Front view
The Mazda Axela, the name the Mazda3 was sold under in Japan, is a compact car with more style than most. It is sharp to look at, enjoyable to drive and economical to run, which makes it a favourite for getting around Nairobi without spending a fortune on fuel.
Style on an everyday budget
Most everyday cars are chosen with the head. The Axela is one you can choose with the heart as well. Mazda's design gives it a sleek shape and a cabin that feels a step above its price, and it drives with a precision that makes Nairobi's traffic a little more bearable. It is a smart, understated choice for meetings and evenings out.
Who hires the Axela?
- Solo travellers and couples who want a good-looking, economical car.
- Business visitors who drive themselves around Westlands, Kilimani and Upper Hill.
- Diaspora visitors running errands and visiting family across the city.
- Anyone on a longer stay who wants to keep costs down without driving something dull.
Easy in the city
The Axela's compact size is its superpower in Nairobi. It slips into tight parking spaces at malls and offices, turns easily in narrow estate roads and is light on fuel in stop-start traffic. With seating for five, there is room to bring friends or family along, and the boot takes a couple of suitcases for the airport run. Versions differ between hatchback and saloon, so ask us which one is available for your dates if boot space matters.
Weekends out of town
Although it is at its best in the city, the Axela is comfortable on the main highways too, for a day at Lake Naivasha or a weekend in Nanyuki. Our road trips from Nairobi guide has routes and drive times.
Airport pickups
Share your flight number and we track your flight, so your Axela is waiting in the arrivals area at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). We walk round the car with you, film a quick video walkthrough of the inside and outside, and hand over the keys.
Self-drive or with a chauffeur
Drive it yourself, or add one of our vetted chauffeurs. You need to be 25 or over, with a licence held for at least 2 years, to drive our cars. Many visitors drive on their home licence in English with a photo; check current NTSA rules before you travel, and an International Driving Permit is a safe extra: see the documents you need.
Compare
If you want a little more space, the Mazda CX-5 gives you Mazda style in an SUV. For one of the lowest daily rates in our fleet, look at the Toyota Axio.
See how to book.
What the Mazda Axela costs for a real trip
All in, self-drive: the daily rate, delivery and collection in Nairobi (JKIA included), the cleaning and service fee, and VAT at 16%. Fuel is extra, and you return the car with the same fuel level.
| Hire | Total, VAT included |
|---|---|
| 3 days | KES 26,100 ≈ $201 USD / £152 GBP / €179 EUR |
| 7 days | KES 56,260 ≈ $434 USD / £328 GBP / €387 EUR |
| 14 days | KES 109,040 ≈ $840 USD / £635 GBP / €750 EUR |
The refundable security deposit is on top, and is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection.
With every Urban Escape car
A 2019 model or newer, serviced and cleaned before each hire, with comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS tracking, 24/7 help and a replacement car if the car has a manufacturer (mechanical) issue. Add a vetted chauffeur for KES 4,000 a day in Nairobi or KES 5,000 outside. Cars stay in Kenya and on paved roads; only our Land Cruiser Safari goes on game drives. Pay a refundable reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (we send a card payment link, or M-Pesa details by WhatsApp, phone or email), then the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Free cancellation until the car is handed over.
Why clients choose the Axela
- Stylish Mazda design
- Economical to run
- Easy to park in the city
- Seats five
Ideal for
- City driving and errands
- Solo travellers and couples
- Business visitors
- Longer stays on a budget
Mazda Axela hire: questions
Is the Mazda Axela the same as the Mazda3?
Yes. Axela is the name the Mazda3 was sold under in Japan, where many of the Mazdas on Kenyan roads come from.
Is the Axela a hatchback or a saloon?
It was made in both versions. Ask us which one is available for your dates, especially if you are bringing a lot of luggage.
Can I book the Mazda Axela from abroad?
Yes. Most of our clients book from the USA, UK, Europe and the UAE, and your car is confirmed before you fly. Pay a refundable reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (we send a card payment link, or M-Pesa details by WhatsApp, phone or email), then the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Free cancellation until the car is handed over.
Can you deliver the Mazda Axela to JKIA?
Yes. Share your flight details and we track your flight. The evening before you land we send your driver's name and number, and the driver greets you in arrivals with a sign bearing your name and the car. We also deliver to hotels and homes in Westlands, Kilimani, Karen and across Nairobi. Delivery and collection cost KES 1,000 each way.
Deposit: when your money comes back
You see the exact security deposit for your car in your quote before you book, and again on your booking page. It is fully refundable and due with your remaining balance by handover. It is not an extra charge: it is returned when the car is returned. Your security deposit is refunded immediately after the return handover inspection. It comes back the same way you paid it: by M-Pesa to the number it came from, to the bank account you paid from, back to your card, or in cash. We check the car together and film it, just as we did at handover, and you get a written return receipt. If nothing is owed, you get it all back.
Only these can be taken off:
- fuel below the level you received, at the pump price
- traffic and speed camera fines, parking and tolls, at cost
- a late return, after the 1-hour grace period
- new damage shown on the handover and return videos, up to your Excess Fee for Damage
Anything taken off is on a written list, with the video or a receipt to show it, and there are no admin or processing fees.
Booking with a chauffeur? With one of our chauffeurs driving there is no security deposit and no Excess Fee for Damage. Read our fair damage promise, the rental terms in plain words, every car's price and deposit, and how JKIA airport handover works.