Suzuki Jimny 5-door vs Renault Duster vs Kia Seltos: Which one has the lowest running costs?

The latest generation Suzuki Jimny has been a massive global sales success for the brand. With the recent introduction of the 5-door version, more sales are sure to follow.  With added practicality, the Jimny now competes with SUVs from various brands, but how do its running costs compare with two key rivals in the form of the soon-to-be-replaced Renault Duster and Kia Seltos?

Looking to buy one of these SUVs but need to sell your current vehicle first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!

Related: Suzuki Jimny 5-door manual GLX (2024) review - Returning to Clarens in comfort

The figures

	Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door manual	Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen 4WD	Kia Seltos 1.6 EX
Engine size	4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol	4-cyl, 1.5-litre diesel	4-cyl, 1.6-litre petrol
Power/Torque	75 kW/130 Nm	80 kW/260 Nm	90 kW/151 Nm
Gearbox	5-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Seats	5	5	5
Airbags	6	4	6
Driven wheels	All	All	Front
Braked towing capacity	1 300kg	1 500kg	1 100kg
Fuel capacity	40-litres	50-litres	50-litres
Boot volume	211-332-1113-litres	414-litres	433-litres
Ground clearance	210mm	210mm	190mm
Claimed consumption	6.3 L/100 km	5.2 L/100 km	6.9 L/100 km
CO2 emissions	146 g/km	138 g/km	157 g/km
Service plan	4-yr/60 000km	3-yr/45 000km	5-yr/90 000km
Price	R457 900	R465 999	R465 995

 

Related: Top 5 reasons we’re head over heels for the new 5-door Suzuki Jimny

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%.

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door manual- R457 900

The Jimny will work out at R8 057 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.

Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen 4WD- R465 999

With the instalment parameters, the Duster will work out at R8 199 monthly over 72 months.

Kia Seltos 1.6 EX- R465 995

With the instalment parameters, the Seltos will work out at R8 199 monthly over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

There is a massive difference between claimed and real-world fuel consumption. In the case of our trio, the Duster is lighter on fuel than is claimed, with a figure of 5.0 L/100km being achieved by members of the team in the past, while our recent test of the 5-door Jimny yielded a combined economy figure of 7.3 L/100km, while the Seltos is capable of around 8.0 L/100km, from our experience.

Service plans

All three models come with service plans; however, the Kia's is the longer, followed by the Suzuki and then the Renault.

Verdict

Having looked at the data in the first five years of ownership, we would be confident that the Renault Duster would be the cheapest vehicle to run, thanks to the massive savings the owner will make in fuel returns.