Chevrolet Spark vs Kia Picanto
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Picanto wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 100 621 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Spark | Picanto | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 99 900 | R 236 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 1 746/m | R 4 142/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 53 320 | R 153 941 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 46 580 | R 83 054 |
| Value after 5 years | R 39 207 | R 120 843 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Budget & entry level |
Chevrolet Spark →
Chevrolet's entry car was a fixture of the budget segment, built at the Port Elizabeth plant and sold in three generations including the stripped-out Spark Lite. The Campus special dropped the entry price to R99 900 in 2012. Used examples remain plentiful and cheap to run, though parts now come through aftermarket channels.
Known for: rock-bottom running costs and huge used supply
Kia Picanto →
South Africa's favourite Kia and a fixture near the top of the entry-car sales charts since 2004. Buyers pick it for city-friendly size, decent spec and the long warranty, and a panel van version serves fleets. Used examples sell quickly and hold value well for a budget car.
Known for: affordable city car with strong demand
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chevrolet Spark or the Kia Picanto?
The Kia Picanto. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 53% for the Chevrolet Spark, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chevrolet Spark loses about R 46 580 over three years and the Kia Picanto loses about R 83 054. 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 Chevrolet Spark runs about R 1 746 per month and the Kia Picanto about R 4 142, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.