and affordability. The Demio is known for its fuel efficiency (1300 cc) , consuming less fuel at a rate of 16 to 30 kilometres per litre. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Demio is spacious, providing the comfort that every passenger wants. The availability of spare parts and their affordability make it a practical choice for taxi businesses.
- Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a strong contender in the taxi business in Kenya. It’s a compact car that offers a surprising amount of space for its size, making it comfortable for passengers. This makes it ideal for both short urban commutes and occasional long-distance journeys. One of the key reasons why the Honda Fit is suitable for the taxi business is its fuel economy. While it may not be as fuel-efficient as the Mazda Demio or the Toyota Vitz, the 1300 cc car still offers good mileage. Moreover, the Honda Fit has proven to be very reliable on Kenyan roads, which is a crucial factor for taxi businesses that need to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
- Toyota Ractis
Toyota Ractis was introduced to the market in 2005. It replaced the Toyota Funcargo and competed locally with the Nissan Note and Honda Fit. It is popular in the taxi industry for its spacious interior, fuel economy and affordable maintenance cost making it a great choice for the taxi business.
- Nissan Note
The Nissan Note is another popular choice for the taxi business in Kenya. The car’s small dimensions make it easy to navigate through busy city streets, while its spacious interior ensures comfort for passengers. Another reason is its excellent fuel economy. its 1200cc engine helps to keep these costs down significantly impacting profit margins. Nissan Note however requires that you adhere to timely service and maintenance for efficient running.
- Toyota Passo
The Toyota Passo, also known as the Daihatsu Boon, has gained significant popularity in the Kenyan market due to its excellent fuel economy, practicality, and durability. The Passo has two engine variables: a 1.0 Litre 1KR-FE Petrol and a 1.3 Litre 1NR-FE Petrol with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)1. It also boasts a new collision avoidance system (Smart Assist III) that can identify pedestrians, vehicles, preceding and oncoming vehicles, and obstructions. Despite its low ground clearance, it is rated among the top contenders fit for the taxi business.
- Suzuki Alto
Suzuki Alto is one of the most popular taxi cars in Kenya. This is a result of it being one of the required cars for popular taxi-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt. Its fuel efficiency is on another level thanks to its engine capacity of 660CC giving an average of 24 kilometres per litre which is excellent for short urban trips. Suzuki Alto also costs cheaper to buy and most of them are sold new, unlike other types that are mostly sold as second-hand imports.
- Daihatsu Mira
The Daihatsu Mira is a popular choice for the taxi business in Kenya, particularly for online taxi services like Uber, Bolt, and Little Cab1. It’s part of the Kei car category, which are compact vehicles designed with fuel efficiency in mind2. The Mira comes with a 3-cylinder 658cc engine giving an impressive fuel consumption of 24-30 kilometres per litre. It is also ideal for navigating through crowded streets and limited parking spaces. Despite its size, the Mira has better handling on both rough and smooth roads and higher ground clearance, which is beneficial in varying road conditions in Kenya. The interior of the car is also spacious and roomy, providing a comfortable ride for passengers.
- Toyota Belta
Toyota Belta has become a go-to choice for taxi businesses. Its appeal lies in its fuel efficiency and cost-effective maintenance, two critical elements for running a successful taxi service. The Belta offers a range of engine options – 1000cc, 1300cc, and 1500cc. However, the 1000cc and 1300cc variants are particularly favoured due to their impressive fuel consumption rate which is about 18 kilometres per litre. Beyond its economic benefits, the Belta is also known for its reliability, a vital attribute in the taxi industry where mechanical issues can result in income loss. Also, it doesn’t compromise on comfort, providing ample space for passengers and their luggage.
