Seat Ibiza 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 53%, worth about R 202 904 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Ibiza | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 123 700 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 2 162/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 66 023 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 57 677 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 48 547 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Strong mainstream |
Seat Ibiza →
SEAT's Polo-based hatch was sold in SA from mid-2006 to 2008, from a R123,700 1.4 up to 1.8T Cupra and 1.9 TDI Cupra hot versions. Buyers got VW mechanicals in sharper Spanish clothing. Used examples are cheap and relatively easy to keep going thanks to Polo parts commonality.
Known for: polo mechanicals, spanish styling
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 Seat Ibiza or the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 53% for the Seat Ibiza, a gap of 19 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Seat Ibiza loses about R 57 677 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 Seat Ibiza runs about R 2 162 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.