The 2019 Nissan Atlas (F24) is the light-duty truck that keeps Kenya's hardware stores and construction sites moving. Unlike the Isuzu Elf which dominates the heavy 4-ton sector, the Atlas F24 shines in the 1.5-ton to 2-ton category. It is compact, easy to drive in traffic, and shares its DNA with the Nissan NT400 Cabstar sold in Europe.

The heart of the Atlas is its engine. In 2019, you will mostly encounter:

• ZD30-DDTi (3.0L Turbo Diesel): The workhorse. This engine is powerful and torquey. Older ZD30s (pre-2010) had overheating issues, but the 2019 Common Rail version is much reliable. However, it is sensitive to dirty diesel—always use quality fuel.
• 4P10 (3.0L Diesel - Mitsubishi Fuso): Some Atlas models are rebadged Mitsubishi Canters (NT450). These use the 4P10 engine which uses AdBlue (DEF). Be careful—if you run out of AdBlue, the truck will go into limp mode.

• Cabin Space: The F24 cabin is tighter than an Isuzu Elf. Tall drivers might find the legroom cramped.
• Turning Radius: This is its superpower. The wheels cut sharply (up to 50 degrees), allowing you to make U-turns in tight industrial area roads where an Elf would need a 3-point turn.

• Consumption: 9–11 km/l (unloaded); 7–8 km/l (fully loaded).
• Spares: Service parts are readily available. However, injectors for the ZD30 Common Rail engine are expensive (Ksh 30k+ each).
• Tyres: Uses tubeless radial tyres (usually 195/75R15). Unlike older trucks with split rims, these are safer and easier to repair.

Suspension: The front independent suspension gives a car-like ride, but it is weaker than the solid axle found on the Isuzu Elf. If you plan to carry heavy building stones on rough rocky roads daily, the suspension bushes will wear out fast.

It features ABS and a Driver Airbag, which is rare for trucks in this class. Reliability is good, but you must change the fuel filter every 5,000km to protect the sensitive injectors from dirty diesel.

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

Who is this for? Hardware stores and delivery businesses in congested towns where maneuverability is key. Who is it NOT for? Heavy transporters who need to overload; the Isuzu Elf handles abuse better.