The Nissan NV100 Clipper is a "Kei-class" micro-van, which is essentially a rebadged version of the popular Suzuki Every. It is a tiny but incredibly practical workhorse designed for Japanese city streets, making it perfect for small businesses in Kenya that need an affordable, efficient, and maneuverable delivery vehicle.

The Clipper is powered by a tiny 660cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine, often with a turbocharger on higher-spec models. It is paired with a simple automatic or manual gearbox. Performance is purely for low-speed city work. Its key strength is fuel economy, delivering 17-20 km/l.

The design is a simple, tall box, maximizing every possible inch of cargo space on a tiny footprint.

• Seating Capacity: Available as a 2-seater cargo van or a 4-seater passenger wagon.
• Ease of Access: Sliding side doors and a large rear tailgate make it incredibly easy to load and unload goods.
• Luggage Capacity: The cargo space is vast for the vehicle's size, with a completely flat floor.
• Ground Clearance: ~150 mm

The cabin is basic and utilitarian, built with hard-wearing materials. Comfort is not a priority; function is everything. Technology is limited to the bare essentials.

Modern versions come with basic safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Due to its tall, narrow shape, it is designed for low-speed driving and is not a stable highway vehicle.

Mechanically a Suzuki, the NV100 Clipper is very simple and reliable. It is built to be a dependable workhorse that is very cheap to run and maintain.

(These estimates are for a direct import of a 2018 model with low mileage and a Japanese auction grade of 4 or higher.)

• Insurance: Approx. KSh 35,000 - KSh 50,000.
• Minor Service: Approx. KSh 5,000 - KSh 8,000.
• Major Service: Approx. KSh 10,000 - KSh 18,000.

The choice between these Kei-vans often comes down to specific features, condition, and price.

• Suzuki Every- The original platform on which the Clipper is based, offering the same core benefits.
• Daihatsu Hijet Cargo- A major rival from Toyota's subsidiary, also known for its durability and practicality.
• Honda N-Van- Honda's take on the segment, often praised for its clever interior solutions and modern design.

The Nissan NV100 Clipper is the perfect vehicle for a small urban business. Its incredibly low purchase price, tiny running costs, and ability to navigate the tightest city lanes make it an invaluable tool for deliveries, tradespeople, or any business on a budget.

The Suzuki Every is a true icon of the Japanese "Kei-van" category. It is a masterclass in space maximization, offering an astonishing amount of interior room within a tiny exterior footprint. It is incredibly popular in Kenya for small businesses and as a quirky, economical runaround vehicle.

The Every is powered by a 660cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Higher-spec "PZ Turbo" models feature a turbocharger for a welcome boost in performance, making it feel surprisingly zippy in city traffic. It's very fuel-efficient, delivering 17-20 km/l.

The Every's tall, boxy shape is designed for one thing: space. The engine is located under the front seats, allowing for a long, flat cargo floor.

• Seating Capacity: Available as a 2-seater panel van or a 4-seater passenger wagon.
• Ease of Access: Dual sliding doors are standard on the passenger versions, making access incredibly easy.
• Luggage Capacity: The space is cavernous and versatile, perfect for hauling goods for a business.
• Ground Clearance: ~150 mm

The interior is functional and durable. Passenger "Wagon" models offer more comfort features, with better seats and trim than the basic cargo versions. The high roof and large windows create a very airy and spacious feeling inside.

Modern models are equipped with dual airbags and ABS. Higher-spec versions often include Suzuki's radar brake support. It's a city vehicle, designed for lower speeds.

The Every is very simple mechanically and known for being reliable and tough. It is designed for hard commercial use and is very cheap to run and maintain.

(These estimates are for a direct import of a 2018 model with low mileage and a Japanese auction grade of 4 or higher.)

• Insurance: Approx. KSh 45,000 - KSh 65,000.
• Minor Service: Approx. KSh 5,000 - KSh 8,000.
• Major Service: Approx. KSh 10,000 - KSh 18,000.

• Daihatsu Hijet Cargo- A key rival from Toyota's subsidiary, also known for its incredible durability and practicality.
• Honda N-Van- Honda's competitor in the segment, often praised for its clever interior packaging and modern features.
• Nissan NV100 Clipper- The Every's identical twin, rebadged as a Nissan.

The Suzuki Every Wagon is a brilliant solution for anyone needing maximum space in the smallest possible package. Its versatility and incredibly low running costs make it a fantastic asset for small businesses or as a unique and practical personal vehicle.