Toyota GR Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf R vs Mercedes-AMG A35 : Which one has the lowest running costs?
Performance hatchbacks may not be as plentiful as they used to be, but some models are still around. We check out three of the latest breed of premium performance machines and how much they will cost you to own.
All-wheel drive hot hatch showdown
The heyday of the performance hatchback may be gone, as very few automotive manufacturers still offer models. The reasons vary wildly, but the market these machines cater to has grown up and moved on. Another reason is that the cost of these machines has become prohibitive for what is essentially a weekend toy.
Related: Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T GR-Four Circuit (2023) Review
There are still some holdouts, folks who don't mind attacking speed bumps at an angle and standing out in a sea of generic SUVs. For them, the hot hatch has evolved into the premium sports hatchback, vehicles that hover around the 1 million rand mark, deliver obscene amounts of power and a dynamic drive that will leave you breathless, but how much does it cost to run these cars? Look at the big three: Toyota with the GR Corolla, Volkswagen with the Golf R and Mercedes-AMG with the A35.
Mercedes-AMG A35 (2020) Video Review
Volkswagen Golf R (2023) Video Review
Important figures
| Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T GR-Four Circuit | Volkswagen Golf R | Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic | |
| Engine | 1.6L 3-cylinder turbo petrol | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 221kW / 370Nm | 235kW / 400Nm | 235kW / 400Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | 7 Speed DSG | 8-speed DCT |
| Top Speed | 230km/h | 250km/h | 250km/h |
| Fuel Cons. (Claimed) | 8.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Cons. (As tested) | 11.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Driven Wheels | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Airbags | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| Warranty | 3 Year / 100 000 km | 3 year / 120 000 km | 2 Year / Unlimited Km |
| Service plan/Maintenance | 9 Service (service plan) | 5 year (maintenance plan) | 5 year (maintenance plan) |
| Duration | 90 000 km | 100 000 km | 100 000 km |
| Price | R 948 100 | R 1 016 600 | R 1 299 632 |
The GR Corolla falls slightly short of the other two in terms of outright performance, but it is cheaper. Overall, the fuel economy is relatively poor for all, as you won't be hyper-miling these cars, and their consumption figures go sky-high when pushed.
Repayments
These vehicles are aimed at performance enthusiasts, so buyers should expect a healthy 12% interest rate, depending on credit history, if they put down a 25% deposit or trade-in and finance over 72 months.
| Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T GR-Four Circuit | Volkswagen Golf R | Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic | |
| Price | R 948 100 | R 1 016 600 | R 1 299 632 |
| 25% Deposit | R 237 025 | R 254 150 | R 324 908 |
| Monthly Installment | R 13 902 | R 14 906 | R 19 056 |
The Mercedes will experience the most significant depreciation over two years, with the Golf losing the least and the GR Corolla falling somewhere between the two.
Service and maintenance
These new vehicles are available with service and maintenance plans that cover the costs of your services and maintenance for the first few years of ownership. Click here to see the difference between service and maintenance plans.
With these vehicles being relatively new, there is sparse data surrounding out-of-plan costs.
It is highly advisable to examine the warranty and service plan exclusions closely to determine what you are and aren't covered for. Replacing parts of the AWD drive systems could be prohibitively expensive.
Verdict
The GR Corolla may have the lowest cost to enter this segment, but it seems the Volkswagen Golf R will cost you the least over time thanks to slower depreciation, marginally lower fuel returns and its superior maintenance plan versus the service plan in the Toyota. The Mercedes-AMG A35 is a superior product but will ultimately be the most expensive.
