Mazda Mazda2 vs Toyota Starlet
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Starlet wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 26 260 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Mazda2 | Starlet | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 336 000 | R 273 700 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 873/m | R 4 784/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 223 171 | R 196 911 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 112 829 | R 76 789 |
| Value after 5 years | R 176 774 | R 163 062 |
| 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
Toyota Starlet →
A rebadged Suzuki Baleno that revived the Starlet name in 2020 and immediately became one of SA's best-selling hatchbacks. It undercuts the VW Polo on price while offering Toyota's dealer network and service backing. Light on fuel and cheap to maintain, it has become a default choice for first-time buyers.
Known for: suzuki baleno twin with a toyota badge
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda Mazda2 or the Toyota Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 66% for the Mazda Mazda2, a gap of 6 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 Toyota Starlet loses about R 76 789. 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 Toyota Starlet about R 4 784, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.