The Biante from Mazda, though relatively unknown, has been challenging the status quo in the people carrier division. It is an 8-seater van that was in production from 2008 to 2018. With the continued interest in light people carriers and Multi Purpose Vans (MPVs), it is bound to receive more favourable reviews in the Kenyan market, with comfort and economy being its main advantages.
It comes withh a 2.0 L, same as Mazda Premacy and Axela, and 2.3 L engine that is reliable and quite cheap to maintain. For the all wheel drive, the 4 speed automatic gearbox may somewhat feel sluggish, compared to the 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2 wheel drive variant. The SkyActiv technology, which works comparably with Toyota’s VVTi, ensures a smooth ride, with seamless transitions when accelarating and slowing.
Interior
The Biante has a spacious cabin that is well designed, with both headspace and legroom to boot, so to speak. The centrally mounted instrument cluster has illuminated dials, and is well positioned in terms of both visibility and reach for the driver, without posing too much distraction.
However, the boot space is just about okay, and even worse, the seats are not fully foldable to accommodate bulky luggage.
Features
The Biante comes with features such as keyless entry and start, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, with full spec models getting fog lights, xenon headlamps, and alloy rims. The electric doors are quite helpful when loading or unloading, or for boarding or alighting passengers.
Alternatives
It competes with the likes of Toyota Alphard and its smaller sibling, Toyota Voxy. Other brands include Mitsubishi Delica D5,Nissan Serena, Honda Stepwagon.
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