Bajaj Qute vs Suzuki S-Presso
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki S-Presso wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 59%, worth about R 59 980 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Qute | S-Presso | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 94 800 | R 178 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 1 657/m | R 3 127/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 56 225 | R 116 205 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 38 575 | R 62 695 |
| Value after 5 years | R 43 195 | R 91 221 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Budget & entry level |
Bajaj Qute →
Technically a quadricycle rather than a car, the Qute pairs a 216 cc single-cylinder engine with a 70 km/h top speed and pricing of around R95,000 in 2024. It targets e-hailing, delivery and last-mile operators more than private buyers. Resale is a leap of faith given how niche it is.
Known for: sa's cheapest new 'car'
Suzuki S-Presso →
South Africa's cheapest new car for much of its life, the S-Presso arrived in 2020 and became a fixture at the top of the entry-level sales charts. Buyers pick it for the low purchase price, sub-5L/100km economy and cheap parts. Because so many first-time buyers shop at this price point, used examples move quickly.
Known for: rock-bottom pricing and running costs
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Bajaj Qute or the Suzuki S-Presso?
The Suzuki S-Presso. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 59% for the Bajaj Qute, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Bajaj Qute loses about R 38 575 over three years and the Suzuki S-Presso loses about R 62 695. 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 Bajaj Qute runs about R 1 657 per month and the Suzuki S-Presso about R 3 127, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.