Suzuki Swift vs Volkswagen Polo Vivo vs Ford Figo: which one has the lowest running costs?
For many mainstream manufacturers, the bread and butter cars come from the B-segment — more specifically, the budget contenders within this segment. These products are often based upon older models, as is the case with the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, or fresh new cars, as is the case with our other two contenders: the Suzuki Swift and Ford Figo. They are both ground-up redesigns of their manufacturers' B-segment cars, only built with basic features and low cost in mind.
Initial cost prices are key in this market segment, followed closely by running costs. So how do these key competitors stack-up? Note that we will not include insurance costs, as these vary too much from person to person. It should still be factored-in with the running costs listed below, however.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
As a brand, Suzuki has a reputation for selling some of the most efficient cars on the market; with many an automotive journalist having achieved the brand's claimed fuel consumption figures when reviewing the car. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Japanese brand's combined fuel consumption claim for the Swift of 4.9 L/100km is achievable. To gauge just how efficient the Suzuki is, we need to compare it with two rival products in terms of fuel consumption. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is frequently our local best-selling passenger car, and only occasionally out-sold by its newer Polo sibling. The model chosen is the higher-spec GL manual which retails for R 183 900.
The rivals
The Vivo chosen for this comparison is the base model 1.4 Trendline 55 kW manual. The tried and trusted 1.4 MPI motor is renowned for reliability and efficiency, and in this specification will set you back R 198 200.
The second competitor is the Ford Figo, a budget car that’s big on space, and offers a potent-for-the-segment, 1.5-litre petrol engine. The model selected for this comparison is the base model Figo hatch Ambiente, which retails for R 195 200.
Analysis:
Pricing:
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: R183 900
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: R198 200
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: R195 200
Engine power and torque
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 61 kW/ 113 N.m
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: 55 kW/ 130 N.m
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 88 kW/ 150 Nm
Monthly HP costs (0% deposit with a 13% interest rate)
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: R 3 784.87pm
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: R4 071.93pm
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: R4 011.70pm
Fuel consumption
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 4.9 L/100km
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: 5.7 L/ 100km
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 5.7 L/100km
Tyre size
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 185/65 R15
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: 175/70 R14
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 175/65 R14
Parts basket
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: R 2 601.9
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: R3 136.05
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: R4 285.47
Repair parts basket
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: R15 056.56
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: R13 543.50
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: R12 446.03
Service intervals
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 15 000km
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: 15 000km
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 15 000km
Service plan
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 30 000km/ 2 years
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: Optional
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 40 000km/ 4 years
Warranty
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL: 200 000km/ 5 years (promotional)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline: 120 000km/ 3 years
Ford Figo 1.5 Ambiente: 120 000km/ 4 years
Verdict
The information supplied provides a clear winner: the Suzuki Swift comes out tops in this comparison, although not by all that much. Its low kerb weight and punchy 1.2-litre motor allow for low fuel consumption, and its parts basket is affordable. It also has the lowest monthly HP costs, and the lowest claimed fuel consumption.
The Figo comes out second, with an impressive service plan, which will save the buyer the cost of two services over the Suzuki, while offering the lowest repair parts basket here along with the second-lowest monthly installment.
That leaves the segment's best-selling car, the Polo Vivo, to end up third in this test. This due to its higher list price, lack of a standard service plan, and its middling performance in both the repair and maintenance parts baskets respectively. The Vivo may just claw its owner back some money when it comes to selling one day though, which is worth considering.
Recommended next:
Shop for new and used Suzuki Swift cars for sale here.
Shop for new and used Ford Figo cars for sale here.
Shop for new and used Volkswagen Polo Vivo cars for sale here.