The 2022 Toyota Pixis Joy is the chic city car you didn't know you wanted. It is a rebadged Daihatsu Cast, launched in 2015 to compete with the Honda N-One. It comes in two distinct flavors: the "F" (Fashion) which has retro chrome accents like a Mini Cooper, and the "C" (Crossover) which gets rugged cladding and larger tyres. Production ended in June 2023, making these 2022 models the peak of the lineup.

Standard Daihatsu mechanicals underneath:

• 660cc NA (KF-VE): 52 HP. STANDARD The basic city engine. Economical but loud when pushed. Ideally suited for the "F" model on flat roads.
• 660cc Turbo (KF-VET): 64 HP. Recommended for the "C" (Crossover) model. The extra torque helps it handle hills and the slight weight penalty of the cladding.

• Premium Feel: The Pixis Joy has a more upscale interior than a standard Alto or Mira. It features soft-touch fabric on the doors and optional leather-style seats in the "Prime Collection" trims.
• Hinged Doors: Unlike the Tanto or N-Box, it uses normal hinged doors. This makes it feel more like a traditional car but loses the easy access of sliding doors.

• Consumption: 20–25 km/l. It uses the efficient e:S technology (energy saving) from Daihatsu.
• Service: Parts are shared with the Daihatsu Cast, Mira, and Move. Service is cheap and easy. However, specific trim pieces (chrome surrounds, fog lights) are unique to the Pixis Joy/Cast and harder to find.
• Resale: It sells well to those who want a "cute" car. The "C" version is particularly popular due to its SUV-like looks.

Pixis Joy C: This crossover version has a dedicated suspension setup with 180mm ground clearance and larger 15-inch wheels. This makes it surprisingly capable on rough roads, much better than a standard Vitz. The "F" version sits lower at 150mm and is better for tarmac.

Comes with Smart Assist III (stereo camera system for collision avoidance). It has side airbags as standard on high trims. Reliability is Toyota/Daihatsu bulletproof. No hybrid battery to worry about.

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

Who is this for? The buyer who wants a small car with personality. The "C" version is great for those who live on murram roads but want a Kei car economy. Who is it NOT for? Those who need to carry bulky cargo—a N-Box or Tant has a higher roof and sliding doors.