How did we calculate it?
For consistency, each vehicle was calculated using the following assumptions:
- 10% deposit.
- Finance over 72 months.
- Interest rate of 12.5% with no balloon payment.
- Daily commute of 22 km each way (44 km per day), equating to approximately 968 km per month.
- Petrol price of R25.00/litre.
- Estimated insurance premiums for an average-risk driver in Gauteng (actual premiums will vary depending on age, location and driving history).
Keep in mind that the following is not included in the calculations:
- Maintenance plans
- Servicing
- Tyres
- Licence renewal
- Depreciation
Estimated monthly ownership costs
| Item | Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 | Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ MT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended retail price | R271 900 | R273 700 | R250 900 |
| 10% deposit | R27 190 | R27 370 | R25 090 |
| Estimated monthly instalment* | R4 710 | R4 740 | R4 345 |
| Estimated insurance | R1 350 | R1 250 | R1 050 |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 5.9 l/100 km | 5.4 l/100 km | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Monthly fuel usage | 57.1 litres | 52.3 litres | 42.6 litres |
| Estimated monthly fuel cost | R1 428 | R1 307 | R1 065 |
| Estimated total monthly ownership cost | R7 488 | R7 297 | R6 460 |
*Finance figures are estimates based on a 72-month agreement at 12.5% interest and exclude initiation fees, monthly service fees and optional credit life insurance.
Where does the money go?
The revised pricing places the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Toyota Starlet much closer together, with less than R2 000 separating their retail prices. As a result, their monthly finance repayments are almost identical. The Polo Vivo still ends up costing slightly more to own each month because of its higher estimated insurance premium and its claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km. Over a typical month of commuting, it uses around 5 litres more petrol than the Toyota Starlet and roughly 15 litres more than the Suzuki Swift.
The Toyota Starlet strikes a good balance between purchase price and running costs. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is more fuel efficient than the Polo Vivo, reducing monthly fuel spend while maintaining virtually the same finance repayment. The Suzuki Swift remains the standout when affordability is the priority. Despite offering the lowest purchase price in this comparison, its biggest advantage comes from its excellent fuel efficiency. With a claimed consumption of just 4.4 l/100 km, it has the lowest monthly fuel bill, while its lower vehicle value also helps keep estimated insurance costs down.
Which is the most affordable?
Based on these estimates, the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ manual remains the clear winner, with an estimated monthly ownership cost of R6 460. The Toyota Starlet follows at approximately R7 297 per month, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo comes in at R7 488 per month. That means choosing the Swift over the Polo Vivo could save buyers around R1 030 every month, or roughly R74 000 over a six-year finance agreement, assuming fuel prices, insurance premiums and commuting distances remain similar.
While the Polo Vivo continues to enjoy a loyal following and strong resale values, and the Starlet offers Toyota’s reputation for reliability, buyers whose priority is minimising their monthly motoring costs will find the Suzuki Swift to be the most economical choice in this comparison.
