Hyundai Grand i10 vs Suzuki Swift vs Citroen C3: Which one has the lowest running costs?
The Hyundai Grand i10, Suzuki Swift and Citroen C3 are incredibly important models for the brands they represent, boasting a significant percentage of each manufacturer's monthly sales volume! Let's compare the trio and determine which has the lowest running costs!
Hyundai has a reputation for producing some of the best budget cars in the local market, and its Grand i10 appears to be a compelling package! Are you looking to buy one of these new compact hatchbacks but must sell your current vehicle first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!
There are six models in the Grand i10 line-up, and we have chosen the entry-level Premium-spec derivative for our comparison today. How do this model's running costs compare with two key rivals, namely the Suzuki Swift and Citroen C3? These models are all similar from a pricing perspective and have been chosen as they compete within the same market space.
Related: Hyundai Grand i10 (2023) First Drive Review
The figures
Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 hatch Premium | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL manual | Citroen C3 1.2 Feel | |
Engine size | 3-cyl, 1.0-litre petrol | 4-cyl, 1.2-litre petrol | 3-cyl, 1.2-litre petrol |
Power/Torque | 49 kW/94 Nm | 61 kW/113 Nm | 61 kW/115 Nm |
Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Fuel consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
Airbags | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Driven wheels | Front | Front | Front |
Load Capacity | 360-910-litres | 268-579-953-litres | 315-litres |
Fuel capacity | 37-litres | 37-litres | 30-litres |
Alloy wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
CO2 emissions | 130 g/km | 116 g/km | 133 g/km |
Service plan | 1-year/15 000km | 2-year/30 000km | 2-year/30 000km |
Price | R 224 900 | R 233 900 | R 242 900 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Related: Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Grand i10: Here's our winner
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.
Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 hatch Premium
With the instalment parameters, the Grand i10 will work out at R3 957 monthly over 72 months.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL manual
The Swift will work out at R4 116 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Citroen C3 1.2 Feel
The C3 will work out at R4 333 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
On paper, the Swift has the lowest fuel consumption, followed by the Hyundai and Citroen. However, in our real-world testing experience, the Suzuki is indeed the most frugal of the trio, with a figure of 5.7 L/100km in our test. During our testing, the Citroen achieved a respectable 6.0 L/100km, and the Hyundai 6.3 L/100km.
Service plans
All three contenders come with standard service plans; however, the Hyundai's 1-year/15 000km plan is the least impressive, while the Suzuki and Citroen share the spoils with their 2-year/30 000km plans.
Verdict
Looking at the data, we would be confident that the Suzuki Swift would be the cheapest car to run over a five-year period, based on its mid-level price, real-world fuel consumption figure and solid service plan relative to rivals!
