AUTONEWS - AA CLUB OF KENYA MAGAZINE – 23 wide choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines with four , six or eight cylinders . All were fitted with an ECO start / stop system and combine high performance with decent fuel economy . The power output levels ranged from 135 kW ( 184 hp ) to 430 kW ( 585 hp ) for the petrol engines , and from 100 kW ( 136 hp ) to 185 kW ( 252 hp ) for the diesel engines . Today the W213 Mercedes as more efficient engines with one key change being the switch from V6 to an in-line format , similar to BMW .
Sixth Sense The Toyota Camry , on the other hand , is as discreet as they come . This was the sixth generation of Toyota ’ s large and luxurious vehicle that came with a 2.4 petrol engine . It effortlessly carried its bulk and when I drove it to Naivasha on a test . It did not disappoint . It has one of the best suspension systems in a large saloon . I had four adults on board and it did not even break a sweat in corners as it reached 160kph going uphill . The leather steering wheel felt so good that I did not mind not having part cloth , part ‘ leather ’ seats until I was told the asking price . At more than Sh8 million as new , it should have all the bells and whistles . While it may not make sense as a brand new car , it delivered the great value as a used one . You can only import it from Japan and Singapore as it stopped selling in Europe in 2004 . The 2006-2009 versions ’ headlights are more squared-off than the face-lifted in 2010-2011 end of line models . Do not mind if you find a vehicle called the Daihatsu Altis , it is the same vehicle . You will either get the 2.4 four-cylinder engine or the 3.5 V6 , and I advise that you settle for the former . So here are two very different vehicles . One is a premium diesel offering , while the other is a silky smooth and hugely popular petrol powered Japanese brand . Both deliver great value as used cars . Which one should I pick ? I am tempted to settle for the Camry for its all rounded performance and clean power delivery . The lack of diesel smoke and noisy engine rattle is a great attraction . While the gates may not swing open for the Camry as they would for the Mercedes , it does make a strong case for design and space . Perhaps that is the real attraction . If
you are seeking to blend into society without raising red flags , it would be the ideal camouflage . The Mercedes , on the other hand , would still offer the more exciting driving experience here . You will perhaps pay between Sh1.8 and Sh3.5million for these used cars , depending on the year of manufacture . Any difference may be insignificant when you consider the running cost . You might assume that the Mercedes is more expensive to run . That may not be the case here . At the same price I would settle for the Mercedes . If the Toyota costs 30 per cent less , it would be very tempting . What would you choose ? Give us your comment .