Honda Civic vs Proton S70 vs Mazda 3 Depreciation in Malaysia
Quick answer
In this selected sample from Intercontinental Motors' in-house records, the 2023 Honda Civic E recorded the lowest observed raw depreciation at 37.4%, retaining 62.6% of its reference Malaysian new-car price. Its observed in-house wholesale price was RM78,700 against a reference new price of RM125,634.
It was also the lowest-mileage vehicle in this comparison, so part of the apparent advantage may be related to mileage. The ranking is not mileage-adjusted.
Why this comparison matters
C-segment sedans attract buyers who want stronger performance, more refinement and more equipment than a basic commuter car. The higher original price can create a larger ringgit loss, while technology, turbocharging and advanced safety systems make condition especially important.
The figures below use observed in-house wholesale prices rather than retail asking prices. Wholesale values usually allow for inspection uncertainty, preparation cost, warranty exposure, financing support, stock-holding time and dealer margin. They should not be presented as guaranteed retail market values.
Depreciation comparison
| Vehicle | Mileage (approx. per year) | In-house wholesale price | Reference new price | Value retained | Actual depreciation | Simple loss per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Honda Civic E | 48,815 km (16,272/yr) | RM78,700 | RM125,634 | 62.6% | RM46,934 (37.4%) | RM15,645 |
| 2024 Proton S70 Flagship X | 70,929 km (35,464/yr) | RM55,900 | RM94,800 | 59.0% | RM38,900 (41.0%) | RM19,450 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G High 2.0 | 93,804 km (11,726/yr) | RM39,500 | RM124,172 | 31.8% | RM84,672 (68.2%) | RM10,584 |
What the sample shows
From lowest to highest raw depreciation, the selected observations rank as: Honda Civic E (37.4% loss), Proton S70 Flagship X (41.0% loss), Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G High 2.0 (68.2% loss).
The gap between the lowest and highest raw depreciation was 30.8 percentage points. The lowest simple annual ringgit loss was Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G High 2.0 at RM10,584 per model year. Percentage loss, actual ringgit loss and annualised loss measure different things, so they should be read together.
How mileage changes the interpretation
The selected vehicles range from 48,815 km to 93,804 km. The lowest-mileage observation was the 2023 Honda Civic E, while the highest-mileage observation was the 2018 Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G High 2.0.
Mileage is displayed and converted into an approximate kilometres-per-model-year figure, but no arbitrary RM-per-kilometre adjustment is applied. A proper mileage-adjusted valuation would also need exact registration dates, condition grades, service history, accident and flood history, ownership type, location and multiple comparable transactions.
What usually affects value in this segment
In this segment, buyers often pay for a combination of brand confidence, performance, safety equipment and cabin quality. A complete service record, working driver-assistance systems and evidence of careful ownership can materially influence the achievable price.
Advice for used-car buyers
- Test turbocharged engines and dual-clutch or CVT systems under real driving conditions.
- Confirm that ADAS cameras, sensors and warning systems operate correctly.
- Inspect tyres, brakes and suspension because replacement costs can be significant.
- Check whether modifications affect reliability, warranty, insurance or buyer appeal.
Before booking, compare like with like: same year, exact variant, local or recon status, mileage band, ownership history and realistic condition. An unsold online advertisement is not proof of the final transaction value.
Advice for owners planning to sell
- Keep invoices for major services, tyres, batteries and repairs.
- Return poorly executed modifications to stock condition where practical.
- Provide clear evidence that electronic and safety systems work.
- Consider an inspection report to reduce buyer uncertainty.
Owners who need a faster exit may prefer a direct sale or trade-in. Owners with a presentable car, complete documents and more time may consider managed car consignment, where Intercontinental Motors can assist with presentation, enquiries, viewings, financing coordination, PUSPAKOM, ownership transfer and handover steps.
Buy, sell or consign with Intercontinental Motors
Browse available used cars, request a direct-sale or trade-in assessment, or discuss managed consignment.
Intercontinental Motors is located at Lot 27668, Jalan Nuri 7, Off Persiaran Surian, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya. View the location and Klang Valley service areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which C-segment sedan retained more value in this sample?
The selected 2023 Honda Civic E recorded the lowest raw depreciation percentage. It was also the lowest-mileage vehicle in this comparison.
Is the Proton S70 directly comparable with the Civic and Mazda 3?
They compete for some of the same buyers, but pricing, positioning, age and specifications differ. This article is a search-oriented market comparison, not a controlled engineering test.
Why did the older Mazda 3 show a lower annual ringgit loss?
Its larger total loss was spread across more model years. Simple annual depreciation can therefore look lower for an older vehicle even when it has retained a smaller percentage.
What helps a used Civic, S70 or Mazda 3 sell more confidently?
Accurate variant details, service documentation, good tyres, functioning electronics, clean photographs and transparent accident history all help.
Methodology and price sources
This article uses 3 selected vehicle observations from an internal dataset containing 850 raw in-house records and 820 unique observations after exact deduplication. Depreciation is calculated as reference new price minus observed in-house wholesale price. Simple loss per year divides that amount by model-year age using 2026 as the analysis year.
- 2023 Honda Civic E: reference price RM125,634. 2022 Honda Civic launched in Malaysia. Price basis: 11th-generation E launch price.
- 2018 Mazda 3 SKYACTIV-G High 2.0: reference price RM124,172. 2017 Mazda 3 facelift launched in Malaysia. Price basis: Matching facelift High-spec reported price.
- 2024 Proton S70 Flagship X: reference price RM94,800. Proton S70 launched – Executive, Premium, Flagship, Flagship X. Price basis: List price before launch rebate.