Nissan's best-selling passenger car in the local market, the Magnite, showcases the shift towards affordable crossovers, but how will it compare with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Suzuki Fronx and the Renault Kiger. All three models feature petrol engines and automatic gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?
Related: Nissan Magnite colours and price guide
The figures
|
|
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Kuro auto |
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX auto |
Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Intens auto |
|
Engine size |
3-cyl, 1.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
3-cyl, 1.0-litre turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
74 kW/152Nm |
77 kW/138 Nm |
74 kW/160 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
CVT |
4-speed auto |
CVT |
|
Seats |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Airbags |
2 |
6 |
4 |
|
Kerb weight |
1 095kg |
1 015kg |
1 060kg |
|
Boot capacity |
336-litres |
304-605-1009-litres |
405-879-litres |
|
Fuel capacity |
40-litres |
37-litres |
40-litres |
|
Claimed consumption* |
6.0 L/100 km |
5.7 L/100 km |
5.4 L/100 km |
|
Service plan |
3-yr/30 000km |
4-yr /60 000km |
2-yr/30 000km |
|
Price |
R351 800 |
R344 900 |
R359 999 |
*Claimed fuel consumption
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models 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 12%.
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Kuro auto
The Magnite will work out at R6 190 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX auto
With the instalment parameters, the Fronx will work out at R6 069 monthly over 72 months.
Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Intens auto
The Kiger will work out at R6 334 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
Our contenders all feature petrol engines. However, the Nissan and Renault feature the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a CVT. The Suzuki features a naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Service plans
Our trio have service plans; however, each product has a different duration, with Suzuki's being best at 4-year/60 000km, followed by the Nissan at 3-year/30 000km and then the Renault with a 2-year/30 000km plan.
Verdict
Looking at the data, we feel that the Suzuki Fronx will have the lowest running costs in the first five years of ownership thanks to its frugal powertrain and superior service plan.
