Why I Chose a Local Honda Fit Shuttle and the Downside I Discovered

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

This week, we feature Emmanuel, who shares what it’s like owning a Honda Fit Shuttle.

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When I set out to buy a car in 2023, I wasn't looking for a status symbol; I was looking for a solution. I needed space for my lifestyle, but didn't want to be punished at the petrol station. The Ksh1.5 million Honda Fit Shuttle (Hybrid) was the perfect middle ground.

While importing is popular, I chose to buy locally. The financials simply made sense, and more importantly, I didn't have to wait months for a ship to dock. It was available immediately, and I was ready to drive.

Also Read: Why I Chose the Nissan Juke as My First Car

Performance

The real magic of the Fit Shuttle lies under the hood. Equipped with a 1.5-litre hybrid engine, the fuel efficiency is nothing short of legendary. 

In a city where traffic can turn a 10-minute trip into an hour-long ordeal, I am averaging between 18 and 24 km per litre.

It serves as my daily companion through Nairobi’s streets, but it doesn't shy away from adventure. On weekends, I head out of the city, occasionally tackling rougher, off-road terrain. For a car that looks like a sleek wagon, it handles the transition from tarmac to dirt surprisingly well.

Also Read: How I Saved Ksh600K When Buying My Subaru XV

Maintenance

One of the biggest myths about hybrids in Kenya is that they are hard to maintain. My experience has been the opposite. I stick to regular intervals, and the costs are predictable.

Beyond minor bodywork to fix the inevitable "Nairobi scratches" and small bumps from city life, the car has been rock solid.

Contrary to what some might fear, getting spare parts has been very easy and widely available.

Also Read: I Bought a Nissan Note e-Power; Here’s How It’s Saving Me Thousands on Fuel

The One Small Regret: The Tank Dilemma

No car is perfect, and the Fit Shuttle has one quirk that often leaves me wishing for more. While the fuel consumption is low, the size of the tank, 40 litres, is surprisingly small.

Because the tank capacity is limited, I find myself visiting the petrol station more often than I’d like—not because the car is thirsty, but simply because it can't hold a massive reserve. 

If I could change one thing to make this the ultimate long-distance tourer, it would be a significantly larger tank to match its incredible range.

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