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: 13–15 km/l (RS Turbo) vs 18–22 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.
💰 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.
Meet the Rivals