An online tool used to calculate vehicle running costs has named a three-door hatchback as the most economical car on Australian roads.
Motoring body the NRMA operates the online tool so motorists can calculate and compare the running costs of cars.
Users can look at the average weekly fuel bill, average annual running cost, and average weekly whole-of-life expense for some 500 models for sale in 2008 and 2009.
"Costs are calculated using average retail prices and take into account depreciation, opportunity interest, registration, comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, maintenance and repairs and fuel," NRMA spokesman Brad O'Hara said in a statement.
"Motorists may be surprised to learn that the average whole-of-life cost for a light car is over $130 per week, while owners of an average large sports utility vehicle will be looking at almost $300 a week. These figures are more than 10 per cent higher than 2007 survey costs."
The tool currently shows the three-door Hyundai Getz 1.4-litre hatchback as the cheapest car on the Australian market, with a whole-of-life cost per week of $129.22.
The calculations are based on an ownership period of five years, with the car travelling a distance of 15,000km a year.
To find the results of other vehicle classes, visit www.mynrma.com.au/runningcosts.
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