Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Celerio
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 65% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Picanto | Celerio | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 236 995 | R 188 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 142/m | R 3 302/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 153 941 | R 122 701 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 83 054 | R 66 199 |
| Value after 5 years | R 120 843 | R 96 320 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Budget & entry level |
Kia Picanto →
South Africa's favourite Kia and a fixture near the top of the entry-car sales charts since 2004. Buyers pick it for city-friendly size, decent spec and the long warranty, and a panel van version serves fleets. Used examples sell quickly and hold value well for a budget car.
Known for: affordable city car with strong demand
Suzuki Celerio →
The Celerio replaced the Alto in 2015 as Suzuki's budget hatch and is now in its second generation locally. It is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in SA, with claimed consumption under 4.5L/100km. Steady demand for cheap runabouts keeps used values firm.
Known for: class-leading fuel economy on a budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Picanto or the Suzuki Celerio?
They are close to inseparable: 65% vs 65% 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 Kia Picanto loses about R 83 054 over three years and the Suzuki Celerio loses about R 66 199. 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 Kia Picanto runs about R 4 142 per month and the Suzuki Celerio about R 3 302, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.