Changan Alsvin vs Suzuki Dzire
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Dzire wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 33 935 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Alsvin | Dzire | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 238 000 | R 232 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 160/m | R 4 071/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 56% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 133 769 | R 167 704 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 104 231 | R 65 196 |
| Value after 5 years | R 99 016 | R 138 945 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
Changan Alsvin →
Changan's budget sedan launched in October 2025 from about R238,000. It targets first-time buyers and e-hailing drivers, going straight at the Suzuki Dzire. The badge is new to most South Africans, so resale values are untested.
Known for: one of sa's cheapest new sedans
Suzuki Dzire →
Essentially a Swift with a boot, sold here since 2014 as the Swift Dzire and from 2025 as a standalone nameplate. It is popular with e-hailing drivers and fleet buyers thanks to the roomy cabin and frugal 1.2 petrol. Ride-hailing demand supports used prices but also puts plenty of high-mileage cars into the market.
Known for: big boot on a small budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Changan Alsvin or the Suzuki Dzire?
The Suzuki Dzire. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 56% for the Changan Alsvin, a gap of 16 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Changan Alsvin loses about R 104 231 over three years and the Suzuki Dzire loses about R 65 196. 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 Changan Alsvin runs about R 4 160 per month and the Suzuki Dzire about R 4 071, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.