Hyundai i20 vs Suzuki Baleno
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Baleno wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 11 659 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| i20 | Baleno | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 309 900 | R 269 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 417/m | R 4 717/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 205 836 | R 194 177 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 104 064 | R 75 723 |
| Value after 5 years | R 163 042 | R 160 798 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Hyundai i20 →
Hyundai's Polo rival has been on sale here since 2009 and offers generous spec for the money. The current generation sells on comfort, space and warranty rather than driving thrills. Resale is respectable, if a notch below the Polo's.
Known for: well-specced polo alternative
Suzuki Baleno →
Slotting above the Swift since 2016, the Baleno offers more space and equipment for not much more money. The second generation from 2022 is the same Maruti Suzuki product Toyota sells as the Starlet. It is respected for practicality and economy and holds value well, if without the Swift's volume.
Known for: space and spec for the money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai i20 or the Suzuki Baleno?
The Suzuki Baleno. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 66% for the Hyundai i20, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Hyundai i20 loses about R 104 064 over three years and the Suzuki Baleno loses about R 75 723. 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 Hyundai i20 runs about R 5 417 per month and the Suzuki Baleno about R 4 717, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.