Suzuki S-Presso vs Toyota Vitz
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 65% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| S-Presso | Vitz | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 178 900 | R 182 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 127/m | R 3 188/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 116 205 | R 118 479 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 62 695 | R 63 921 |
| Value after 5 years | R 91 221 | R 93 005 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Budget & entry level |
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
Toyota Vitz →
Toyota's entry point in South Africa, a rebadged Suzuki Celerio that replaced the Agya in 2024. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder keeps fuel and insurance costs at rock bottom. It sells strongly to first-time buyers who want a new car with a full warranty for under R200k.
Known for: cheapest new toyota in sa
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Suzuki S-Presso or the Toyota Vitz?
They are close to inseparable: 65% vs 65% 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 S-Presso loses about R 62 695 over three years and the Toyota Vitz loses about R 63 921. 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 S-Presso runs about R 3 127 per month and the Toyota Vitz about R 3 188, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.