Ford Figo vs Volkswagen Polo Vivo vs Hyundai Grand i10: which one has the lowest running costs?

As with the other vehicles in this comparison, you won't spend much time on the road before spotting a Ford Figo. The compact hatchback has not only been embraced by students and professionals locally but also by businesses with company fleets. While the Ford Figo might share components with the previous Fiesta model, it retains a unique and modern design.

 

Related: Is the Ford Figo good for new drivers? Here’s our verdict.

 

Using the same methodology as with the Figo, Volkswagen created the Polo Vivo using the previous generation Polo. While it remains mostly the same as the model it is based on, the Polo Vivo does see styling changes on the exterior. The Hyundai Grand i10 replaced the i10 and sits above the new Hyundai Atos.

 

Ford Figo hatch 1.5 Trend - initial cost

The Ford Figo hatch offers up 88 kW and 140 N.m of torque from its 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Although the model used for this comparison sees a 5-speed manual transmission fitted, there is a 6-speed automatic transmission available at an R24 700 premium. Featuring as standard equipment are dual front airbags, alloy wheels and ABS brakes.

The Ford Figo hatch 1.5 Trend will cost the owner R218 500 including VAT and emissions tax. This translates into a monthly repayment of R 3 844.55 when taken over 72-months with a 10% deposit, no balloon and an interest rate of 12%.

 

Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Trendline - initial cost

Under the bonnet of the Polo Vivo sits a slightly smaller 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combination produces 55 kW and 130 N.m of torque. Similar to the Figo, the Polo Vivo offers dual front airbags, ABS brakes and airconditioning, however, alloy wheels are optional.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Trendline costs R215 900 including VAT and emissions tax. This translates into a monthly repayment of R 3 798.80 when taken over 72-months with a 10% deposit, no balloon and an interest rate of 12%.

 

Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid - initial cost

Although the Hyundai comes fitted with the smallest capacity engine of the three, 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor, it offers more power than the Polo Vivo. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the engine is capable of 64 kW and 120 N.m of torque. While offering similar specification as with the Ford Figo, the Grand i10 bolster the driver experience with the incorporation of a multi-function steering wheel.

The Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid costs R219 900 including VAT and emissions tax. This translates into a monthly repayment of R 3 869.18 when taken over 72-months with a 10% deposit, no balloon and an interest rate of 12%.

 

Fuel consumption

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a compact hatchback is the fuel return. Urban commuting can negatively affect a vehicle's fuel consumption with constant braking and accelerating from traffic lights and stop signs. With its small engines and lightweight bodies, compact hatchbacks mitigate this issue, however, some still do it better than others. 

	Ford Figo	Volkswagen Polo Vivo	Hyundai Grand i10
Average fuel consumption	5.7 L / 100 km	5.7 L / 100 km	5.9 L / 100 km
Fuel tank	42 L	45 L	43 L
Average range	737 km	790 km	729 km

 

Warranty and services

The Ford Figo comes with a competitive 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and 4-year / 60 000 km service plan as standard. While the Volkswagen comes with a 3-year /120 000 km warranty, maintenance and service plans are optional. The Hyundai not only offer a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty on its vehicles but also a 7-year / 200 000km warranty on the drivetrain. Owners further benefit from a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan.

 

Verdict

Although the Volkswagen Polo Vivo offers the lowest initial cost, it lacks a standard service plan and will increase the total purchasing price. This is where the Ford Figo shines out as even though the Hyundai offers a better warranty, the Figo provides for a longer service plan period and mileage.

 

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