The Daihatsu Hijet Cargo is, along with the Suzuki Every, one of the two giants of the Japanese Kei-van market. It is an incredibly practical and efficient work vehicle designed to maximize cargo space and minimize running costs. It is a top choice for small businesses in Kenya due to its durability and versatility.

The Hijet is powered by a durable 660cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine. It's built for low-speed torque and reliability for commercial use. Fuel economy is excellent, at around 17-20 km/l.

The Hijet is a master of space efficiency. Its "one-box", cab-over design dedicates almost the entire length of the vehicle to usable interior space.

• Seating Capacity: 2 (van) or 4 (wagon).
• Ease of Access: Large sliding side doors and a huge rear tailgate provide excellent access for loading.
• Luggage Capacity: The cargo bay is huge, square, and completely flat, perfect for business use.
• Ground Clearance: ~160 mm

The interior is purely functional, with hard-wearing plastics and basic features designed to withstand a lifetime of work.

Later models feature the "Smart Assist" safety system, a huge plus for a commercial vehicle. It includes dual airbags and ABS as standard.

As a Daihatsu (a subsidiary of Toyota), reliability is a given. The vehicle is mechanically simple, tough, and very cheap to maintain.

The following are estimated showroom prices for fresh imports (duty-paid) in major Kenyan cities including **Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret**.

• Insurance: Approx. KSh 35,000 - KSh 55,000.
• Minor Service: Approx. KSh 5,000 - KSh 8,000.
• Major Service: Approx. KSh 10,000 - KSh 18,000.

The choice between the Hijet and its direct rival often comes down to specific features, condition, and availability in the import market.

• Suzuki Every- The Hijet's main competitor, also offering incredible practicality and low running costs in a compact Kei-van package.

The Daihatsu Hijet Cargo is an outstanding tool for business. Its combination of a low purchase price, rock-bottom running costs, and immense practicality makes it a wise investment that quickly pays for itself.