The Honda Stepwgn has always been the driver's choice in the world of minivans. While its rivals from Toyota and Nissan focus on ultimate comfort or clever features, the Stepwgn adds a dose of fun and excellent handling to the practical minivan package. The fifth generation is a masterpiece of innovation, featuring a small, punchy turbo engine and the incredibly clever "Waku Waku Gate" tailgate, making it a top choice for the modern Kenyan family.

The 2018 Stepwgn is powered by a brilliant 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine. This is a departure from the larger 2.0L engines of its rivals, but this small turbo engine is surprisingly powerful and makes the Stepwgn feel light, agile, and quick on its feet. Paired with a smooth and responsive CVT, it's a joy to drive. A 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid option also exists, offering excellent fuel economy.

• 1.5L VTEC Turbo: Expect a real-world fuel economy of 13-16 km/l.
• 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid: Delivers an impressive 19-22 km/l.

The Stepwgn's design is sharp, modern, and very clever. The "Spada" models, in particular, have a sporty and aggressive look. But the real genius is at the back.

• Seating Capacity: It is a very spacious 7 or 8-seater, with comfortable seating for all passengers.
• The "Waku Waku" Gate: This is the Stepwgn's killer feature. The main tailgate can swing open like a normal large door, but it also has a smaller, sub-door built into it that can be opened sideways. This allows you to access the boot in tight parking spaces or for third-row passengers to exit directly onto the curb—an incredibly smart and useful innovation.
• Luggage Capacity: The third-row "Magic Seats" fold down and disappear completely flat into the floor, creating a huge and perfectly level cargo area that is easier to use than the side-folding seats in the Noah/Voxy.
• Ground Clearance: ~155 mm

The interior of the Stepwgn is high-quality, modern, and filled with clever storage solutions. The driver's area feels very car-like, and the visibility is excellent. Higher-spec models come with a large touchscreen, comfortable seating materials, and advanced features, making it a very pleasant place to be for the whole family.

The Stepwgn is a very safe vehicle. Most 2018 models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies, which includes features like a collision mitigation braking system and adaptive cruise control. Its low center of gravity and excellent suspension tuning make it feel more like a saloon to drive than a tall minivan, providing a stable and confidence-inspiring ride.

Honda has a stellar reputation for reliability. The 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine is a widely used and durable powerplant. As with other modern, direct-injection turbo engines, regular, high-quality oil changes are key to its longevity. Maintenance costs are very reasonable for the class.

(These estimates are for a direct import of a 2018 model with low mileage and a Japanese auction grade of 4 or higher.)

• Annual Insurance Premium: Expect to pay between KSh 100,000 and KSh 140,000 for comprehensive cover.
• Minor Service: Approximately KSh 8,000 - KSh 15,000.
• Major Service: Approximately KSh 20,000 - KSh 40,000.

• Toyota Noah, Voxy & Esquire - The Stepwgn competes with the Toyota triplets by offering a much more enjoyable and car-like driving experience and more clever seating/tailgate solutions. The Toyotas have a simpler, more trusted hybrid system.
• Nissan Serena- Also packed with innovative features, the Serena with e-POWER offers a unique, EV-like drive.

The Honda Stepwgn is the minivan for the family that doesn't want to feel like they're driving a bus. It combines a fun, engaging driving experience with some of the most innovative and genuinely useful practical features on the market. The "Waku Waku Gate" is a stroke of genius, and the VTEC Turbo engine is a gem. It is a fantastic, modern, and highly recommended minivan.