The 2019 Subaru Pleo Plus is the fuel economy champion you didn't know existed. Origin: Japan. First Generation: The original Pleo launched in 1998. Current Generation: 2nd Generation Pleo Plus (launched 2017). It is a rebadged Daihatsu Mira e:S (also Toyota Pixis Epoch). Designed purely for efficiency ("Eco & Smart"), it achieves hybrid-like fuel economy figures using a simple petrol engine, thanks to extreme weight saving (only 650kg!).

Only one efficient heart:

• 660cc NA (KF-VE): 49 HP / 57 Nm. STANDARD While 49 HP sounds low, the car weighs less than a TukTuk. It zips around town effortlessly. The CVT gearbox is tuned to keep revs low for economy.

• Digital Speedo: The 2019 model features a fully digital speedometer with an "Eco Leaf" gauge that trains you to drive efficiently. The color changes based on your driving style.
• Basic but Functional: It is a Kei car. It seats 4 adults (just). The boot is tiny, fitting maybe two backpacks. Rear seats fold down for more space.

• Consumption: 25–30 km/l. This is not a typo. In city driving, it rivals the Toyota Aqua hybrid without the complexity of a battery pack.
• Service: The KF engine uses only 3 litres of oil and tiny 13-inch tyres. Maintenance costs are the lowest of any car in Kenya.

City Commuter: 150mm clearance is standard. It is fine for tarmac and moderate bumps. It is not suitable for safari or overloading. On the highway, it can do 100km/h, but it will be noisy and susceptible to crosswinds.

Features Smart Assist III (SA III), which includes stereo cameras for collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and auto high beam. It is surprisingly safe for its size. Reliability is typical Japanese perfection.

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

Who is this for? The budget-conscious commuter, student, or Uber ChapChap driver who wants the absolute lowest running costs. Who is it NOT for? Highway travelers—it feels vulnerable alongside a Scania bus.