Hyundai i30 N vs Volkswagen Golf GTI vs BMW 128ti: Which one has the lowest running costs?

The humble performance hatchback has evolved from a basic performance machine into a value-packed allrounder that can be used for a variety of driving tasks. There is a new i30 N available locally, now with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but how does its running costs compare with two well-established rivals?

Today we will compare the i30 N with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the BMW 128ti. All three models feature petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

The figures

	Hyundai i30 N	Volkswagen Golf GTI	BMW 128ti
Engine size	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol
Power/Torque	206 kW/392 Nm	180 kW/370 Nm	180 kW/380 Nm
Gearbox	8-speed dual-clutch automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic	8-speed automatic
Seats	5	5	5
Airbags	7	6	6
Kerb weight	1 455kg	1 463kg	1 505kg
Boot capacity	381-litres	374-litres	380-litres
0-100 km/h	5.4 seconds	6. 4 seconds	6.3 seconds
Claimed consumption	8.9 L/100 km	7.0 L/100 km	6.8 L/100 km
Service plan	5-yr/75 000km	5-yr /90 000km	5-yr/100 000km (maintenance)
Price	R749 900	R696 700	R744 260

 

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with 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%.

Hyundai i30 N

With the instalment parameters in place, the i30 N will work out at R12 503 per month over 72 months.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

With the instalment parameters in place, the GTI will work out at R11 616 per month over 72 months.

BMW 128ti

With the instalment parameters in place, the 128ti will work out at R12 409 per month over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

Our contenders all feature 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines with automatic gearboxes. From a power and torque perspective, there is very little to choose between the Volkswagen and BMW while the Hyundai is noticeably more powerful. The BMW is the lightest on fuel on paper, however, in the real world, our trio will very quite similar in terms of fuel economy.

Service plans

There is a clear winner in the service plan department and that is the BMW, which is the only model to feature a maintenance plan, taking care of expensive items such as brakes for five years or 100 000km. Both the Volkswagen and Hyundai trade blows with the GTI having a superior service plan, but the i30 N featuring a more comprehensive warranty.

Verdict

Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we are confident that the BMW 128ti will be more affordable to run than both the Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf GTI in terms of running costs.