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Small car to pamper Kenya ministers’ egos
Mercedes Benz S-Class: Engine capacity: 3000cc, Price: Sh13-20million, Fuel: Petrol and Mercedes Benz E-Class: Engine capacity: 1796cc, Entry price: Sh9million, Price with extra features: Sh18million, Fuel: Petrol.
Posted Thursday, June 18 2009 at 22:30
Kenya’s status-obsessed politicians may soon rush to comply with Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive that they stop using vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 1800ccs.
But you are unlikely to see your favourite minister in a Toyota 100 or a Volkswagen Passat similar to the one Mr Kenyatta used on the day he read his Budget speech.
Because there is a luxurious vehicle that fits the bill — a 1796cc Mercedes Benz E- Class. The engine is small, but the luxury (not to mention the price tag) is exactly how ministers like it: Big.
Extra features
The model with extra features costs Sh18 million, Sh10 million more than the entry-level variety. Extras that inflate the cost of the car include metallic paint that would set you back Sh192,000, a sunroof at an extra cost of Sh396,000 and the leather interior which costs more than Sh300,000.
Standard equipment for the E200 Kompressor include 5-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels, electronic stability programme, six airbags and active front seat head restraints.
At a consumption rate of 8km for every litre of petrol, its fuel usage might be lower, but its cost is not much different from that of cars with bigger engines.
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Submitted by SamurPosted July 07, 2009 05:53 PM
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Submitted by muthinja1
Give the people what they want; didn't Uhuru's dad, with current Prezzo in tow start these craze ages ago? Too late to cry wolf, U.K.
Posted June 19, 2009 06:57 PM -
Submitted by jmugambi
The rated consumption rate for the 2009 E200 Kompressor is ~ 9.9km /litre urban driving, 18.49km/ litre extra urban driving and 14.1km/litre combined driving - ( have a look at http://tinyurl.com/l5f9uq ) 8km that is pretty high for any sub 2000cc car (unless it has a turbo engine). I think the Min for Finance should have had separate limits for petrol and diesel cars, since diesel cars typically consume less. e.g 1800cc limit for petrol vehicles and maybe 2500cc for diesel vehicles.
Posted June 19, 2009 10:01 AM -
Submitted by ronns
Uhuru should have put a limit on the price of the vehicle as well, say maximum 5 million. He has achieved totally nothing. A toyota corolla will squeeze 4 extra kilometers from a litre of petrol when compared to the vehicle above.
Posted June 19, 2009 07:02 AM -
Submitted by Akaali
Engine size and fuel consumption or emissions are not directly linked. Many large modern engines are more efficient than older small engines.
Posted June 19, 2009 01:11 AM
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I think Kenyans have been misused by politicians for long.Its the high time we get the country back.They should use the recommended vehicles with no questions or arguments.When you employ someone he must follow what you say and use what you recommend.