The 2019 Daihatsu Boon is the "Real McCoy" behind the Toyota Passo. While Toyota rebadges this car as the Passo, the Boon is the original. Launched in 2016 as the 3rd Generation, the 2018/19 Facelift introduced the distinctive "Boon CILQ" trim with round, Mini-Cooper-esque headlights. It offers 5 seats (unlike 4-seater Kei cars) in a compact package that fits anywhere.

The Boon sticks to a single, efficient engine:

• 1.0L (1KR-FE): 69 HP. STANDARD This 3-cylinder engine is noisy at idle but incredibly frugal. It lacks the refinement of a 4-cylinder but is cheap to run. Paired with a CVT.

• Bench Seat: The front seats are a bench design (with a fold-down armrest). This allows you to slide across from the driver's side to the passenger side easily—great for tight parking spots.
• 5-Seater Advantage: Unlike the 4-seater Mazda Flair or Honda N-WGN, the Boon is legally a 5-seater. The rear bench is flat and wide enough for three kids.

• Consumption: 18–21 km/l. It is not a hybrid, but it is so light (910kg) that it achieves hybrid-like figures in the city.
• Service: Use Toyota Passo parts. They are ubiquitous. The 1KR engine uses a timing chain.
• Resale: High. It is a "Toyota" in all but name, and the market knows it.

City Commuter: At 150mm clearance, it is standard for a hatch. The suspension is soft, tuned for comfort. It handles speed bumps well if taken slowly. It is robust enough for light marram roads but struggles with deep ruts.

Features Smart Assist III (Collision Avoidance). The M700 chassis is stiffer and safer than previous generations. Reliability is absolute—it is a basic, mechanical car with few complex electronics to fail.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The buyer who wants a Toyota Passo but finds a cheaper unit with a Daihatsu badge. Who is it NOT for? Those who do highway trips often—the 1.0L engine runs out of breath at 100km/h.