Suzuki Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 72% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Baleno | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 85% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 72% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 194 177 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 75 723 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 160 798 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Strong mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Suzuki Baleno →
Slotting above the Swift since 2016, the Baleno offers more space and equipment for not much more money. The second generation from 2022 is the same Maruti Suzuki product Toyota sells as the Starlet. It is respected for practicality and economy and holds value well, if without the Swift's volume.
Known for: space and spec for the money
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 Suzuki Baleno or the Volkswagen Polo?
They are close to inseparable: 72% vs 72% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Suzuki Baleno loses about R 75 723 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 Suzuki Baleno runs about R 4 717 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.