Hyundai i20 vs Toyota Starlet
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Starlet wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 8 925 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| i20 | Starlet | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 309 900 | R 273 700 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 417/m | R 4 784/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 205 836 | R 196 911 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 104 064 | R 76 789 |
| Value after 5 years | R 163 042 | R 163 062 |
| 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
Toyota Starlet →
A rebadged Suzuki Baleno that revived the Starlet name in 2020 and immediately became one of SA's best-selling hatchbacks. It undercuts the VW Polo on price while offering Toyota's dealer network and service backing. Light on fuel and cheap to maintain, it has become a default choice for first-time buyers.
Known for: suzuki baleno twin with a toyota badge
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Hyundai i20 or the Toyota Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet. 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 Toyota Starlet loses about R 76 789. 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 Toyota Starlet about R 4 784, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.