BAIC D20 vs Suzuki Celerio
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 65% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| D20 | Celerio | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 149 990 | R 188 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 2 622/m | R 3 302/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 96 284 | R 122 701 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 53 706 | R 66 199 |
| Value after 5 years | R 75 583 | R 96 320 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Budget & entry level |
BAIC D20 →
The D20 was BAIC's South African debut in April 2017, a budget hatch and sedan priced from R149,990. Cheap pricing could not offset a small dealer network and mediocre reviews, and it faded from price lists around 2020. Used examples trade at deep discounts.
Known for: rock-bottom pricing, thin dealer support
Suzuki Celerio →
The Celerio replaced the Alto in 2015 as Suzuki's budget hatch and is now in its second generation locally. It is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in SA, with claimed consumption under 4.5L/100km. Steady demand for cheap runabouts keeps used values firm.
Known for: class-leading fuel economy on a budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BAIC D20 or the Suzuki Celerio?
They are close to inseparable: 64% vs 65% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BAIC D20 loses about R 53 706 over three years and the Suzuki Celerio loses about R 66 199. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BAIC D20 runs about R 2 622 per month and the Suzuki Celerio about R 3 302, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.