Renault Kwid vs Suzuki S-Presso
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki S-Presso wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 59%, worth about R 10 161 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Kwid | S-Presso | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 178 799 | R 178 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 125/m | R 3 127/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 106 044 | R 116 205 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 72 755 | R 62 695 |
| Value after 5 years | R 81 469 | R 91 221 |
| 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 S-Presso →
South Africa's cheapest new car for much of its life, the S-Presso arrived in 2020 and became a fixture at the top of the entry-level sales charts. Buyers pick it for the low purchase price, sub-5L/100km economy and cheap parts. Because so many first-time buyers shop at this price point, used examples move quickly.
Known for: rock-bottom pricing and running costs
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Renault Kwid or the Suzuki S-Presso?
The Suzuki S-Presso. 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 S-Presso loses about R 62 695. 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 S-Presso about R 3 127, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.