Running Cost of Local Hatchbacks in 2024

With Rs.290/L fuel cost, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the average middle class to afford the running cost of their vehicle. Unfortunately, fuel prices are expected to increase rather than decrease in the future. Some people might be looking to buy or change their car for various reasons. However, with fuel prices soaring and inflation at a record high, it’s wise to first look at the running cost of the car before you buy it.  So here we are with complete mathematics. We’ve compiled the running cost of hatchbacks in Pakistan that you might be thinking of buying. 

Note that we’ve done mathematics based on the fuel price of Rs.290/L and engine oil and tire prices as of April 2024, and we will continue to update this blog every two months.

Disclaimer: The provided cost per kilometer is an estimate based on commonly used engine oil and tire brands. Actual costs may vary due to factors such as the brand of engine oil and tires used and individual preferences for premium or budget options. Additionally, please note that some dealerships may charge higher prices than those listed on their websites. This estimate is intended as a general guideline and may not accurately reflect individual expenses.

We’re taking the tire’s lifespan of 50,000 Km, which is the average lifespan of tires in Pakistan’s weather and road conditions. 

Suzuki Mehran 

Suzuki Mehran could be your best deal if you’re looking for your first car and want a low-running-cost car. It’s simple with no fancy or high-tech features. It uses Suzuki’s all-time hit 800cc engine. The AC of this car is not so good, but the heater works fine. From its maintenance parts pricing to mechanics’ availability, it’s a 10/10 car and can give you a good deal on the resale as well.

Here’s its running cost:

• Engine oil price: 3,000PKR
• Change interval 4,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 15 km/l
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost: 50,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the total running cost per kilometer for your Mehran is approximately 21.455 PKR

Suzuki Cultus 1st Generation

Cultus is also a good car for those who are just going to upgrade from Mehran. It’s a generation above Mehran and was a successor of Khyber. It’s a 1000cc hatchback and falls in the budget segment category. The AC of this car also works fine without any issue, even working fine in the hot summer days of June to August. 

Here’s its running cost:

• Engine oil price: 4,500 PKR
• Change interval 6,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 13 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 60,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Cultus is 24.258 PKR.

Suzuki Alto 660cc

Alto is the national car of cab-hailing services. Why? Its ultra-good fuel economy, high reliability, and long-lasting built-quality parts make it a good choice. It uses a 660cc small engine that can give you the fuel economy of up to 24 km/l without AC and 18-20 with AC. 

However, the initial spending on Alto is much higher than that on Cultus and Mehran. The new car costs 20+ Lacs for the very base variant, and in used, it’ll still cost about 17-19 Lacs for the base variant. 

But it’s running cost is very cheap:

• Engine oil price: 4,500 PKR
• Change interval 6,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 19.5 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 40,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Alto 660cc is 16.1551 PKR. Now you know why 80% of car-hailing drivers use Alto.

Suzuki WagonR

Suzuki WagonR is the second most popular car in cab-hailing services. It’s reliable and spacious, and its fuel economy is good. The stereo system of WagonR is the best in the league, and its AC performance is superior. Even in the hot July and August months, its AC will not disappoint you. The drive quality is just a bit compromised because of its wagon-style shape and small tires. But other than that, it’s a good and reliable car for a middle-class family.

• Engine oil price: 5,000 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 14 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 40,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the estimated overall cost per kilometer for engine oil, fuel, and tires is approximately 22.51 PKR.

Suzuki Cultus (Latest generation)

The Cultus latest generation is suitable for those who are upgrading from Alto or WagonR. It’s not a generation upgrade from the WagonR, but for the Alto, it is. However, make sure that if you are thinking of selling your Alto and upgrading to the second generation of Cults, its running cost is much higher than the Alto. However, its AC performance and power figures are very good in its league. The drive quality is also much better than Alto and WagonR as well.

• Engine oil price: 5,000 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 14 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 80,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

The estimated overall cost per kilometer for engine oil, fuel, and tires remains approximately 23.31 PKR.

Daihatsu Cuore

Daihatsu Cuore is no longer in production, but it was an excellent car at the time. Of course, the quality of the hatchbacks of Toyota’s daughter company will be unquestionable. Its interior, dashboard, and overall build quality were much superior to those of its competitors at the time. However, its running cost was a bit higher than that of the other cars in its league.

Running cost of Cuore:

• Engine oil price: 5,300 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 9 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 35,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Cuore is 33.9822 PKR.

Kia Picanto

The KIA Picanto is by far the best car in its league in terms of built quality and drive quality. Also, it’s the only hatchback in Pakistan that is being produced internationally, especially in the UAE. Otherwise, other cars like Cultus, Alto, and WagonR aren’t internationally produced by Suzuki. 

From built quality to interior and comfort, it’s a solid car. However, its brand-new cost might not be affordable for the majority of middle-class families, and the running cost is also very high.

The running cost of Picanto is:

• Engine oil price: 6,499 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 10 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 45,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Picanto is 31.2 PKR.

Suzuki Swift (latest generation)

Swift is a premium hatchback by Suzuki. It is also their only locally produced car that is also made overseas, e.g., in Canada, India, and Belgium. Its built quality is up to the mark, and AC performance is superior. The tech goodies it brings with it are comparable to the brand-new Corolla X. However, the upfront buying cost could be expensive. Price-wise, it falls in the same category as Alsvin and City.

Running cost of Swift:

• Engine oil price: 6,000 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 12 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 80,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Suzuki Swift is 26.9667 PKR.

United Bravo 

United Bravo is a Chinese brand 800cc hatchback that was launched in direct competition with Mehran. However, after some time, owners reported its subpar built quality that destroyed the market demand for Bravo. Yes, this car had a cheap built quality, e.g., uneven gaps in multiple corners, fading of tail lights, extraordinary vibrations when starting the engine, very easy-to-break door handles, losing of parts after some time, and more.

Still, it provides power steering, power windows, and a digital speedometer with an RPM meter that Mehran doesn’t offer, so it could be an acceptable option if features are your only consideration.

Running cost of Bravo:

• Engine oil price: 7,000 PKR
• Change interval 5,000 Km
• Fuel economy: 14 km/l with AC
• Fuel price: PKR 290/l
• All four tires cost 40,000 PKR
• Tires lifespan: 50,000 Km

So, the approximate per kilometer cost of Bravo is 22.9143 PKR.