Hi Baraza, Congratulations for the excellent job you’re doing. I have two questions: 1. Please give a critical analysis of the following high-end 4X4s: Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Audi Q7, BMW X6, Porshe Cayenne, VW Touareg and Mercedes M-class and G-Class. Comment on performance on and off road, intelligence, comfort, safety, longevity and fuel … Read more
Hello Baraza, What are the in-trend features in the new Toyota Hilux D4D, the Nissan Hardbody, the Nissan Navara, and the Mitsubishi L200? Which of these, in your opinion, is likely to out-sell the other, based on consumer satisfaction, pricing and durability? That is one elaborate question you have there. The Hilux D4D started off … Read more
Hi Baraza, I am in need of a four-wheel-drive, double-cab pick-up that can haul a tonne to and from my farm once a month. I live in Nairobi, about 300 kilometres from the farm, and have homed in on a 2001 Toyota Hilux, 2800cc with a 3L diesel engine, and a 2002 Nissan Hardbody, 3100cc … Read more
Dear Baraza, Thanks for your entertaining and informative column. After seeing your low opinion of electric cars and their potential in Kenya (Daily Nation, June 27, 2012), I want to offer an alternative view. It is clear that electric cars are the future, with oil supplies peaking and air pollution reaching critical levels in most … Read more
For some people, 2012 is the year when the world as we know it will come to an end. For me, 2012 will be marked down as The Year of Great Surprises, one of which was a Mahindra vehicle. If the world actually does end, that will be another (stop laughing at the back, please, … Read more
What is the single most stupid driving activity you can think of right now? Drunk-driving? Hitting 200 km/h in the middle of town? Running red lights with blatant disregard for cross-junctions? Engaging the police in a high speed chase with the fuel gauge at E? Not even close. You have not seen the kind of … Read more
Baraza, Recently, a rain storm in South C tried to convert my Nissan B15 into a yacht; the water line was just below (about 1 cm) the side wind windows. It refused to float and ended up taking in water. Once safe, I got it towed to higher ground and left it overnight to get … Read more
Dear Baraza, I have always wanted to know, what is the difference between a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and a Toyota Land Cruiser VX based on the usual indicators, that is, on and off road prowess and stability, fuel consumption, availability of spares, purchase price, luggage room, comfort, and so on? Is the Toyota Fortuner … Read more
Dear Baraza, In your column last week, you mentioned that the Nissan Pathfinder is a dressed-up Navara. I could not agree more, and this remark reminded me of an experience I had with traffic police officers out to nab motorists exceeding the speed limit just before Naivasha on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway a while back. I … Read more
Hi JM, I recently rolled over at a corner in a Nissan X-Trail but survived… with great lessons. Now I know that speed that thrills can kill. Also, I have developed a great fear for this car because I have comfortably done the same corner at a higher speed in a BMW 318. Speaking of … Read more