Mazda Mazda2 vs Suzuki Swift
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Swift wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 55 591 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Mazda2 | Swift | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 336 000 | R 228 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 873/m | R 4 001/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 223 171 | R 167 581 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 112 829 | R 61 319 |
| Value after 5 years | R 176 774 | R 140 149 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Mazda Mazda2 →
The Mazda2 has been a steady seller in the light hatch class since the mid-2000s, valued for a solid cabin and easy driving manners. It undercuts the Polo on price but sells in far smaller numbers, so used stock is thinner than Swift or Polo supply. A reputation for reliability keeps resale respectable.
Known for: well-built light hatch with strong reliability
Suzuki Swift →
The Swift has anchored Suzuki's local range since the brand's 2008 return and now regularly tops SA's passenger-car sales charts. Buyers rate its light fuel use, cheap servicing and better-than-average resale for the price. The turbocharged Swift Sport sits at the top of the range with a small enthusiast following.
Known for: affordable fun and strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda Mazda2 or the Suzuki Swift?
The Suzuki Swift. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 66% for the Mazda Mazda2, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mazda Mazda2 loses about R 112 829 over three years and the Suzuki Swift loses about R 61 319. 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 Mazda2 runs about R 5 873 per month and the Suzuki Swift about R 4 001, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.