Mazda CX-3 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen T-Cross wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 2 880 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-3 | T-Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 440 000 | R 399 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 690/m | R 6 990/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 293 618 | R 290 738 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 146 382 | R 109 162 |
| Value after 5 years | R 233 185 | R 242 191 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Mazda CX-3 →
A light crossover on Mazda2 underpinnings, the CX-3 has been on sale in South Africa since 2015 and is one of the brand's local volume models. Recent ranges are sold only with the 2.0 petrol and automatic gearbox. Steady demand and a long warranty help it hold value reasonably well for the segment.
Known for: polished light crossover, petrol auto only
Volkswagen T-Cross →
VW's Polo-based compact SUV has been a consistent top seller since its 2019 launch. Its 1.0 TSI engines are familiar from the Polo, and resale is among the strongest in a crowded small SUV segment.
Known for: polo-based suv practicality
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda CX-3 or the Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 67% for the Mazda CX-3, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda CX-3 loses about R 146 382 over three years and the Volkswagen T-Cross loses about R 109 162. 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 Mazda CX-3 runs about R 7 690 per month and the Volkswagen T-Cross about R 6 990, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.