Renault Clio vs Hyundai i20 vs Peugeot 208:Which has the lowest running costs?

Let's compare the running costs of Renault's entry-level Clio with two key competitors to determine which will be the lightest on your wallet!

Renault’s Clio line-up consists of three derivatives, with the Life specification being the most attainable at just over R300 000. Today we will compare the base model Clio with two similarly priced rivals, namely the Hyundai i20 and the Peugeot 208. All three models feature petrol engines and manual gearboxes. The question today is, which has the lowest running costs?

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The figures

*Claimed fuel consumption

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models that we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective, with petrol engines and manual gearboxes. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.

Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Life

With the instalment parameters in place, the Clio will work out at R5 692 per month over 72 month

Hyundai i20 1.2 Motion

With the instalment parameters, the i20 will work out at R5 672 per month over 72 months.

Peugeot 208 1.2 Active

With the instalment parameters in place, the 208 will work out at R5 999 monthly over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

Our contenders all feature petrol engines and 5-speed manual gearboxes, however, the Renault is the only turbocharged model, whereas both the Hyundai and Peugeot are naturally aspirated. From our experience, both the Hyundai and Peugeot models will be able to achieve their claimed fuel consumption figures, while the Renault consumes fuel at a rate closer to 7.0 L/100km. Looking at the kerb weights, engines and claimed figures, we feel that the Hyundai i20 will be the lightest on fuel in the real world.

Service plans

Our trio have varying service plans, with the Chery having the least competitive plan at 5-year/60 000km,  while the Suzuki gets a 6-year/90 000 plan and the Toyota a 6-service/90 000km plan, granting both shared victory in this category.

Verdict

Having looked at the data, in the first five years of ownership, we are confident that the Suzuki Grand Vitara will have the lowest running costs among the three products assembled here.

Keyword: Renault Clio vs Hyundai i20 vs Peugeot 208:Which has the lowest running costs?