iCaur 03T vs Volvo EX30
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 03T | EX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 639 900 | R 835 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 184/m | R 14 603/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 306 746 | R 391 959 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 333 154 | R 443 541 |
| Value after 5 years | R 209 719 | R 271 574 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Premium EV |
iCaur 03T →
Launched alongside the V23 in May 2026, the 03T is a second boxy electric SUV offered in RWD or 205 kW AWD form. Pricing runs from R639,900 to R699,900 with NEDC range figures around 431 to 436 km. Both derivatives carry an 8-year/200,000 km warranty, which will matter more than badge equity at trade-in time.
Known for: playful electric suv with awd punch
Volvo EX30 →
Volvo's smallest EV arrived in 2024 and quickly became one of the better-selling electric cars in South Africa. Pricing starts at about R835k, and the twin-motor version is among the quickest-accelerating Volvos sold here. A raised Cross Country variant joined the range later.
Known for: small ev with big acceleration
Common questions
Which holds value better, the iCaur 03T or the Volvo EX30?
They are close to inseparable: 48% vs 47% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The iCaur 03T loses about R 333 154 over three years and the Volvo EX30 loses about R 443 541. 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 iCaur 03T runs about R 11 184 per month and the Volvo EX30 about R 14 603, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.