Introduction: First Look at the 2019 Honda Vezel
In a country where fuel costs constantly bite into household budgets and road conditions demand reliability, the 2019 Vezel stands out as a pragmatic choice, perfectly situated between the smaller hatchbacks and the larger, thirstier SUVs like the older Toyota Harrier; this segment, often referred to as the crossover class, has exploded in popularity in Kenya, driven by buyers who prioritize ground clearance and modern aesthetics without compromising parking ease.
When considering a direct import, understanding the vehicle’s grade and true history is paramount, which is why discerning Kenyan buyers who work with expert importers like Enan Motors prefer the transparency of Japanese auction sheets, allowing them to verify mileage, condition, and any accident history before the car even leaves Japan, giving them a level of confidence that is simply unavailable when purchasing from opaque local yards.
The transition from popular older Japanese models to modern crossovers like the Vezel reflects a changing priority among Kenyan motorists, who now expect better safety ratings and sophisticated infotainment alongside the legendary Japanese reliability; the 2019 model, sold as the HR-V in some markets, builds on a strong foundation, competing fiercely with models from Mitsubishi and the Volkswagen Tiguan, though its unique ‘Magic Seat’ system provides a distinct advantage in terms of practicality and cargo flexibility.
We believe the 2019 Vezel is right in the sweet spot for the Kenyan buyer currently searching for a 2019-2023 import, balancing modern features and aesthetics with the critical requirement of reaching the eight-year importation rule cutoff comfortably, ensuring maximum long-term usability and resale value here in the local market.
2019 Honda Vezel Exterior Design & Styling
The 2019 Vezel carries forward the successful exterior refresh, characterized by a more aggressive front fascia that includes a thicker, chrome wing grille and restyled LED lighting, giving it a much sharper and more contemporary look compared to the pre-facelift models that Kenyans frequently see on the roads; this design evolution is crucial in a market that highly values modern appearance, making the vehicle look less like a utility car and more like a premium compact SUV.
Crucially for Kenya, the vehicle retains excellent ground clearance, a non-negotiable feature for tackling the ubiquitous Kenyan speed bumps—locally known as ‘rumbas’—and poorly maintained estate roads, ensuring that the undercarriage remains safe from scraping, a common problem with lower-riding sedans or European hatchbacks that were not designed for our infrastructure realities.
Honda’s commitment to thoughtful design is evident in details like the concealed rear door handles, which maintain the Vezel’s coupe-like profile, lending it an air of sporty sophistication that resonates well with younger buyers and upwardly mobile professionals across Nairobi and Mombasa; the available alloy wheel options enhance this premium look, though prospective importers must always consider the cost and availability of low-profile tires when deciding on a trim, as higher-spec Japanese imports often come with sporty wheel sizes that might not handle Kenyan potholes as gracefully or affordably as the more common 16 or 17-inch setups.
The solid, well-put-together body panels also suggest durability, which translates directly into better resistance to the minor scrapes and bumps that characterize urban driving here in Kenya, offering a practical advantage over rivals with more fragile bodywork.
2019 Honda Vezel Interior Comfort & Technology
Step inside the 2019 Vezel and the first feature that captures attention is the genuinely revolutionary ‘Magic Seat’ system, a Honda hallmark that provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing the rear seat base to flip up like cinema seats or fold entirely flat, creating a massive, deep cargo area capable of swallowing everything from large hardware store purchases to bulky luggage for a trip upcountry; for the typical Kenyan family, this practicality is a major selling point, easily accommodating diverse cargo needs, whether it’s school bags, market produce, or extended family transport, without needing the footprint of a full-size SUV.
While many Japanese imports require a local audio system upgrade, the cockpit design is driver-focused, featuring high-quality plastics and soft-touch materials in key areas, which often surprises buyers who expect less refinement in this class.
Technology in the 2019 model is refreshingly modern, usually featuring the revised infotainment unit and, depending on the trim, climate control functions that are sleekly integrated into the dashboard, moving away from simple knobs and buttons; the Japanese specification vehicles often come equipped with advanced climate control systems that are crucial for managing the intense heat experienced in coastal regions and the Northern parts of Kenya.
However, direct importers working with Enan Motors should always scrutinize the auction sheet to confirm specific features like cruise control and parking sensors, especially since the trim levels in Japan (like G, X, Z, and RS) dictate the level of technological sophistication, ensuring that you know exactly what specifications you are paying duty on before the vehicle even docks in Mombasa, eliminating unpleasant surprises often associated with local yard purchases.
2019 Honda Vezel Powertrain & Performance
The heart of the 2019 Vezel is typically the robust 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine, or for those prioritizing ultimate fuel economy, the 1.5L Hybrid powertrain, both paired with Honda’s continuously variable transmission (CVT); the standard petrol engine delivers adequate power for urban sprints and highway overtaking, feeling nimble and responsive enough for day-to-day use, though it might protest slightly when pushed hard uphill at high altitude.
A common concern among Kenyan buyers regarding CVTs relates to long-term reliability and local repair expertise, making it absolutely vital to ensure that the imported vehicle has full service records and a verifiable low mileage, confirming that the transmission has been meticulously maintained in Japan and reducing the risk of costly repairs once it lands in Mombasa.
Choosing the right source for your vehicle, such as Enan Motors, ensures you receive expert advice on the maintenance schedule specific to these transmissions, giving you peace of mind.
The Vezel offers a generally composed and comfortable ride, striking a good balance between handling and suspension compliance, which is essential for dealing with the unpredictable surfaces of Kenyan secondary roads; while it’s certainly no high-performance machine like a BMW X6, its tight turning radius and light steering make maneuvering through tight market streets and congested city traffic remarkably easy, providing a definite edge over bulkier SUVs.
The availability of AWD (All-Wheel Drive) versions in Japan is a significant bonus for buyers who frequently traverse rougher terrain or travel during the rainy season, offering enhanced stability and traction, though it is important to note that the majority of the popular imported Vezel units in Kenya are the front-wheel-drive models, which are perfectly sufficient for most urban and highway driving conditions.
2019 Honda Vezel Fuel Efficiency & Emissions
Fuel efficiency is arguably the single biggest selling point of the 2019 Honda Vezel in the Kenyan context, where petrol prices are a constant source of economic stress; the standard 1.5L petrol engine consistently delivers real-world consumption figures well into the 14-16 km/litre range during mixed urban and highway driving, a performance that few non-hybrid competitors in this class can match, placing it firmly ahead of many common imports.
For the ultimate miser, the Hybrid version dramatically boosts this efficiency, potentially pushing consumption figures close to 20 km/litre, representing significant long-term savings for high-mileage drivers, such as those commuting daily from satellite towns into Nairobi’s CBD.
However, prospective Kenyan buyers must approach the hybrid option with calculated caution; while the fuel savings are tempting, local mechanics who are genuinely proficient in diagnosing and repairing advanced hybrid systems are still relatively few, and the eventual replacement of the hybrid battery pack, though typically rated for many years of life, can be a substantial expense.
This is why transparency in the import chain is so vital: knowing the exact history and battery condition of the Hybrid model via the auction sheet minimizes risk, ensuring you are not purchasing an older, high-mileage unit with a near-dead battery, a hidden cost often masked when purchasing non-verified cars from local sources.
If you are interested in comparing this efficiency to other brands, you might find similar performance benchmarks in models from Mazda.
2019 Honda Vezel Safety Features & Ratings
The 2019 Vezel often comes equipped with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, especially in higher Japanese trims, providing advanced features like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM); while many Kenyan buyers are primarily concerned with reliability, these active safety features are crucial for reducing the severity of accidents on busy, sometimes chaotic, Kenyan highways, providing an important layer of protection that older imported vehicles simply do not possess.
Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Traction Control, and a comprehensive airbag system, contributing to strong crash test ratings globally, assuring families of robust protection.
When selecting your specific vehicle from Japan, it is important to understand that the level of Honda Sensing features varies by grade and options chosen by the original Japanese owner, which again reinforces the necessity of using a transparent importer like Enan Motors; we ensure that our clients fully understand the safety specifications documented on the verified auction sheets before they commit to buying, guaranteeing that they receive the level of safety technology they expect.
Furthermore, knowing the vehicle has a clean auction history through our detailed Import process means you are certain the vehicle hasn’t been structurally compromised in a prior accident, eliminating the dangerous uncertainties inherent in buying locally repaired or poorly assessed imports.
2019 Honda Vezel Pricing, Trim Levels & Value for Money
For Kenyan buyers, the 2019 Honda Vezel presents exceptional value compared to purchasing a new vehicle or even compared to similar domestic models sold in local showrooms; generally, a well-graded 2019 Vezel directly imported from Japan will cost significantly less landed (C&F and duty paid) than a similar-aged unit purchased from a local car yard, primarily because direct importation eliminates the massive overheads, profit stacking, and speculative markups that often define the local dealership model.
The most common trims we see entering Kenya are the G (base petrol), X (mid-spec petrol/hybrid), and the sporty RS (petrol or hybrid), with pricing heavily influenced by factors like mileage, the presence of Honda Sensing, and the actual KRA duty assessment based on the vehicle’s declared Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value.
If you are exploring the 2019 Vezel, you are choosing a versatile option that beats many in its class, including the Mazda CX 5, on fuel economy, while providing better practicality than a small sedan like the Mazda Axela, making it a sound financial investment that holds its resale value remarkably well in Kenya.
The ability to select from thousands of units available weekly in Japan means you are not limited to the few cars stocked in a yard; instead, you get to choose exactly the colour, mileage, and specification you desire.
Ready to find the perfect grade of the 2019 Vezel that fits your budget and specific requirements?
We encourage you to review our current available cars and then Email us or Call us to start the transparent, risk-free importation journey today.
Pros, Cons & Verdict of the 2019 Honda Vezel
On the “Pros” side, the 2019 Vezel delivers outstanding fuel economy, highly flexible interior cargo space thanks to the ingenious Magic Seats, typically strong Japanese build quality, and modern exterior styling that looks fresh on Kenyan roads; its reliable Toyota competitor models struggle to match its overall interior packaging, and the option for advanced safety features in higher trims ensures a secure ride for the family.
It is easy to see why this model is one of the top imports handled by Enan Motors, as it perfectly aligns with the primary demands of the average Kenyan buyer: economy, space, and dependable performance.
This balance makes it a far more sensible urban choice than the often oversized and expensive high-end imports like the Lexus LX 600.
However, no car is perfect, and the Vezel does have a few considerations, or “Cons,” that potential buyers in Kenya should weigh: the CVT transmission, while efficient, may not appeal to drivers who prefer the feel of a traditional automatic gearbox, and the engine can sound strained when heavily loaded or during aggressive acceleration.
Furthermore, if you opt for the Hybrid version, be prepared for potentially higher future maintenance costs associated with specialized electrical components, though this risk is mitigated by importing a low-mileage, verified unit through a trusted partner.
Overall, our expert verdict is that the 2019 Vezel is perhaps the most well-rounded crossover available for direct import into Kenya in its price bracket, offering an unbeatable combination of economy, practicality, and proven Honda reliability.
If you are tired of opaque deals and inflated prices at local yards, it is time to take control of your vehicle purchase by leveraging the transparency of the Japanese auction system; Enan Motors provides end-to-end guidance, helping you navigate the sometimes confusing world of duty calculation and logistics, ensuring your preferred Honda Vezel arrives safely and exactly as described.
We pride ourselves on educating clients about every step of the process, ensuring total buyer confidence—a philosophy that has built our reputation as Kenya’s trusted import partner.
To learn more about our commitment to quality and transparency, check out the About Enan Motors page or Message us on WhatsApp for a tailored consultation.
Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Vezel is more than just a popular import; it is a meticulously engineered solution to the economic and practical challenges faced by Kenyan motorists today, providing the necessary ground clearance, exceptional fuel economy, and unmatched cargo flexibility that makes it perfectly suited for both urban commuting and family life.
By choosing to import this vehicle directly from Japan through a trusted specialist like Enan Motors, you gain access to a far wider selection of high-grade vehicles—such as specialized units like the Volkswagen Tiguan or a Mercedes GLE—while receiving verified quality assurance through the mandatory auction sheet, saving you significant money and ensuring the longevity of your investment.
Don’t settle for the limited, often compromised stock found locally; partner with our experts to secure a high-quality 2019 Vezel that truly delivers value and peace of mind.
FAQ
- Is the 2019 Honda Vezel expensive to maintain in Kenya?
No, standard maintenance for the 1.5L petrol engine is affordable as spare parts are widely available due to Honda’s strong local presence and the commonality of the L15B engine across several Lexus and Honda models. Hybrid components require specialized attention, so verify the battery’s condition on the auction sheet before purchase. - What are the typical import duties and taxes for the 2019 Vezel in Kenya?
Duties are calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value, engine size (1.5L), and age, usually requiring KRA duty, import declaration fees, and rail levy, totaling substantial tax—consult Enan Motors for a precise, up-to-date duty calculation. - How does the Vezel compare to the Nissan Juke or Toyota C-HR?
The Vezel generally offers superior interior space and cargo flexibility due to its ‘Magic Seats,’ while the Lexus NX250 and C-HR often prioritize styling over rear passenger and cargo utility, making the Vezel a more practical family option. - Is it safe to buy a high-mileage Vezel Hybrid from Japan?
We advise extreme caution; while high mileage is common in Japan, it significantly increases the risk of premature hybrid battery failure and CVT wear, making it prudent to instead target lower-mileage, high-grade units with verifiable history through our specialized direct importation service. - What are some popular alternatives to the Honda Vezel that Enan Motors imports?
We frequently import direct competitors that offer similar utility and economy, including the Mercedes Benz A-Class, the Toyota C-HR, and the Mazda CX-5, ensuring our clients have access to the full spectrum of high-quality Japanese imports.
