OMODA C5 vs Honda BR-V vs Mitsubishi ASX: Which one has the lowest running costs?

How does one of the newest compact crossovers in the local market, the OMODA C5, compare with two rivals from Honda and Mitsubishi?

As the crossover slowly replaces the humble hatchback as the vehicle body style choice of the masses, these high-riding products become more numerous, and therefore, the segment in which they compete becomes more competitive. One of the newest crossovers launched in the local market is the OMODA C5, and if you’re looking to buy one but need to sell your current vehicle first, AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!

The OMODA certainly appears impressive, but how do its running costs compare with the Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi ASX?

The figures

	OMODA C5 1.5T 230T Lux S	Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance	Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS auto
Engine size	4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbo petrol	4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol	4-cyl, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/Torque	115 kW/230 Nm	89 kW/145 Nm	110 kW/197 Nm
Gearbox	CVT	CVT	CVT
Seats	5	7	5
Airbags	6	6	7
Driven wheels	Front	Front	Front
Load Capacity	378-litres	244-litres	406-litres
Fuel capacity	51-litres	42-litres	63-litres
Claimed consumption	6.9 L/100 km	6.3 L/100 km	7.9 L/100 km
CO2 emissions	169 g/km	151 g/km	184 g/km
Service plan	5-year/ 70 000km	4-year /60 000km	3-year/60 000km
Price	R479 900	R479 900	R479 900

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 13%.

Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S

With the instalment parameters in place, the C5 will work out at R8 670 per month over 72 months.

Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance

With the instalment parameters in place, the BR-V will work out at R8 670 per month over 72 months.

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS auto

With the instalment parameters in place, the ASX will work out at R8 670 per month over 72 months.

omoda c5 vs honda br-v vs mitsubishi asx: which one has the lowest running costs?

Fuel consumption

On paper, the Honda has the lowest claimed fuel consumption, followed closely by the C5 and then the ASX. The real-world figures produced by the trio, from our experience, have the order very much the same, with the BR-V being the lightest on fuel by a considerable margin, while the C5 and ASX are similar.

Service plans

All three contenders come with a service plan as standard, with both the OMDA winning-out with a 5-year/70 000km plan, followed by the Honda with a 4-year/60 000km plan and then the Mitsubishi with a 3-year/60 000km plan.

Verdict

Having looked at the data in the first five years of ownership, we would be confident that the Honda BR-V, with its frugal drivetrain, would be the cheapest among the three to run.