Hyundai Creta vs Kia Soul vs Opel Mokka: which one has the lowest running cost?

 

Many buyers now have small crossovers and compact SUVs in their sights, whether for downsizing or because this slice of the market is getting bigger and brighter all the time. To ease the burden of choosing the right compact SUV, we weight up three tempting options and determine which one has the lowest running cost.

Our competitors are the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Soul and the Opel Mokka X. Seeing as the Kia Soul has been discontinued for 2020, we will look at the latest available model while comparing similar drivetrains in the entry level offerings from each manufacturer. If you must have a new Soul, Kia will probably still have a small number in their inventory. All three candidates run on petrol.

 

Related: New Suzuki Vitara vs Mazda CX-3 vs Renault Duster: which one has the lowest running costs?

 

Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive M/T (from R373 900)

The Creta is one of South Africa’s most popular SUVs and has managed to accommodate many a buyer who found the Tucson to be out of reach. The Creta 1.6 Executive M/T produces 90 kW and 150 Nm, at an average fuel consumption of 7.9 l/100km. As one of the leaders in the value-for-money segment, the Creta is built on an ethos of offering consumers a lot for their money, which also includes Hyundai’s class-leading warranty. 

 

Related: Which Hyundai Creta is better: diesel or petrol?

 

Opel Mokka X 1.4 Enjoy M/T (from R368 575)

Producing 103 kW and 200 Nm, the Mokka’s 1.4-litre turbo engine consumes a claimed 5.9 l/100km on average. As suggested by its above-average power and torque numbers, the Mokka X packs a bit more of a punch, compared to its rivals. It surprises with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10.7 seconds, making it the nippiest of the bunch. The quality and reliability of the Mokka X is reflected in steady monthly sales and its warranty is not to be sneezed at either.

 

Related: Is the Opel Mokka good for families? Here’s our verdict.

 

Kia Soul Start 1.6 M/T (2019 model with low km, from R269 990)

The Soul was always destined to be the hip and funky small crossover that appealed to mavericks. Generation 1 looked great, but had a poor ride and a cramped interior. Its successor, that we’re considering here, fixed these ailments while bringing a boot-load of equipment, including a premium sound system with mood lighting. With 91 kW and 152 Nm on tap, the Soul’s performance is similar to the Creta’s. It will complete the 0-100 dash in 10.9 seconds and averages 7.7 l/100km. It’s warranty is almost similar to the Creta’s.

 

Comparing fuel consumption      

Based on the figures above, the Mokka takes the consumption crown, with a claimed average of 5.9 l/100km, while the Creta is the thirstiest at 7.9 l/100 km. However, the ancient Romans used the saying caveat emptor, which has nothing to do with empty caves, but means “buyer beware”. To get close to the Mokka X’s claimed consumption figure, the driver will have to nurse the accelerator carefully as to not (fully) wake up the turbocharger.

 

Depreciation

The last new Kia Soul Start to be sold retailed for R318 995. A year later they (now) go for R270 000 – a depreciation of about 15 percent. 

The Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive, selling for R373 900 new, sees its year-older siblings going for anything from R324 900; a depreciation of 13 percent. 

The Opel Mokka X 1.4 Enjoy retails for R368 575, while similar 2019 models with low mileage can be picked up for around R290 000. This means depreciation of 21%. 

We see the Creta suffering the lowest depreciation. This is largely due to its popularity, the quality of the vehicle and its unbeatable warranty. Surprisingly, the Kia Soul retains its value quite well for now, despite being discontinued from 2020.

The Opel’s depreciation is most likely due to the turbulence caused by the General Motors withdrawal from South Africa and Opel’s lesser warranty. This is quite a pity, as the Mokka X is a fine choice, and Opel still continues to provide South Africans with all the necessary support. 

 

Warranties, service plans and intervals

The Creta benefits from Hyundai’s standard 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, with an additional 2-year/50 000 km manufacturer’s powertrain warranty. Road-side assistance for 5 years/150 000km and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with service intervals of 15 000 km) sweeten the deal.

The Opel Mokka X comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are pegged at 15 000 km or every 12 months. 

Kia’s warranty offering is also quite alluring, with a standard 5-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance, and a 4-year/90 000km service plan. Kia recommends service intervals of 10 000 km. 

While Hyundai is the leader in warranty and support, Kia isn’t far behind. Opel still has some ground to cover to meet the standard set by Hyundai and Kia. 

 

Insurance

A myriad of factors come into play when determining the insurance premiums on a vehicle. These include the client’s claims history, location, type of dwelling and so forth. The following figures, based on the profile of a 33-year-old male in Cape Town, should give you an idea of the monthly premiums you could be letting yourself in for:

Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive: from R1 544
Kia Soul Start 1.6: from R1 386
 Opel Mokka X 1.4. Enjoy: from R1 444

 

Tyre replacement

Our three cars have different wheel- and tyre sizes. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for new tyres from established tyre manufacturers: 

Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive, 205/65 R16 tyres: R1 295 to R 2 406 per tyre
Opel Mokka X 1.4 Enjoy, 215/60 R17 tyres: R1 295 to R2 895 per tyre
 Kia Soul Start 1.6, 215/55 R17 tyre: R1 444 to R2 544 per tyre

 

Our Verdict

The Opel Mokka X seems like an alluring package, given its blend of performance, practicality and price – but, it can’t match the Korean warranties and depreciates more in the first year. The Kia Soul, being discontinued, risks the perception of a diminishing parts supply, even though Kia isn’t known to throw its customers to the wolves.

This leaves us with the Hyundai Creta 1.6 Executive M/T as our winner. It may be slightly more expensive to fuel and insure, but Hyundai’s warranty and slow depreciation rate leaves it a notch above the rest, helping you save money in the long run.

 

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