How do petrol vehicles deliver against the key metric of TCO?
21 July 2020
21 July 2020
While diesel sales decline and the electric-vehicle (EV) market continues on a slow growth path, petrol sales dominate across Europe. Last year, 58.9% of all cars registered in the EU were powered by petrol, highlighting their popularity.
Therefore, manufacturers need to concentrate on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when it comes to their model planning, especially in this popular market. Until 2016, petrol was second in market share to diesel, but with the balance shifting, carmakers are continuously developing ways to bring certain aspects of the diesel powertrain to petrol models. This has resulted in the introduction of some very fuel-efficient engines, decreasing fuel consumption to around diesel levels. All of these developments help when it comes to TCO.
In the third of four articles, Autovista Group highlights the importance of TCO with a look at the nominees in the petrol category for the TCO Awards 2020.
Ford Puma 1.0l Ecoboost
The Ford Puma launched 23 years ago as a coupé version of the Fiesta. In January 2020, Ford re-launched the name badge as a Crossover/SUV, entering the highly competitive B-SUV segment. A digital cockpit is offered as standard or as an option, depending on the variant.
The 1.0l Ecoboost engine has three cylinders and offers 125hp. Fuel consumption, according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), is remarkably low for an SUV body type at 4.5l/100km. This represents 132g of CO2 based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light-vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). There is no automatic transmission available in the Puma. The Titanium version is priced at around €23,000. A unique feature is the variable trunk space, which includes a ′mega box’ of 80l to store larger items, or which can be used as a tub for cleaning pets.
′The Ford Puma is a practical and dynamic small SUV, with ample room in the rear and a very useful boot space, enhanced by the ′MegaBox’. The model has a good price-equipment ratio due to a high level of standard equipment, especially technological and safety features, coupled with an attractive list price,’ noted Autovista Group’s senior data journalist Neil King.
Renault Clio V 1.0 TCe 100
The Clio name has a long and successful history for Renault. The price for the 1.0 TCe 100 starts at €16,500 with LED lights and cruise control part of the standard equipment. Consumption is 4.4l/100km (NEDC) and 132 g CO2. With the latest model, you can expect a well-sized and variable trunk, a highlight for the segment. This version of the Clio, a three-cylinder, offers 100hp and was launched in September 2019. The exterior resembles that of the predecessor, which is good for residual value performance as it picks up the previously successful design cues. The platform is new and makes the vehicle roomier than the predecessor. The engine is also new and delivers good value for money.
′This new Clio builds successfully on the legacy of its predecessors,’ said Autovista Group daily brief journalist, Tom Geggus. ′The interior design takes a leap forward when compared with older models, while the exterior gives an important nod to old cues, playing on consumer recognition.’
Dacia Duster TCE 130
The Duster came to market in 2018, but the turbocharged 1.3l 4-cylinder petrol engine was only launched recently. It offers 131hp, consumes 5.9l/100km (NEDC) and emits 148g CO2 (WLTP). It is well designed with several features conveying a good quality of materials and workmanship. Some cues from Renault help here, such as the optional automatic climate control unit.
No LED, xenon headlights and other comfort-oriented features like blind-spot assist, lane-assist, adaptive cruise control, are available, but the Duster offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The price is low, starting at €16,000. No discounts: this helps with RV performance.
Renault Captur II 1.3 TCe 130
The latest version of the Captur was launched in January 2020, seven years after the first-generation model. The price of the 1.3 TCE 130 engine starts at €21,000, with 5l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 141g CO2 emissions. Design-wise, the Captur aligns strongly with the Renault identity. This seems to work well for Renault. Several design cues from the Clio are visible, e.g. in the headlights, and it shares the same platform.
The Captur has grown compared to its predecessor, in both length and wheelbase. The boot size has also grown. The EASY LINK infotainment system and a light interior are the highlights. Choice of materials, including soft-touch plastics, is remarkable for the segment.
VW T-Cross 1.0l TSI
The T-Cross is the most recent addition to Volkswagen’s (VW’s) SUV portfolio. It is less of a crossover and more an SUV, yet still compact. The 1.0l TSI FWD with manual transmission costs around €19,000 and offers 95hp, 5.1l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 133 g CO2 emissions (WLTP).
The insurance classification is excellent, due to several assistance systems coming as standard equipment and lower costs for small repairs. TCO is a product development KPI for VW and low service costs represent an additional highlight. The trunk offers a lot of variabilities.
Peugeot 208 Puretech 100
Launched in September 2019, the 208 features a brand-new 3D digital cluster as standard equipment from the Allure trim upwards. The new 208 is dynamically designed; for example, the standard colour is yellow. Not only does the interior feature an eye-catching and stylish steering wheel, but also, a daring design concept. Three cylinders deliver 100hp, with 4.2l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 122g of CO2 emissions (WLTP). These are good values and relevant from a TCO perspective. Prices start at around €18,000.
′The Peugeot 208 has a sporty, dynamic and emotional design, enhanced by the low roofline and long bonnet. The interior is just as impressive, with some lovely touches such as the 3D i-cockpit and a set of buttons that have a sturdy feel. This, combined with the quality of the materials used around the dashboard and centre console, give the car a classy feel,’ observed King.
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 DI Turbo 100
Launched in November 2019, this is the first Corsa to come to market since PSA and Opel’s merger. Like the 208, the Corsa offers 100hp in one of the 1.2 DI-Turbo engines. It starts at €17,500. The Corsa is 100kg lighter than its predecessor.
The latest ADAS are available, and Matrix LED headlights are too. It is a dynamic interpretation of a B-segment hatchback that still bears the Opel DNA. The fuel consumption is low at 4.2l/100km (NEDC), with 122g CO2 emissions (WLTP). The Corsa is a great alternative if you are looking for performance paired with continuity.
The first article in this series, covering nominees in the battery-electric vehicle category, can be found here. The second article, covering diesel contenders, can be found here. The next article in the series will look at the hybrid market.
The Ford Puma launched 23 years ago as a coupé version of the Fiesta. In January 2020, Ford re-launched the name badge as a Crossover/SUV, entering the highly competitive B-SUV segment. A digital cockpit is offered as standard or as an option, depending on the variant.
The 1.0l Ecoboost engine has three cylinders and offers 125hp. Fuel consumption, according to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), is remarkably low for an SUV body type at 4.5l/100km. This represents 132g of CO2 based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light-vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). There is no automatic transmission available in the Puma. The Titanium version is priced at around €23,000. A unique feature is the variable trunk space, which includes a ′mega box’ of 80l to store larger items, or which can be used as a tub for cleaning pets.
′The Ford Puma is a practical and dynamic small SUV, with ample room in the rear and a very useful boot space, enhanced by the ′MegaBox’. The model has a good price-equipment ratio due to a high level of standard equipment, especially technological and safety features, coupled with an attractive list price,’ noted Autovista Group’s senior data journalist Neil King.
Renault Clio V 1.0 TCe 100
The Clio name has a long and successful history for Renault. The price for the 1.0 TCe 100 starts at €16,500 with LED lights and cruise control part of the standard equipment. Consumption is 4.4l/100km (NEDC) and 132 g CO2. With the latest model, you can expect a well-sized and variable trunk, a highlight for the segment. This version of the Clio, a three-cylinder, offers 100hp and was launched in September 2019. The exterior resembles that of the predecessor, which is good for residual value performance as it picks up the previously successful design cues. The platform is new and makes the vehicle roomier than the predecessor. The engine is also new and delivers good value for money.
′This new Clio builds successfully on the legacy of its predecessors,’ said Autovista Group daily brief journalist, Tom Geggus. ′The interior design takes a leap forward when compared with older models, while the exterior gives an important nod to old cues, playing on consumer recognition.’
Dacia Duster TCE 130
The Duster came to market in 2018, but the turbocharged 1.3l 4-cylinder petrol engine was only launched recently. It offers 131hp, consumes 5.9l/100km (NEDC) and emits 148g CO2 (WLTP). It is well designed with several features conveying a good quality of materials and workmanship. Some cues from Renault help here, such as the optional automatic climate control unit.
No LED, xenon headlights and other comfort-oriented features like blind-spot assist, lane-assist, adaptive cruise control, are available, but the Duster offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The price is low, starting at €16,000. No discounts: this helps with RV performance.
Renault Captur II 1.3 TCe 130
The latest version of the Captur was launched in January 2020, seven years after the first-generation model. The price of the 1.3 TCE 130 engine starts at €21,000, with 5l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 141g CO2 emissions. Design-wise, the Captur aligns strongly with the Renault identity. This seems to work well for Renault. Several design cues from the Clio are visible, e.g. in the headlights, and it shares the same platform.
The Captur has grown compared to its predecessor, in both length and wheelbase. The boot size has also grown. The EASY LINK infotainment system and a light interior are the highlights. Choice of materials, including soft-touch plastics, is remarkable for the segment.
VW T-Cross 1.0l TSI
The T-Cross is the most recent addition to Volkswagen’s (VW’s) SUV portfolio. It is less of a crossover and more an SUV, yet still compact. The 1.0l TSI FWD with manual transmission costs around €19,000 and offers 95hp, 5.1l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 133 g CO2 emissions (WLTP).
The insurance classification is excellent, due to several assistance systems coming as standard equipment and lower costs for small repairs. TCO is a product development KPI for VW and low service costs represent an additional highlight. The trunk offers a lot of variabilities.
Peugeot 208 Puretech 100
Launched in September 2019, the 208 features a brand-new 3D digital cluster as standard equipment from the Allure trim upwards. The new 208 is dynamically designed; for example, the standard colour is yellow. Not only does the interior feature an eye-catching and stylish steering wheel, but also, a daring design concept. Three cylinders deliver 100hp, with 4.2l/100km (NEDC) fuel consumption and 122g of CO2 emissions (WLTP). These are good values and relevant from a TCO perspective. Prices start at around €18,000.
′The Peugeot 208 has a sporty, dynamic and emotional design, enhanced by the low roofline and long bonnet. The interior is just as impressive, with some lovely touches such as the 3D i-cockpit and a set of buttons that have a sturdy feel. This, combined with the quality of the materials used around the dashboard and centre console, give the car a classy feel,’ observed King.
Opel/Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 DI Turbo 100
Launched in November 2019, this is the first Corsa to come to market since PSA and Opel’s merger. Like the 208, the Corsa offers 100hp in one of the 1.2 DI-Turbo engines. It starts at €17,500. The Corsa is 100kg lighter than its predecessor.
The latest ADAS are available, and Matrix LED headlights are too. It is a dynamic interpretation of a B-segment hatchback that still bears the Opel DNA. The fuel consumption is low at 4.2l/100km (NEDC), with 122g CO2 emissions (WLTP). The Corsa is a great alternative if you are looking for performance paired with continuity.
The first article in this series, covering nominees in the battery-electric vehicle category, can be found here. The second article, covering diesel contenders, can be found here. The next article in the series will look at the hybrid market.