Everybody knows that the purchase price is just one part of the cost of running a car. Other expenses, including depreciation, servicing, parts and fuel, need to be factored in when deciding if your budget will stretch to that shiny new car in the showroom.
That’s where Cap HPI’s ‘cost-per-mile’ study comes in. By considering the cost of fuel, depreciation, road tax and service and maintenance, we’re able to produce a list of the top 10 cheapest to run cars in the UK. In all cases, the image used isn’t necessarily reflective of the specification.
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10. Kia Picanto 1.0 1 3dr: 30p
Kia no longer offers the Picanto in a three-door body, so this cost-per-mile is based on the previous generation model. As is the tradition, we feel obliged to add something about Kia’s seven-year warranty.
9. Nissan Micra 1.2 Visia Limited Edition: 30p
The Nissan Micra has gone all uptown funk, with a striking new look and a price tag to match. So don’t bank on a 30p cost-per-mile on the new version and instead hunt down the previous generation Micra (pictured).
8. Toyota Aygo 1.0 X: 30p
The Toyota Aygo is available in no fewer than seven different trim levels, but if you’re looking to spend 30p per mile, you’ll need the basic ‘X’ model. Right now, the entry-level version is available for £8,995, a saving of £260.
7. Peugeot 108 1.0 Access 3dr: 30p
Alternatively, you can opt for the Peugeot 108, which is powered by the same 1.0-litre engine and available for an identical £8,995 price tag. When calculating the running costs over three years, the Peugeot offers a saving of £46. Don’t spend it all at once.
6. Dacia Logan MCV 1.5 Ambiance: 30p
It will come as no surprise to discover that Dacia dominates the upper echelons of the list, occupying 50% of the top six places. First up is the Logan MCV estate car, in Ambiance trim and powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
5. Kia Picanto 1.0 1 5dr: 29p
Once again it’s the old Kia Picanto, but we doubt that the new version will be significantly more expensive to run. Besides, the new version is a much-improved city car and worth an extra penny or so per mile.
4. Dacia Logan MCV 1.2 Access: 28p
The Dacia Logan MCV makes a second appearance, this time with a 1.2-litre engine and in basic Access trim level. The budget wagon offers a massive 573 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded up.
3. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 SZ2: 28p
Only one car manages to upset the Dacia party: the Suzuki Celerio. The city car is the very antithesis of the Ignis, majoring on rational appeal and practical common sense. Suzuki has recently launched the special edition Celerio City, limited to just 500 units.
2. Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi Ambiance: 27p
Cheap to buy and cheap to run: that’ll be the Dacia Sandero. When powered by the 1.5-litre dCi engine, the Sandero is one of only three cars to offer fuel costs below the £2,000 mark.
1. Dacia Sandero 1.0 SCe Access: 25p
But for the ultimate in frugality, you need the Sandero Access, which is now powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Even taking into account depreciation, fuel and servicing, you’ll spend 25p per mile running Britain’s cheapest new car.