Mazda CX-30 vs Volkswagen Taigo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Taigo wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 11 312 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| CX-30 | Taigo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 539 800 | R 514 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 435/m | R 8 993/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 360 216 | R 371 528 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 584 | R 142 972 |
| Value after 5 years | R 286 076 | R 308 308 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
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
Volkswagen Taigo →
A coupe-styled crossover that slots between the T-Cross and T-Roc, on sale in SA since 2022. It shares the Polo's 1.0 and 1.5 TSI engines and sells in modest volumes next to its more conventional siblings.
Known for: coupe-styled crossover practicality
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda CX-30 or the Volkswagen Taigo?
The Volkswagen Taigo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 67% for the Mazda CX-30, a gap of 5 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda CX-30 loses about R 179 584 over three years and the Volkswagen Taigo loses about R 142 972. 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-30 runs about R 9 435 per month and the Volkswagen Taigo about R 8 993, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.