2008 Fielder 1.5X or Wingroad y12…Which one is it?
Enthusiasts of these different cars will support them with
zeal and adamancy more than they deserve, simply because they belong to the
same category; a budget wagon for daily use. Actually, as a typical Kenyan,
having driven them both, I don’t know where I belong. The weaknesses of one is the strongest point of the other. Nonetheless, this is my firsthand
experience with the two. In writing this article, I have concentrated so hard
that I would barely blink, my spine aches from a long linear sitting trying to
comb the passive bias that would definitely encompass such a review. Honesty is
my strongest conviction.
Specs
2008 Fielder 1.5X
Engine
Code
|
1 Nz-FE
|
Ratings
|
1500cc Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with variable valve lift
|
Power
|
108 bhp @ 6000rpm
|
Torque
|
140Nm (103 ft.lb) @4200 rpm
|
Compression ratio
|
10.5: 1
|
Other specifications
Transmission
|
Lineartronic CVT
|
Kerb Weight
|
1200Kg
|
Fuel Tank Capacity
|
50 liters
|
Drive
|
Front Wheel Drive
|
2008 Y12 Wingroad
Engine
Code
|
HR15DE
|
Ratings
|
1500 cc DOHC variable valve lift with ECCS
|
Power
|
108 bhp @6000 rpm
|
Torque
|
148 Nm (109 ft.lb) @ 4000 rpm
|
Compression ratio
|
10.5:1
|
Other specifications
Transmission
|
X-Tronic CVT
|
Kerb Weight
|
1190
|
Fuel Tank Capacity
|
45 liters
|
Drive
|
Front Wheel Drive
|
First Impressions
Entering the 2008 fielder does not feel like anything
special. The Dash is all-plastic but Toyota has done a decent work in installing
a new generation instrument panel. Stepping on the break and shifting the lever
to D feels modern to say the least with a faux tiptronic feel. The engine noise
can be heard with the modest acceleration. The independent MacPherson strut at
the front does good job in absorbing the uneven Kenyan roads, potholes and
bumps. The torsion/twist beam axle at the rear feels bouncy without passengers
at the back when speedinge past 100km/hr in the wall separated
Waiyaki way stretch. The overall ride is smooth, the 1.5 liter power plant struggles
to keep up with the body weight but gets the work done. Entering the wingroad
feels roomier compared to the fielder and is more composed with a uniform
design. It readily feels boring but practical. The Nissan is quieter at idle as
the revised X-tronic functions to keep the engine speed as low as possible. The
Nissan feels punchier than the fielder in acceleration as it boasts of more
torque that comes early in the rev-range. Experienced driver will not fail to
notice the fake gear changes that are actuated by computer in the Nissan. The ride is softer and
the car easily springs in bumps making it hard to drive at speeds past 80kmhr
in the rugged Waiyaki way.
 |
| 2008 Toyota Fielder 1.5X Grade |
 |
| 2008 Nissan Wingroad y12 |
Which one is better
That entirely depends with what you want to do with the car.
The fielder is good for personal use as it has better ride feel and seems more
planted in the roads. I can vouch for the wingroad for any Taxi person. It has
better fuel economy compared to the fielder in both long and short distances,
it is roomier at the back and is cheaper to export from Japan. The fielder has five liter fuel tank capacity advantage compared to the Wingroad. Each vehicle has different trims that come loaded with different features; of course, the more the features the higher the price tag.
Other than that, you are more likely to encounter armed gang
men while using a fielder compared to the Wingroad. All the vehicles have spares readily
available in the country and the expenses for repair are nearly equal. The Toyota
seemingly has better build quality compared to the Nissan when the two are
extensively used and abused, but this is a personal opinion since the two
vehicles haven’t stayed in the country for more than three years since onset
importation from Japan.
 |
| Rear Wingroad Y12 |
 |
| Rear: 2008 Fielder 1.5X |
So, Why is the Fielder famous in Kenya
The importation of the Fielder started quit earlier compared to the Wingroad. The production of Wingroad commenced in 1999. By the time the first unit touched the Kenyan soil, there were already fielders around. The fielder also enjoys a reputable heritage coming from the same lineage with the uber-reliable L and G-touring wagons. Additionally, the fielder enjoys the "myth" of resale value that is so dear to Kenyans. Nissan having partnered with Renault to jointly produce engines and some of their vehicles is simply waiting for the test of time. The previous (Y11) model did not favor well with Kenyan roads as most became worn at their "tender" ages compared to competition. The Wingroads are steadily earning the Kenyans' trust.
Feel free to comment, add or critic the article
Import both at a discounted price with SBT Japan Kenyan office. Contact Darmien 0715469229 for good deal.
