Kia Rio is a dollar dazzler

A NEW running costs survey has revealed the Kio Rio hatchabck is the cheapest popular model to run, costing $96.78 per week.

The annual survey compiled by a Victorian motoring association, which uses revised methodology this year for more comprehensive results, analyses the running cost performance of the top selling cars in all market segments for private ownership.

The results factor insurance, maintenance, registration, interest payments and depreciation costs as well as the cost of fuel based on a five year ownership period and 15,000km per year.

The Toyota Camry Altise 3.0-litre V6 takes the honours in the large car class at $169.73 per week. Its sister car the Altise 2.4-litre four-cylinder wins in the medium car range at $162 per week. The Toyota Corolla Ascent won in the small car market at $133 per week to run.

At the other end of the scale the Nissan Patrol diesel ST 3.0L ($228.40 per week) and the Nissan Pathfinder Ti 3.3L ($233.79 per week) won in the Large and Medium 4WD segments.

The cheapest compact 4WD to run was the Honda CR-V ($166.40). The cheapest People-Mover was the Kia Carnival LS ($163.64) and the cheapest Prestige car was the Honda Accord V6 3.0L ($189.47).

Ford’s Falcon XT 4.0L with dedicated LPG was the cheapest to run in the LPG segment at $169.22 per week.