The Geely Monjaro is a flagship SUV that has captured attention in the UAE with its blend of Chinese engineering, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. As a newcomer in the competitive SUV segment, the Monjaro offers premium features at an attractive price point. For potential buyers in the UAE, understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) is essential to making an informed decision. This blog post breaks down the various expenses involved in owning a Geely Monjaro in the UAE, covering factors like purchase price, fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.

Purchase Price: A Premium SUV at a Competitive Price

The Geely Monjaro is designed to compete with established SUV brands, offering luxurious features at a significantly lower price than European or American counterparts. In the UAE, the Monjaro new car prices typically retail between AED 116,900 to AED 131,900, depending on the trim level and optional features.

For this price range, buyers get an SUV that comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a host of features like adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced infotainment systems. While the initial purchase price is quite appealing, especially for those looking for a high-spec SUV, it is important to consider additional costs down the line.

Fuel Costs: Efficient but Powerful

The Geely Monjaro’s 2.0-litre engine provides both power and efficiency, making it suitable for long highway drives and city commuting. In the UAE, where fuel prices are relatively affordable, fuel costs are generally not a huge burden. However, for an SUV of this size, it’s still important to estimate monthly expenses.

The Monjaro delivers an average fuel economy of 8-10 km/l, depending on driving conditions. Assuming an annual mileage of 20,000 km, you can expect to spend around AED 5,000 to AED 6,500 per year on fuel, considering the current price of petrol in the UAE.

Insurance: Affordable Coverage for a Mid-Range SUV

Insurance is a significant recurring expense that needs to be factored into the cost of owning any vehicle. For a new Geely Monjaro, insurance premiums in the UAE typically range between AED 2,800 to AED 4,500 annually. The cost will vary based on factors like the driver's age, driving history, and the coverage options chosen (comprehensive insurance is highly recommended).

The relatively affordable price of the Monjaro and its safety features can help keep insurance costs lower compared to some luxury brands. Opting for higher deductibles can also reduce premium costs.

Maintenance and Servicing: Competitive Rates

The cost of maintaining a Geely Monjaro is competitive compared to similar SUVs in its segment. Geely offers excellent after-sales service in the UAE, and many new Monjaro owners can benefit from warranty coverage. The manufacturer’s warranty generally covers 3 to 5 years or 100,000 kilometres, depending on the dealer and package chosen.

For regular servicing, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, you can expect to pay between AED 600 to AED 1,200 per service, depending on the complexity of the work. Typically, Geely recommends service intervals of every 10,000 kilometres. This means an average annual service cost of AED 2,000 to AED 4,000, depending on usage.

Depreciation: A Factor to Consider

One of the key considerations when buying any new vehicle is depreciation, which refers to how much the car’s value decreases over time. Chinese cars, like the Geely Monjaro, tend to depreciate faster than some European or Japanese models in the UAE market. This can be attributed to factors such as brand recognition and resale demand.

In the first year, it is common for the Monjaro to lose about 15-20 percent of its value, and over a 3- to 5-year period, depreciation can range from 40-50 percent. While this might seem significant, the relatively lower purchase price of the Monjaro compared to other premium SUVs softens the financial impact of depreciation.

Registration and Licensing: Minimal Administrative Costs

In the UAE, vehicle registration and licensing fees are generally straightforward. For the Geely Monjaro, the cost of annual registration is around AED 400 to AED 500, which is standard for all vehicles in the country. Additional costs, like inspection fees or fines, could arise but are usually minor unless there is a specific issue with the vehicle.

Road Tolls and Parking: Urban Expenses

If you are using the Geely Monjaro primarily in city areas like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you will need to factor in road tolls and parking fees. Tolls in Dubai, for example, are charged at AED 4 per crossing via the Salik system. Depending on how frequently you pass through toll gates, you could be spending an additional AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 per year on tolls.

Parking costs vary by location but can be substantial in urban areas, with paid parking zones charging AED 2 to AED 10 per hour.

Conclusion: A Premium SUV with Manageable Costs

The Geely Monjaro is an attractive option for buyers in the UAE looking for a feature-packed SUV at a reasonable price. While it does come with typical costs of ownership—fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation—these are relatively affordable compared to other premium SUVs in the market. The Monjaro’s competitive price point, combined with its luxury features and solid after-sales support, makes it a viable option for those seeking a high-quality SUV without breaking the bank.

By considering all the associated costs and planning accordingly, you can make an informed decision and enjoy all that the Geely Monjaro has to offer in the UAE.