Mazda Demio vs Nissan Note: which should you buy?
Specs, prices, running costs and Kenyan-road suitability compared — Mazda Demio 1.3 (DJ) vs Nissan Note 1.2 (E12).
The short answer
The Mazda Demio is more powerful and stronger on hills and when loaded. The Nissan Note is cheaper to buy, and copes better with bumps and murram.
Side by side
| Mazda Demio Mazda Demio 1.3 (DJ) | Nissan Note Nissan Note 1.2 (E12) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | KES 850K–1.4M | KES 800K–1.3M |
| Power | 91 hp | 78 hp |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Engine | 1.3L 4-cyl | 1.2L 3-cyl |
| Fuel economy | 19 km/L | 19 km/L |
| Fuel per month* | KES 17,900 | KES 17,900 |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm | 150 mm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Gearbox | Automatic | CVT |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Parts cost | Low | Low |
| Reliability estimate | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
*1,500 km a month at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026); diesel KES 227.76/L. Typical factory figures for the most common version of each.
Choose the Demio if…
- First cars with a bit of style
- Town driving
- Low fuel costs
- Fuel saver19 km/L — about KES 17,900 a month for 1,500 km at today’s pump price.
- Parts easy to findMazda spares are easy to find in Nairobi and major towns, and most mechanics know them.
Choose the Note if…
- Town commuting
- Very low fuel costs
- Ride-hailing
- Fuel saver19 km/L — about KES 17,900 a month for 1,500 km at today’s pump price.
- Parts easy to findNissan spares are easy to find in Nairobi and major towns, and most mechanics know them.
Frequently asked questions
Mazda Demio or Nissan Note — which is better?
The Mazda Demio is more powerful and stronger on hills and when loaded. The Nissan Note is cheaper to buy, and copes better with bumps and murram. Choose the Demio for: first cars with a bit of style, town driving, low fuel costs. Choose the Note for: town commuting, very low fuel costs, ride-hailing.
Which is more fuel efficient, the Demio or the Note?
The 1.3L 4-cyl Mazda Demio returns about 19 km/L (≈ KES 17,900/month for 1,500 km) and the 1.2L 3-cyl Nissan Note about 19 km/L (≈ KES 17,900/month), at KES 226.96 per litre of petrol (EPRA Nairobi, 15 Oct – 14 Nov 2026).
Which is better for Kenyan roads?
The Demio has 145 mm of ground clearance (FWD); the Note has 150 mm (FWD). The Note copes better with tall bumps, potholes and murram.
Which is cheaper to buy and maintain?
Typical prices: Mazda Demio KES 850K–1.4M, Nissan Note KES 800K–1.3M. Parts: Demio Low cost — Mazda parts are reasonably available in Nairobi. Note Low cost — Common in Kenya; parts are easy to find.