The 2019 Subaru Justy (M900F) is the smartest loophole in the Kenyan car market. Origin: Japan. First Generation: Launched in 1984 as a tiny hatchback. Current Generation: 5th Generation (launched 2016). Here is the secret: it is actually a rebadged Toyota Roomy/Tank or Daihatsu Thor. Since the Toyota versions are in high demand and expensive, the Subaru-badged version often sells for significantly less, despite being 100% identical mechanically.

Powered by the Daihatsu 1KR engine family:

• 1.0L NA (1KR-FE): 69 HP / 92 Nm. STANDARD Best for city driving. It is extremely frugal but feels underpowered with 5 passengers on a hill.
• 1.0L Turbo (1KR-VET): 98 HP / 140 Nm. RECOMMENDED The turbo makes a huge difference, giving it the torque of a 1.5L engine. It handles highway speeds comfortably.

• Magic Space: The boxy design creates incredible headroom. You can walk through from front to back. The rear seats slide and recline, offering limousine-like legroom.
• Sliding Doors: Power sliding doors on both sides make loading kids or shopping in tight CBD parking spots effortless. It is a mini-minivan.

• Consumption: 20–22 km/l (NA). Even the Turbo manages 18-20 km/l. It is one of the cheapest cars to run.
• Service: Parts are interchangeable with the Toyota Roomy/Tank/Vitz (1KR engine). Maintenance is very cheap. Oil capacity is small (approx 3 litres).
• Value: Because it says "Subaru," it is often Ksh 100k-200k cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Tank, offering incredible value.

Low Clearance: 130mm clearance is the main drawback. It is strictly a city car. You must be very careful on large speed bumps. The small 14-inch wheels are sensitive to potholes. Upgrading to slightly higher profile tyres helps.

Features Smart Assist II (collision avoidance). It is a safe city car. Reliability is excellent as it is essentially a Daihatsu/Toyota product.

The following prices represent the cost of buying a 2019 Subaru Justy in Kenya. These prices reflect showroom asking prices in major towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The savvy budget buyer who wants the space of a Toyota Tank but wants to save money. Who is it NOT for? Badge snobs who think Subaru only makes rally cars.