Changan Uni-S vs GAC Emkoo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 57% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Uni-S | Emkoo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 389 900 | R 519 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 815/m | R 9 087/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 56% |
| Value after 3 years | R 223 055 | R 293 742 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 166 845 | R 226 158 |
| Value after 5 years | R 166 587 | R 218 002 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Changan Uni-S →
Added to the range in April 2026, the Uni-S is Changan's sportier-looking crossover, priced from R389,900 across CS, CL and CE grades. All use the 138kW 1.5T Blue Whale engine. A five-year warranty and service plan come standard.
Known for: sporty crossover looks at value pricing
GAC Emkoo →
The Emkoo followed the Emzoom to SA in August 2024 as GAC's family SUV. Two 1.5T Executive variants list at R519,900 and R559,900. Its angular styling stands out in the segment, though the brand's resale record here is still unproven.
Known for: sharp-edged styling in the family suv class
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Changan Uni-S or the GAC Emkoo?
They are close to inseparable: 57% vs 56% 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 Changan Uni-S loses about R 166 845 over three years and the GAC Emkoo loses about R 226 158. 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 Uni-S runs about R 6 815 per month and the GAC Emkoo about R 9 087, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.