Ford Figo vs Suzuki Swift
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Swift wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 65%, worth about R 27 082 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Figo | Swift | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 216 300 | R 228 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 781/m | R 4 001/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 140 499 | R 167 581 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 75 801 | R 61 319 |
| Value after 5 years | R 110 291 | R 140 149 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Strong mainstream |
Ford Figo →
India-built budget hatch and sedan that gave Ford a foothold in the entry level market from 2010 until Ford India closed in 2022. Cheap to buy and fix, it became a popular first car and e-hailing runabout. Later 1.5 three cylinder models are reasonably durable when serviced on time.
Known for: cheap dependable first car
Suzuki Swift →
The Swift has anchored Suzuki's local range since the brand's 2008 return and now regularly tops SA's passenger-car sales charts. Buyers rate its light fuel use, cheap servicing and better-than-average resale for the price. The turbocharged Swift Sport sits at the top of the range with a small enthusiast following.
Known for: affordable fun and strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Figo or the Suzuki Swift?
The Suzuki Swift. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 65% for the Ford Figo, a gap of 8 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Figo loses about R 75 801 over three years and the Suzuki Swift loses about R 61 319. 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 Ford Figo runs about R 3 781 per month and the Suzuki Swift about R 4 001, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.