Toyota Quantum vs Kia Grand Sedona vs Volkswagen Transporter: which one has the lowest running costs

While many think of the public transport industry when considering the Toyota Quantum, the latest generation model range includes some seriously well-kitted derivatives that will suit both the premium corporate world and indeed, the private sector where families can be transported in absolute luxury.

For our comparison today we will compare the flagship Quantum 9-seater VX Premium with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Kia Grand Sedona SXL and the Volkswagen Transporter. All three models feature four-cylinder turbodiesel engines, automatic gearboxes and offer between 7 and 9 seats. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

The figures

	Toyota Quantum 2.8 LWB bus 9-seater VX Premium	Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi SXL	Volkswagen Transporter 2.0BiTDI 146kW Kombi SWB Trendline Plus 4Motion
Engine size	4-cyl, 2.8-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 2.2-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbodiesel
Power/Torque	115 kW/420 Nm	147 kW/440 Nm	146 kW/450 Nm
Gearbox	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Seats	9	7	8
Airbags	7	6	2
Kerb weight	2 720kg	2 048kg	1 976kg
Towing Capacity(braked)	1 500kg	1 588kg	2 500kg
Fuel capacity	70-litres	80-litres	80-litres
Claimed consumption	12.2 L/100 km	10.7 L/100 km	10.9 L/100 km
Service/maintenance plan	9 service/90 000km(service)	5-yr /100 000 km(service)	5-yr/60 000km(maintenance)
Price	R1 026 800	R930 995	R924 400

 

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with four-cylinder turbodiesel 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 11%.

Toyota Quantum 2.8 LWB bus 9-seater VX Premium

With the instalment parameters in place, the Quantum will work out at R17 590 per month over 72 months.

Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi SXL

With the instalment parameters in place, the Grand Sedona will work out at R15 949 per month over 72 months.

Volkswagen Transporter 2.0BiTDI 146kW Kombi SWB Trendline Plus 4Motion

With the instalment parameters in place, the Kombi will work out at R15 823 per month over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

Our contender all feature four-cylinder turbodiesel engines with the Quantum having the largest displacement at 2.8-litres but weighing the most by nearly 700kg while having the least power and torque figures of the bunch with 115kW and 420Nm. This results in the highest claimed fuel consumption figure here, at 8.7 L./100km.

Both the Kia and the Volkswagen have very similar power and torque figures, with the former producing 147kW and 440 Nm of torque while the latter 146kW and 450Nm with the Kombi weighing-in at just over 70kg less than the Kia.  On paper at least, the Kia has the lowest fuel consumption figure of 8.0 L/100km while the Kombi’s figure is 8.2 L/100km.

Maintenance plans

Our trio have varying service and maintenance plans, with both the Toyota and Kia coming with service plans, the former with a 9-service/90 000km plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty and the latter a 5-year/100 000km plan and 5-yeat/unlimited mileage warranty.  The Volkswagen comes with a maintenance plan, but it is valid for 5-years/60 000km with a 3-year/120 000km warranty.

Verdict

Having looked at the data, it is quite clear that those looking for the most luxurious option would opt for the Quantum, those wanting more capability would opt for the all-wheel drive Kombi, but when looking at running costs, it is the Kia Grand Sedona that emerges as the winner thanks to its lower list price and better claimed efficiency.