Datsun Go vs Suzuki Celerio
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Celerio wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 24 173 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Go | Celerio | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 184 600 | R 188 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 227/m | R 3 302/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 98 528 | R 122 701 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 86 072 | R 66 199 |
| Value after 5 years | R 72 448 | R 96 320 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Budget & entry level |
Datsun Go →
Datsun's Go launched in October 2014 at R89,500, making it one of the cheapest new cars in SA. Early cars were criticised for missing safety kit, with airbags and ABS only arriving in a later update. Pricing had climbed to R184,600 by the time the brand was axed in 2022, and used values are weak.
Known for: rock-bottom pricing and thin safety kit
Suzuki Celerio →
The Celerio replaced the Alto in 2015 as Suzuki's budget hatch and is now in its second generation locally. It is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in SA, with claimed consumption under 4.5L/100km. Steady demand for cheap runabouts keeps used values firm.
Known for: class-leading fuel economy on a budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Datsun Go or the Suzuki Celerio?
The Suzuki Celerio. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 53% for the Datsun Go, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Datsun Go loses about R 86 072 over three years and the Suzuki Celerio loses about R 66 199. 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 Datsun Go runs about R 3 227 per month and the Suzuki Celerio about R 3 302, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.