SUZUKI CELERIO MAZDA 2

As the least expensive vehicle considered in this year’s survey, the Suzuki Celerio certainly started its campaign on the right foot.

Tiny engines are the norm in this class; however, the Suzi’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder is really small and, at 4.7L/100km, uses less fuel based on the official combined cycle test than each of its three- and four-pot rivals. Its annual insurance premium of $ 524.13 made the Celerio the second least- expensive car to insure of the whole field, while a 46 percent three-year retained value forecast means it sheds just over $7000 in three years, which is less than any other Gold Star contender.

No car is cheaper to own. Only the Suzuki’s three-year, 100,000km warranty falls short of best practice.

It’s virtually impossible to invoke financial ruin buying a $14,990 Japanese car like the Mazda 2 Neo. The only cars that cost less are in the Citycars class and, while cheaper, they’re not necessarily better value for money.

Let’s compare the Mazda to the rest of the Gold Star field for a bit of context. The Commodore Evoke, which won the Large category, will lose more to depreciation in three years than the Mazda costs. The Large category-winning Hyundai Genesis will use twice as much fuel and the Mercedes E200, which won Premium Large, will cost nearly three times as much to insure. This year’s most costly placegetter, the Audi A6, will cost $ 47,500 over three years, including depreciation, fuel and insurance – the Mazda 2 Neo will only cost $11,583 and that’s comparing it with cars that are considered good value in their categories.

As well as being easier on the back pocket than a big, powerful car, the Mazda 2 Neo will save a few bucks compared to its classmates by being a bit more economical and having longer service intervals.