Haval Jolion vs MG ZS
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Haval Jolion wins on money kept: 64% retained after three years vs 57%, worth about R 55 888 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Jolion | ZS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 348 950 | R 289 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 099/m | R 5 067/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 76% |
| Retained after 3 years | 64% | 57% |
| Value after 3 years | R 221 735 | R 165 847 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 127 215 | R 124 053 |
| Value after 5 years | R 173 120 | R 123 861 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Haval Jolion →
The Jolion is the car that made Haval mainstream in South Africa, regularly appearing in the top ten best-seller lists since 2021. Buyers get far more equipment than similarly priced rivals, though resale values trail the Toyota and VW alternatives. The original car remains on sale alongside the newer Jolion Pro as a cheaper entry point.
Known for: big spec for corolla cross money
MG ZS →
The ZS led MG's return to SA in late 2024 and undercuts most compact SUV rivals, with the previous-generation car from R289,900 sold alongside the newer ZS Pro from R397,600. Buyers get plenty of kit but the base car's 4-speed automatic feels dated. As a recent returnee brand its trade-in record is still unproven.
Known for: rock-bottom compact suv pricing
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Haval Jolion or the MG ZS?
The Haval Jolion. It keeps about 64% of its price after three years against 57% for the MG ZS, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Haval Jolion loses about R 127 215 over three years and the MG ZS loses about R 124 053. 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 Haval Jolion runs about R 6 099 per month and the MG ZS about R 5 067, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.