The 2024 Daihatsu Thor is the master of space efficiency. It is the identical twin to the Toyota Roomy and Subaru Justy. While it looks like a Kei car, it is actually wider and houses a 1.0L engine, making it a "compact tall wagon." Launched in 2016 and facelifted in 2020/2024 with a sharper grille and improved safety, it is the perfect solution for young families who find the Vitz too cramped but the Noah too big.

The Thor uses the 1KR engine family:

• 1.0L NA (1KR-FE): 69 HP. STANDARD Economical but struggles with a full load on hills. Best for flat city commutes.
• 1.0L Turbo (1KR-VET): 98 HP. RECOMMENDED The turbo makes a huge difference. It delivers the torque of a 1.5L engine, making highway merging and hill climbing effortless.

• Walk-Through: The front seats have a gap between them, allowing you to walk from the driver's seat to the rear seats (to check on kids) without exiting the car.
• Twin Sliders: Both rear doors slide (electric on higher trims), making it impossible for kids to ding the car next to you in parking lots.

• Consumption: 18–21 km/l. The CVT gearbox keeps revs low for efficiency.
• Service: Parts are shared with the Toyota Vitz and Passo. Maintenance is incredibly cheap and easy to source.
• Resale: High demand. The "Roomy/Thor" trio has replaced the Ractis as the go-to practical small car.

City Only: At 130mm clearance, it sits low. The small wheels (14 or 15 inch) feel potholes. It is designed for tarmac. The tall body can catch crosswinds on the highway, so it requires attention at speed.

Features Smart Assist III (collision warning, lane keep). Reliability is typical Daihatsu/Toyota—bulletproof. The engine chain drive means no timing belt replacements.

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

Who is this for? The parent who needs a "Tardis" car—small on the outside, huge on the inside. Who is it NOT for? Highway warriors—the aerodynamics of a brick make it noisy and fuel-thirsty at 120km/h.