The compact crossover segment is big business in 2022, with most major automotive manufacturers offering entrants in this segment. Honda recently introduced a new version of its HR-V, and the newcomer faces stiff competition from a long list of rivals.
For our comparison today we will compare the entry-level Honda HR-V with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. All three models feature four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?
The figures
|
|
Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort |
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+ |
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive |
|
Engine size |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 1.6-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
89 kW/145 Nm |
90 kW/151 Nm |
84 kW/143 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
CVT |
6-speed automatic |
CVT |
|
Seats |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Airbags |
4 |
6 |
6 |
|
Kerb weight |
1 273kg |
1 353kg |
1 190kg |
|
Boot capacity |
304-litres |
433-litres |
433-litres |
|
Fuel capacity |
40-litres |
50-litres |
50-litres |
|
Claimed consumption |
6.0 L/100 km |
7.2 L/100 km |
6.3 L/100 km |
|
Service plan |
4-yr/60 000km |
5-yr /90 000km |
4-yr/60 000km |
|
Price |
R469 000 |
R447 995 |
R452 500 |
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with four-cylinder petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 10%.
Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort
With the instalment parameters in place, the HR-V will work out at R7 820 per month over 72 months.
Kia Seltos 1.6 EX+
With the instalment parameters in place, the Seltos will work out at R7 470 per month over 72 months.
Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive
With the instalment parameters in place, the Creta will work out at R7 545 per month over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
Our contenders all feature four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engines with the Seltos having the largest displacement at 1.6-litres but weighing the most by nearly 100kg. From a power and torque perspective, there is very little to choose between the trio, and in the case of the Hyundai, its lighter kerb weight offsets its slightly lower power and torque figures, while the Honda sits in the middle in terms of weight and power/torque. Looking at the claimed fuel consumption figures for all three models, despite the Hinda being better on paper, in the real world, there will likely be very little difference between the three vehicles considering how similar they are.
Service plans
Our trio have varying service and maintenance plans, with the Kia coming in first place with a 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty. The Hyundai comes in second with a 4-year/100 000km plan and 5-year/150 000km warranty and an additional 7-year/200 000km powertrain warranty. The Honda is third in this category with a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year/200 000km warranty.
Verdict
Having looked at the data, we have to give the Kia Seltos the win in this comparison by virtue of its lower list price and superior service plan, which will make it the cheapest to run throughout the first five years of ownership.
