Motoring: The rising popularity of the Mazda Axela in Kenya

With an average consumption of 12km per litre on highways and accounting for occasional traffic congestion and aggressive overtaking, a full tank on the Axela can take you slightly over 600 kilometers.

With a minimum empty weight of 1,190 kilograms and the ability to carry a maximum load of 600 kilograms, the Axela is versatile in its capabilities.

Car dealers and drivers alike commend the Axela for its road handling, sporty feel, spacious interior, and functional infotainment system. It is most celebrated for its fuel economy compared to vehicles in its class.

However, its low ground clearance remains a challenge, deterring drivers frequently navigating uneven terrain. Some owners have had to change the wheel size to accommodate rough roads, while others avoid pothole-ridden routes entirely.

Furthermore, the vehicle's boot space is comparatively limited, with a 351-liter capacity, smaller than its competitors like the Volkswagen Golf.

The vehicle has also been associated with a few common issues, including rattling noises from the rear, thermostat problems, misfiring and loss of power with age, transmission issues in older models, and brake problems in Axelas from 2011 to 2015.

To address some of these issues, owners are required to replace sway bar links or address brake pad misalignments.

Despite these drawbacks, the Axela continues to gain popularity among Kenyan motorists, positioning itself as a strong contender in a competitive market.

Its rivals include the Toyota Axio, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta, Suzuki Siaz, and Honda Civic.