Chery QQ3 vs Hyundai Atos
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Hyundai Atos wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 97 875 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| QQ3 | Atos | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 59 900 | R 199 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 1 047/m | R 3 494/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 31 971 | R 129 846 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 27 929 | R 70 054 |
| Value after 5 years | R 23 508 | R 101 929 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Budget & entry level |
Chery QQ3 →
At R59,900 in 2008 the QQ3 was the cheapest new car in South Africa, with 0.8 and 1.1-litre engines. Build quality was basic and support faded after Chery's first-era exit, so survivors trade for pocket money. Buyers today treat it strictly as disposable A-to-B transport.
Known for: cheapest new car of its day
Hyundai Atos →
Twice Hyundai SA's cheapest car, first from 1998 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2023. The relaunched Santro-based model paired a 1.1 petrol with decent safety kit for the money. Stock ran out early in 2023 and the Exter later took its slot.
Known for: bare-bones cheap wheels twice over
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery QQ3 or the Hyundai Atos?
The Hyundai Atos. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 53% for the Chery QQ3, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery QQ3 loses about R 27 929 over three years and the Hyundai Atos loses about R 70 054. 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 Chery QQ3 runs about R 1 047 per month and the Hyundai Atos about R 3 494, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.