The 2022 Subaru Stella is the pragmatic sibling in the Kei car family. It is a rebadged Daihatsu Move (6th Gen). Unlike the "Super Height" Subaru Chiffon (which has sliding doors and a high roof), the Stella keeps things simple with four conventional hinged doors and a lower, lighter body. This makes it more stable on the highway and slightly more fuel-efficient. It is the perfect runabout for those who don't need the vertical space of a van.

The Stella uses the dependable Daihatsu KF engine family:

• L / G (Non-Turbo): 52 HP. STANDARD The naturally aspirated 660cc engine is sufficient for Nairobi traffic. It is simpler and cheaper to maintain than the turbo.
• Custom RS (Turbo): 64 HP. If you live in hilly areas like Limuru or Kiambu, this is the one to get. The turbo torque (100 Nm) prevents the engine from screaming on inclines.

• 90-Degree Doors: The rear doors open almost 90 degrees wide. This makes loading child seats or large boxes incredibly easy compared to a standard hatchback.
• Dashboard Utility: It features multiple cup holders, a tray for your phone, and a high-mounted gear lever to allow movement between the front seats.

• Consumption: 25–28 km/l (Non-Turbo). It is one of the most frugal cars on the market.
• Service: Parts are interchangeable with the Daihatsu Move and Toyota Pixis. Oil filters and brake pads are cheap and widely available.
• Tyres: Uses 14-inch tyres (155/65R14). A set of 4 quality tyres costs less than Ksh 20,000.

City Commuter: With 150mm ground clearance, it handles speed bumps well if you slow down. However, the suspension is tuned for Japanese roads, so it can feel a bit firm on corrugated dirt roads. It is best used as a tarmac car.

The 2022 model comes with Smart Assist III (SA3), which includes autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection. It is a very safe city car for its size. Mechanical reliability is excellent.

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

Who is this for? The practical driver who wants a reliable, fuel-efficient car with easy access (wide doors) but doesn't want to pay the "sliding door tax." Who is it NOT for? Status seekers—it is a basic transport appliance.