There are many sure-fire options within the budget crossover segment, and we feel that the new Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia's Sonet and the Suzuki Grand Vitara are among the best of the breed! Looking to buy one of these budget crossovers but need to sell your current vehicle first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!
There is only one powertrain option within the Urban Cruiser range, so how do the base model's running costs compare with two key rivals in the form of the Kia Sonet and Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Related: How popular is the Toyota Urban Cruiser?
The figures
|
|
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS |
Kia Sonet 1.5 LX |
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GL |
|
Engine size |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
77 kW/138 Nm |
85 kW/144 Nm |
77 kW/138 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
5-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
5-speed manual |
|
Seats |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Airbags |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
Driven wheels |
Front |
Front |
Front |
|
Load Capacity |
353-litres |
392-litres |
310-litres |
|
Fuel capacity |
45-litres |
45-litres |
45-litres |
|
Claimed consumption |
6.1 L/100 km |
7.0 L/100 km |
6.0 L/100 km |
|
CO2 emissions |
146 g/km |
160 g/km |
142 g/km |
|
Service plan |
Four service/ 60 000km
|
4-yr/60 000km
|
6-yr/90 000km
|
|
Price |
R337 600 |
R338 995 |
R347 900 |
Related: Does the Toyota Urban Cruiser come in automatic?
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%.
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS
With the instalment parameters, the Urban Cruiser will work out at R5 940 monthly over 72 months.
Kia Sonet LX
With the instalment parameters, the Sonet will work out at R5 965 monthly over 72 months.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GL
The Grand Vitara will work out at R6 121 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
On paper, the Suzuki has the lowest fuel consumption, but since it is mechanically identical to the Toyota, and the fact that Kia's powertrain and kerb weight is so similar to the Suzuki and Toyota means that in the real world, there will be very little between the three in terms of efficiency.
Service plans
All three contenders come with service plans, but Suzuki's 6-year/90 000km plan is the best among the trio.
Verdict
Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we would be confident that all three products would cost a similar amount to run, but the Kia is relegated to third position on account of its higher fuel consumption. There can only be one winner, and thanks to its marginally lower list price, we feel that the Toyota Urban Cruiser would be the cheapest to run. The R10 000 more costly list price of the Suzuki negates its longer service plan somewhat. However, those keeping the car for more than five years will reap the benefits of the 6-year plan with the Grand Vitara.
