Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Suzuki Fronx : Which one has the lowest running costs?
Entry level crossover SUVs have received a few new models recently, so we reckon it's good practice to compare the Hyundai Exter to its contemporaries and see who has the lowest running costs.
Hyundai's Exter is an all-new entry-level crossover SUV that joins the fray with other recent offerings. The entry-level crossover SUV segment is awash with new models to suit your fancy and pique your interest in adventure. We reviewed the Exter, and you can check out our thoughts here.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Hyundai Exter
The Exter is a boxy-looking vehicle with a small but stout look; as the case goes with these sorts of vehicles, body cladding, higher ground clearance, and roof rails are present. The perky, tried, and trusted Kappa engine is in here with your choice of a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). We compared the Exter in 1.2 Executive manual trim to its contemporaries: the Mahindra XUV 3XO in 1.2T MX3 Manual and Suzuki Fronx in 1.5 GL manual.
Looking at the figures
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual | Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL manual | Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 manual | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, Petrol | 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, Petrol | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Turbocharged, Petrol |
| Power/Torque | 61kW / 114Nm | 77kW / 138Nm | 82kW / 200Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L /100km | 5.5 L /100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Driven Wheels | Front | Front | Front |
| Kerb Weight | 940kg | 1005kg | 1379kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37-litres | 37-litres | 42-litres |
| Claimed Range | 649km | 673km | 793km |
| CO2 Emissions | 139 g/km | 129 g/km | 137 g/km |
| Service Plan | 3 years /45 000km | 4 years /60 000km | 3 years /55 000km |
| Price | from R289 900 | from R298 900 | from R274 999 |
*Pricing stated here was correct when publishing and is subject to change without prior notice. Manufacturer figures were also claimed here.
Comparing the figures
Purchase Price
Our comparison here is based on price and body style. When we look at the monthly instalments for these vehicles, though, we'll conduct a quick calculation to see how much it all costs to finance them. We'll calculate using our finance tool and set the parameters at 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate.
| Car | Purchase Price | Monthly Installment |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual | from R289 900 | from R5 101 |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL manual | from R298 900 | from R5 259 |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 manual | from R274 999 | from R4 839 |
The Mahindra takes the win here for the lowest monthly instalment.
Claimed Fuel Consumption
| Car | Fuel Consumption |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual | 5.7 L/100km |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL manual | 5.5 L/100km |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 manual | 5.3 L/100km |
The Mahindra retakes the win for the lowest claimed fuel consumption but by a relatively low margin.
Service Plan
| Car | Service Plan |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive manual | 3 years /45 000km |
| Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL manual | 4 years /60 000km |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 manual | 3 years /55 000km |
Suzuki wins here for having the longest service plan with the greatest distance.
Who wins?
The Mahindra takes the crown here for being the cheapest to buy and finance, having the lowest fuel consumption, and having a more powerful powertrain than its contemporaries. Thus, running this vehicle on a month-to-month basis is most likely to be the cheapest.
You can search AutoTrader for the latest Mahindra, Suzuki and Hyundai offerings and sell your car.
