Those looking for a medium-sized panel van can choose between three competent products, one from Fiart, one from Opel and Volkswagen. Which one will have the lowest running costs, though?
Running costs are incredibly important in commercial vehicles, and Fiat’s Doblo Cargo looks well priced, but how do its running costs compare with two key rivals? Today we will compare the base model Doble Cargo with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Opel Combo Cargo and the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo.
The figures
*Fuel consumption from a Road test conducted in another market.
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 10%.
Fiat Doblo Cargo 1.3 Multijet
With the instalment parameters in place, the Doblo will work out at R6 668 per month over 72 months.
Opel Combo Cargo 1.6TD
With the instalment parameters in place, the Combo will work out at R6 519 per month over 72 months.
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo 1.6 panel van
With the instalment parameters in place, the Caddy will work out at R6 886 per month over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
Both the Fiat and Opel feature turbodiesel engines while the Caddy has a naturally aspirated petrol. The Volkswagen has the least torque and is the heaviest while having the highest claimed fuel consumption. On paper, the Opel appears to be the lightest on fuel, but in the real world, the Fiat and Opel should be similar in terms of fuel economy.
Service plans
Our trio all come with 3-year/60 000km service plans, however, in terms of warranties, the Fiat and Opel beat out the Volkswagen with a 5-year/100 000km warranty on the former and a 3-year/120 000km warranty on the latter.
Verdict
Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we feel that the Opel Combo Cargo will be more affordable to run than both the Fiat Doblo Cargo and the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Fiat Doblo Cargo vs Opel Combo vs Volkswagen Caddy: Which one has the lowest running costs?