Proton Saga vs Suzuki Dzire
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Dzire wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 56%, worth about R 55 349 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Saga | Dzire | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 199 900 | R 232 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 494/m | R 4 071/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 56% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 112 355 | R 167 704 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 87 545 | R 65 196 |
| Value after 5 years | R 83 165 | R 138 945 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Strong mainstream |
Proton Saga →
Budget sedan that joined the new-era range in March 2023 priced from R199,900, making it one of SA's cheapest three-box cars. A 70 kW 1.3 with manual or four-speed auto keeps things basic. New-era Proton resale is still unproven.
Known for: sub-r200k budget sedan
Suzuki Dzire →
Essentially a Swift with a boot, sold here since 2014 as the Swift Dzire and from 2025 as a standalone nameplate. It is popular with e-hailing drivers and fleet buyers thanks to the roomy cabin and frugal 1.2 petrol. Ride-hailing demand supports used prices but also puts plenty of high-mileage cars into the market.
Known for: big boot on a small budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Proton Saga or the Suzuki Dzire?
The Suzuki Dzire. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 56% for the Proton Saga, a gap of 16 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Proton Saga loses about R 87 545 over three years and the Suzuki Dzire loses about R 65 196. 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 Proton Saga runs about R 3 494 per month and the Suzuki Dzire about R 4 071, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.