Due to rising petrol prices, many car owners in Abuja are now opting for compact cars. Whether it’s a two-door, four-door, hatchback, or sports coupe, smaller vehicles have become increasingly popular among Abuja residents.
Recent investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveal that a significant number of car owners in the capital are selling their larger vehicles in favor of compact cars. These smaller cars are preferred not only for their lower ownership costs but also for their better fuel efficiency.
Vehicle dealers have noted a shift in market demand, with compact car sales now surpassing those of larger vehicles since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Mr. Sankay Yagbaza, a manager at a car dealership in Dawaki, mentioned that customers are now interested in models like the Kia Picanto, Forte, Suzuki Swift, Grand Vitara, Toyota Matrix, and Nissan Micra due to their low fuel consumption.
“The high fuel prices have changed buyers’ preferences; many people now choose public transport over driving large cars,” Yagbaza said. “Previously, small cars like the Picanto and Matrix were mostly bought by women or beginners, but now even men are choosing them for their fuel efficiency.”
John Eze, a manager at a dealership on Airport Road, said that demand for small cars has been so high that he has run out of stock.
“There is a strong demand for vehicles with low fuel consumption, such as the Honda Civic and small Toyota Corolla,” Eze noted.
Mr. Usman Sombo, another dealer in Garki, reported a decline in sales from eight to ten cars per month to just two or three due to a lack of compact cars in stock.
“With low demand for larger vehicles, it’s been difficult to stock up on compact cars, which are now very popular,” Sombo explained.
Lawrence Ogunleye, a civil servant, shared that he switched to a Kia Picanto after owning a Toyota Venza. “The small car has saved me money on fuel, is easier to park, and is more maneuverable, although it feels less safe on highways,” he said.
Samson Ugwuoke, another civil servant, said his Toyota Matrix is economical, costing about N25,000 in fuel weekly. “I also pick up passengers to help cover the fuel costs,” he added.
Mary Jatau, a teacher, reported that her Nissan Micra, bought in July 2023, requires only N20,000 in fuel per week. “It’s more convenient than my husband’s Lexus 330 Jeep, which has become a burden due to high fuel costs,” she said.
Victor Agbo, a lecturer, replaced his Nissan Pathfinder SUV with a hybrid Toyota Camry that uses both petrol and electricity. “The hybrid car switches to electric mode when charged, making it efficient and trouble-free,” he explained.
Auto engineer Sylvester Edosa noted that compact cars have small engines, are lightweight, and consume less fuel. “While larger cars offer more power and prestige, they are more costly to maintain and less fuel-efficient,” he said. “Modern compact cars are also more comfortable to drive and better suited to narrow streets.”
Edosa advised Nigerians to consider compact cars as a way to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices.