MG MG3 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 56%, worth about R 16 126 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| MG3 | Swift | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 228 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 4 001/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 56% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 151 454 | R 167 581 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 118 446 | R 61 319 |
| Value after 5 years | R 112 016 | R 140 149 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
MG MG3 →
MG's entry hatch first appeared in SA in 2013 during the CMH era and returned in 2025 in its new generation, priced from R269,900. A self-charging Hybrid+ flagship at R469,900 gives it a powertrain most rivals in this class lack. Resale is unproven and the earlier 2013 to 2016 cars trade cheaply with limited parts backup.
Known for: undercutting swift and starlet on price
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 MG MG3 or the Suzuki Swift?
The Suzuki Swift. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 56% for the MG MG3, a gap of 17 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The MG MG3 loses about R 118 446 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 MG MG3 runs about R 4 717 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.