Running costs: Renault Duster vs. Ford EcoSport vs. Mazda CX-3

By Ané Theron

 

When we talk running costs, we don't just mean consumption figures, but also servicing, the cost of parts, depreciation value and even the length of the service plan, as these can all influence how much money it costs to keep your car functional and on the road.

Let's see how these 3 compact crossovers compare: The Duster 1.5dCi Dynamique (R288 900), the Ford EcoSport 1.0T Trend (R298 500) and the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active (R299 400).

 

Fuel economy

Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique	Ford EcoSport 1.0T Trend	Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active
1.5-litre turbodiesel engine	1.0-litre turbopetrol-engine	2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol
5.1 litres per 100 km (average)	5.4 litres per 100 km	7.1 litres per 100 km
66kW/210NM	92kW/170Nm	115kW/2016Nm

From the consumption figures above (claimed), you can see that the Duster's turbodiesel engine is going to give you the best consumption, that is if you don't drive it too hard, which will easily raise your litres per 100 km figure to  . Do bear in mind, however, that this variant of Duster has the same engine as the smaller Captur, and doesn't have the same output figures as the other turbodiesels in the range, who are also 1.5-litres, but with 80kW and 250Nm. The Mazda CX-3 is the feistiest by far, and with that desirable power your consumption will undoubtedly rise.

 

Warranty  & Service plans

Duster	EcoSport	CX-3
5-year/150 000 km warranty	4-year/120 000km warranty	3-yr, unlimited km warranty
3-yr/45 000 km service plan	4-yr/60 000 km service plan	3-yr, unlimited km service plan
service every 15 000 km	service every 15 000  km	service every 15 000 km

The Renault Duster has the longest warranty but the shortest service plan, and in the case of downsized turbodiesel engines, you ideally want your service plan to last as long as possible. You also need to make sure you go for regular oil changes and that you really stick to the schedule of servicing every 15 000 km. 

The CX-3, having a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated engine, is the least complex in this lineup, so the shortish warranty/service plan isn't a train smash, and Mazda is known for building cars that do not break easily. The Ford EcoSport's longer 4-year service plan is very welcome, since it's a small turbo-engine will probably take a lot of punishment, since you will probably be squeezing all the power out of it that you possibly can.

 

Parts basket pricing

According to the 2017 Kinsey Report (2018's report is yet to be released), all three contenders have very affordable parts baskets that are very close to one another in price. The EcoSport wins this round, with the Mazda CX-3 in second place, and the Duster in third. 

 

Depreciation 

Both the Renault and the Ford will depreciate more significantly due to the Renault being French (most people are still under the impression that parts are hard to find and that after-sales service isn't good, which is mostly untrue) and Ford's reputation is still suffering because of those engine fires in the Kuga. The CX-3 wins this round for holding on to its value the best.

 

Verdict

While all three cars are excellent, I am leaning towards the Mazda CX-3. For starters, it has enough power so I won't be working the throttle and gearbox too hard, and secondly, it has an excellent reputation for durability as well as reliability. When the time comes to sell the Mazda on, I will still be getting decent money for it. And I love the way it looks too.