The Big Picture
The 2020 Honda Jade is the sporty wagon that replaced the Honda Stream. While production started in 2013, the 2018-2020 "Facelift" models are the ones to buy. They feature LED headlights, improved sound insulation, and the option of a 5-seat layout. It sits lower than a wishbone, handling like a Civic but offering the versatility of a small MPV. This review covers the final production year before it was discontinued.
Quick Specs
Clearance
140mm
Tank Size
40 Litres
Power
150 - 131 HP
Seating
5 or 6 Seats
Engine Options & Model Codes
Two excellent powertrains are available:
-
RS Turbo (L15B): 1.5L VTEC Turbo (150 HP). ENTHUSIAST CHOICE The same engine as the CR-V and Stepwagon. It is fast, smooth, and pairs with a CVT. It feels much lighter on its feet than a Wish.
-
Hybrid (LEB): 1.5L i-DCD Hybrid (131 HP). Uses a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). It is hyper-efficient but the DCT can be jerky in heavy traffic if not maintained well.
Interior & Practicality
- 6-Seater (2+2+2): Features "V-Slide" captain chairs in the second row. They slide diagonally backwards to create massive limousine legroom, but this eliminates the 5th seat.
- 5-Seater: The 2019 update introduced a conventional 5-seat layout with a huge boot. If you don't need the 3rd row, this is the most practical version.
Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs
- Consumption: 13โ15 km/l (RS Turbo) vs 18โ22 km/l (Hybrid).
- Service: The L15B Turbo needs quality oil (0W-20) to protect the turbocharger. The Hybrid's DCT fluid must be changed every 40,000km to prevent "shuddering."
- Parts: Body parts (headlights, bumpers) are rare in Kenya compared to a Fielder. You will likely need to import replacements from Japan or Dubai.
Suitability for Kenyan Roads
Clearance Warning: At 140mm (RS is even lower), it is low. The sporty bumper lips scrape easily on steep ramps. It is strictly a tarmac tourer. Spacers are possible but ruin the excellent handling dynamics.
Safety & Reliability
Comes with Honda Sensing (Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control) as standard on 2019+ models. Reliability is generally high, but the Hybrid DCT actuator is a known weak point if the car has high mileage.
๐ฐ 2020 Honda Jade Price in Kenya
The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
| Trim Level |
Import Cost |
Showroom Price |
Difference |
| RS (1.5 Turbo) |
Ksh 1.9M |
Ksh 2.3M |
Ksh 400,000 |
| Hybrid X |
Ksh 2.1M |
Ksh 2.5M |
Ksh 400,000 |
The Ci Verdict
Who is this for? The Honda fan who wants a Civic but needs 6 seats for occasional family use. Who is it NOT for? Anyone who lives on a road with massive speed bumps.
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