Honda Vezel Review in Kenya – Is It the Best Hybrid SUV?

Share this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Telegram
WhatsApp

Introduction to the Honda Vezel

Honda Vezel

Design and Features of the Honda Vezel

The first thing that strikes you about the Honda Vezel is its dynamic and sophisticated exterior design.

It masterfully avoids the boxy, utilitarian look of older SUVs, opting instead for a coupe-like silhouette with sharp, flowing lines that exude a sense of motion even when it’s parked.

The front fascia is dominated by a bold grille and sleek, aggressive headlights (often with LED technology in higher trims), giving it a confident and modern presence on the road.

One of its most distinctive features is the hidden rear door handles, cleverly integrated into the C-pillar to enhance its sporty, two-door appearance.

It’s a design choice that adds a touch of class and sets it apart from more conventional rivals.

Compared to its international twin, the Honda HR-V, the Vezel often comes with a higher specification from the Japanese domestic market, including premium alloy wheels, chrome accents, and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors, making it feel like a more premium package right from the start.

Honda Vezel 1

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

At the heart of the Honda Vezel‘s appeal, especially in a market as fuel-price-sensitive as Kenya, is its intelligent hybrid powertrain.

Most models available for import feature a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine paired with an electric motor, all managed by a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This combination is not just about saving you money at the petrol station; it’s about delivering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

In Nairobi’s infamous stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid system truly shines, often running on silent electric power at low speeds, which dramatically cuts down fuel consumption.

When you need a burst of power for overtaking on the Thika Superhighway or climbing the hills towards the Rift Valley, the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly to provide ample acceleration.

Official figures often quote fuel economy upwards of 20-25 km/l, and while real-world Kenyan driving conditions might bring that down slightly, achieving 17-20 km/l is a realistic and highly impressive feat that few competitors can match.

This efficiency makes the Vezel an economically sound choice for daily use.

Interior and Comfort

Honda Vezel 2

Step inside the Honda Vezel, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that is surprisingly spacious, thoughtfully designed, and packed with practical features.

Honda’s engineers have worked their magic to create an interior that feels larger than the car’s compact footprint suggests.

There’s generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for a family road trip to Mombasa or Naivasha.

The dashboard is driver-focused, with controls that are intuitive and easy to reach.

While the materials are a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, the overall build quality feels solid and well-assembled.

The standout feature, however, is Honda’s ingenious “Magic Seats” in the rear.

These seats can be folded flat in the traditional way to expand the boot space, or the seat bottoms can be flipped up, creating a tall storage area perfect for carrying items like potted plants or a bicycle.

This level of versatility is a game-changer in the compact SUV segment, making the Vezel as practical for a hardware store run as it is for the daily school run.

Safety Features and Ratings

When considering a family car, safety is non-negotiable, and the Honda Vezel delivers a robust suite of safety features to provide peace of mind on Kenyan roads.

As standard, most models come equipped with essential safety systems, including multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which helps prevent skids during sharp turns or on slippery surfaces.

Higher-grade models imported from Japan often include the advanced “Honda SENSING” package.

This is a collection of driver-assist technologies that act as a second pair of eyes on the road.

Features like the Collision Mitigation Braking System can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a frontal collision, while Lane Keeping Assist helps you stay centered in your lane on the highway.

Adaptive Cruise Control is another fantastic feature for long-distance driving, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.

These advanced systems make the Vezel one of the safer choices in its class.

Hybrid SUV Market Comparison

Honda Vezel 3

The Kenyan hybrid SUV market is heating up, and the Honda Vezel faces stiff competition from several worthy adversaries.

Its primary rival is arguably the Toyota C-HR, which boasts a futuristic design and Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability and an even more established hybrid system.

While the C-HR is also exceptionally fuel-efficient, the Vezel often wins on interior practicality, thanks to its Magic Seats and superior boot space.

Another key competitor is the Nissan Kicks e-POWER.

The Kicks uses a unique series hybrid system where the petrol engine only acts as a generator for the electric motor, providing a driving experience similar to a fully electric vehicle.

It’s a compelling alternative, though some drivers may prefer the Vezel’s more conventional DCT and direct engine engagement.

When compared to the Mazda CX-3, the Vezel typically offers better fuel economy and more rear passenger room, although the CX-3 is often praised for its premium interior feel and engaging, sporty handling.

Ultimately, while competitors have their strengths, the Vezel strikes a fantastic all-round balance of style, unparalleled practicality, and excellent fuel economy that is hard to beat.

Cost of Owning a Honda Vezel in Kenya

Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial before committing to any vehicle, and the Honda Vezel presents a compelling case for long-term value.

The initial purchase price for a clean, imported unit is competitive within the compact SUV segment, often representing better value than buying a brand-new, lower-spec vehicle locally.

However, the real savings begin after the purchase.

Thanks to its hybrid technology, your visits to the petrol station will be significantly less frequent and less costly, a major advantage with fluctuating fuel prices in Kenya.

In terms of maintenance, the 1.5-litre Honda engine is known for its reliability.

Spare parts, once a concern for less common models, are now readily available in major hubs like Nairobi’s Kirinyaga Road and through specialized importers.

Regular servicing costs are reasonable and comparable to other Japanese vehicles.

Insurance premiums are also in line with its class.

For the best deal on a quality-inspected import, it’s wise to work with a trusted importation partner.

If you’re looking to import a Honda Vezel and want a transparent and hassle-free process, we highly recommend getting a quote from Cars Kenya for a seamless experience.

Importing a Honda Vezel with Cars Kenya

Honda Vezel 4

Choosing to import your Honda Vezel directly from Japan can be a financially savvy decision, often allowing you to get a higher-spec model with lower mileage for your money compared to the local used market.

However, the importation process can seem daunting, with complexities involving auctions, inspections, shipping logistics, and navigating the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs and clearance procedures.

This is where partnering with a professional and reputable importation service like Cars Kenya becomes invaluable.

They transform a potentially stressful process into a simple, transparent, and streamlined journey.

From helping you select the perfect vehicle at auction based on your budget and preferences to providing detailed inspection reports, Cars Kenya handles every single step.

They manage the international shipping, all the necessary paperwork, port clearance, duty calculation, and final registration, delivering the car right to you.

This end-to-end service not only saves you time and potential headaches but also ensures that you get a high-quality, compliant vehicle without any hidden surprises.

Ready to drive your dream Honda Vezel?

Let Cars Kenya handle the importation for you.

Conclusion

After a thorough examination of its every facet, it’s clear why the Honda Vezel has become such a dominant force on Kenyan roads.

It offers a truly compelling package that ticks almost all the boxes for the modern driver.

Its sharp, coupe-like design stands out in a crowded market, while its ingeniously practical interior, highlighted by the versatile Magic Seats, sets a benchmark for space and usability in the compact SUV class.

The star of the show remains its efficient and responsive hybrid powertrain, which delivers tangible savings at the pump without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

While formidable competitors like the Toyota C-HR and Nissan Kicks offer their own unique advantages, the Vezel’s masterful blend of style, unmatched practicality, and stellar fuel economy makes it an incredibly well-rounded choice.

So, is it the best hybrid SUV in Kenya?

For the driver who values a perfect equilibrium of all these key attributes, the answer is a resounding yes.

It’s a smart, stylish, and sensible vehicle that is perfectly suited for the demands of Kenyan life.

Honda Vezel Review in Kenya – Is It the Best Hybrid SUV? - Cars Kenya

FAQ

  1. What is the real-world fuel consumption of the Honda Vezel in Kenya?
    While official figures can be as high as 25 km/l, a more realistic expectation for mixed Kenyan driving conditions (city traffic and highway) is between 17-20 km/l.This is still excellent for a compact SUV and offers significant fuel savings.
  2. Are spare parts for the Honda Vezel readily available in Kenya?
    Yes, the popularity of the Vezel has led to a significant improvement in the availability of spare parts.Major service parts like filters, brake pads, and suspension components are widely available in Nairobi (e.g., Kirinyaga Road) and other major towns.Body parts and more complex components are also accessible through specialized importers.
  3. What is the main difference between the Honda Vezel and the Honda HR-V?
    The Honda Vezel is the name for the vehicle sold in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), while the HR-V is its international counterpart.The models Kenyans import are almost always the JDM Vezel, which often comes with a higher standard specification, including hybrid options and more advanced features than the HR-V models sold new in other regions.
  4. Which year of the Honda Vezel is the best to import into Kenya?
    Due to Kenya’s 8-year import rule, you should focus on models manufactured within the last 8 years.Models from 2016 onwards are excellent choices, as many of them received facelifts and potential updates to the infotainment and safety systems.Always check the specific grade and features of the unit you intend to import.
  5. How much does it cost to import a Honda Vezel to Kenya?
    The total cost to import a Honda Vezel to Kenya, including the vehicle’s price in Japan, shipping, insurance, import duty (KRA taxes), and agent fees, can vary.As of recent estimates, a good quality used Vezel (e.g., 2016-2017 model) can land in Nairobi for a total cost of approximately KES 2.4 million to KES 2.8 million, depending on the year, mileage, and trim level.

Hot Cars

Maps, GPS
2019 LEXUS LX570 – L...
5.7L V8
0
2019 / January
Automatic
v
14,000 km
Maps, GPS
2019 Lexus LX570 (DB...
5,700cc
0
2019
Automatic
v
24,200km
Maps, GPS
2019 Lexus LX570
5,700cc
0
September 2019
Automatic
v
75,467 km
Maps, GPS
2019 Toyota Noah Si ...
2,000cc
0
May 2019
Automatic
v
76,548 km
Maps, GPS
2018 Toyota Noah ZRR...
2,000cc
0
November 2018
Automatic
v
53,411 km
Maps, GPS
2018 Honda Vezel Hyb...
1500
0
07.2018
Automatic
v
27,000 km
Maps, GPS
2018 Honda Vezel RS ...
1500
0
August 2018
Automatic
v
104,000 km
Maps, GPS
HONDA VEZEL HYBRID R...
1500
0
2018
Automatic
v
29,049 km