iCaur V23 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
| V23 | EX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 519 900 | R 835 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 087/m | R 14 603/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 249 222 | R 391 959 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 270 678 | R 443 541 |
| Value after 5 years | R 170 390 | R 271 574 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Premium EV |
iCaur V23 →
A retro, Land Rover-flavoured electric compact SUV that launched the iCaur brand here in May 2026. The RWD costs R519,900 with a claimed 431 km NEDC range, while the AWD is R669,900. It sells on design and personalisation, and EV depreciation in SA remains steep across the board.
Known for: boxy retro styling and ev power
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 V23 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 V23 loses about R 270 678 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 V23 runs about R 9 087 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.