Kia Seltos vs Mazda CX-30
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 67% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Seltos | CX-30 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 379 995 | R 539 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 642/m | R 9 435/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 255 751 | R 360 216 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 124 244 | R 179 584 |
| Value after 5 years | R 204 086 | R 286 076 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Kia Seltos →
Slotting between the Sonet and Sportage, the Seltos has taken on the Creta class since late 2019. South Africa gets both petrol and turbodiesel engines, and the diesel remains unusual among compact SUVs. It sells steadily rather than spectacularly, which gives used buyers room to negotiate.
Known for: rare diesel option in its class
Mazda CX-30 →
Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 arrived in South Africa in early 2021. Every version pairs the naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol with a six-speed auto, which keeps running costs predictable if unexciting. It sells in modest numbers against the Corolla Cross and T-Roc, so used supply is limited.
Known for: refined compact suv with simple 2.0 petrol
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Seltos or the Mazda CX-30?
They are close to inseparable: 67% vs 67% 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 Seltos loses about R 124 244 over three years and the Mazda CX-30 loses about R 179 584. 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 Seltos runs about R 6 642 per month and the Mazda CX-30 about R 9 435, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.