In the vibrant landscape of the Kenyan sedan market, two contenders have been making waves with their impressive features and undeniable allure – the Mazda Atenza and the Toyota Camry. These 2015-2018 models represent a new era of sedans, where style, practicality, and eco-friendliness converge. As such, I can’t help but be excited about these two vehicles and their potential to reshape the Kenyan sedan landscape.
Practicality and space
When it comes to luggage and storage space, the Toyota Camry takes the lead with its generous 506 liters of trunk space, while the Mazda Atenza offers a respectable 481 liters. But here’s the catch: despite its slightly smaller trunk, the Atenza might just be the more spacious option inside the cabin. It’s possible that the Mazda prioritizes passenger comfort, making it a compelling choice for those who value a roomy and comfortable interior.
Mazda Atenza’s rise in Kenya
Over the recent years, the Mazda Atenza, known as the Mazda 6 globally, has gained a significant market share among midsize sedans in Kenya. Its success can be attributed not only to its stylish exterior but also to its agility and outstanding fuel economy. The Atenza, available in both sedan and station wagon versions, has become a symbol of robustness and fuel efficiency in its class.
Mazda Atenza generations
The Mazda Atenza has evolved over the years, with each generation bringing improvements in design and performance. From its debut in 2002 as the successor to the Mazda 626, it has consistently impressed. The most recent, fourth-generation Atenza, launched in 2018, continues this legacy of excellence.
Mazda Atenza performance
The Atenza offers various trims, ranging from the base model with a 2000cc petrol engine to the performance-oriented 25X with a 2500cc petrol engine. Notably, the diesel version boasts a turbocharged 2200cc Skyactive-D engine that produces 173HP at 4500RPM, allowing for rapid acceleration. With a power-to-weight ratio of 85.2 Watt/KG, this car can go from 0 to 80KM/h in just 5.6 seconds.
Mazda Atenza fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the Atenza’s strong suits. The diesel version offers impressive fuel economy, with highway consumption ranging from 16KM/l to 19.2KM/l and city consumption at about 10KM/l to 11KM/l. The petrol-powered Atenza is no slouch either, achieving between 12.8KM/l to 15KM/l on the highway and 7.8KM/l to 9.7KM/l in city traffic. These figures make the Atenza more fuel-efficient than many of its competitors.
Mazda Atenza price in Kenya
The Atenza’s affordability is another feather in its cap. A used ex-Japan Atenza typically falls within the range of Ksh. 1.5M to 2M, depending on the trim level and condition. In Nairobi, you can find a 2015 Atenza for about Ksh. 1.8M to Ksh. 2.3M, while Mombasa offers even lower prices, averaging around Ksh. 1.5M to Ksh. 1.8M. Brand new Atenza models in showrooms tend to start at around Ksh. 5M.
Toyota Camry: a luxurious contender
The Toyota Camry, on the other hand, offers a luxurious driving experience. Priced at Ksh. 1.9M and above, you can find a well-maintained Camry in Kenya. This sedan is packed with high-end features and cutting-edge technology, making it a technologically advanced car.
Features and safety
Both the Mazda Atenza and Toyota Camry come well-equipped with features such as leather seats, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, proximity key entry with push-button start, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and more. In terms of safety, they offer electronic stability and traction control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking.
Infotainment
The infotainment systems in both sedans are impressive, featuring 8.0-inch touchscreens with AM/FM/DAB+ radio, satellite navigation, and reversing camera displays. Mazda goes the extra mile by including a secondary rotary controller on the center console for on-the-go adjustments with less distraction. Both models also feature color head-up displays projected onto the windscreen.
- Key Features (Both Models)
- Leather seats, steering wheel, and gear knob
- Dual-zone climate control
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Proximity key entry with push-button start
- Auto lights and wipers
- LED headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
In this clash of titans, both the Mazda Atenza and Toyota Camry offer compelling reasons to consider them. The Atenza impresses with its agility, fuel efficiency, and a touch of elegance, making it a strong contender in the Kenyan market. While the Camry boasts a slightly larger luggage space, the Atenza’s focus on cabin comfort and spaciousness makes it a practical choice. In the end, the choice between these two exceptional sedans comes down to your preferences and priorities. Rest assured, both vehicles offer reliability and features that are hard to beat in their class, ensuring you’ll have an enjoyable and efficient driving experience.
