Renault Kwid vs Suzuki Celerio
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Celerio wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 59%, worth about R 16 657 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Kwid | Celerio | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 178 799 | R 188 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 125/m | R 3 302/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 106 044 | R 122 701 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 72 755 | R 66 199 |
| Value after 5 years | R 81 469 | R 96 320 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Budget & entry level |
Renault Kwid →
Renault's cheapest model and one of the cheapest new cars in South Africa, built in India on the CMF-A platform. It sells in big numbers to first-time buyers and e-hailing drivers thanks to low instalments and SUV-inspired looks. Early cars scored poorly in crash tests and resale is soft, but sheer affordability keeps demand steady.
Known for: rock-bottom pricing with suv-look styling
Suzuki Celerio →
The Celerio replaced the Alto in 2015 as Suzuki's budget hatch and is now in its second generation locally. It is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars on sale in SA, with claimed consumption under 4.5L/100km. Steady demand for cheap runabouts keeps used values firm.
Known for: class-leading fuel economy on a budget
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Renault Kwid or the Suzuki Celerio?
The Suzuki Celerio. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 59% for the Renault Kwid, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Renault Kwid loses about R 72 755 over three years and the Suzuki Celerio loses about R 66 199. 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 Renault Kwid runs about R 3 125 per month and the Suzuki Celerio about R 3 302, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.