Mazda Mazda2 vs Volkswagen Polo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Polo wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 45 755 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Mazda2 | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 336 000 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 873/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 223 171 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 112 829 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 176 774 | R 222 698 |
| 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
Volkswagen Polo →
Built in Kariega for local sale and export, the Polo has been SA's benchmark compact hatch since the Playa era of the mid-1990s. GTI versions carry a strong enthusiast following, and used values hold up better than almost anything else in the class.
Known for: class-leading resale and gti heritage
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mazda Mazda2 or the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo. 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 Volkswagen Polo loses about R 104 873. 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 Volkswagen Polo about R 6 533, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.