Santa Fe gets cheap tick

The Santa Fe SLX R-Series diesel bagged top billing as the least expensive vehicle to run in Australia in the medium SUV class, costing $32.03 dollars per week in fuel, with a whole-of-life cost of $179.28 per week, according to the NRMA's consumer calculator. Three Santa Fe model variants featured in the top ten for the medium SUV class.

Calculations are for private ownership in New South Wales and are based on an annual distance of 15,000 kilometres travelled over an ownership period of five years. The formula takes into account the negotiated vehicle price, depreciation, opportunity interest, registration, comprehensive insurance, NRMA membership, maintenance, repairs and fuel.

The NRMA's annual report assesses a comprehensive list of over 1200 new vehicles, using the NRMA's operating cost calculations to ascertain 'whole of life' costs. The car operating costs calculator is a useful tool for all new car buyers, and can be accessed by visiting www.mynrma.com.au.