VS
At a Glance
Power
90 kW
49 kW
Torque
172 Nm
95 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
9.9 s
—
Engine
998 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai I20 and the KIA Picanto is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai I20 delivers 90 kW while the KIA Picanto produces 49 kW. On fuel, the I20 returns 5.8 l/100km while the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R467 500 for the I20 and R269 995 for the Picanto. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai I201.0t N-LINE DCT 2024 - From R467 500
KIA Picanto1.0 LS Runner A/T F/C P/V 2025 - From R269 995
Performance
Power Output
90 kW
49 kW
Torque
172 Nm
95 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9 s
—
Top Speed
187 Km/h
149 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
35 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
3595 mm
Width
1775 mm
1595 mm
Height
1505 mm
1495 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2400 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
151 mm
Kerb Weight
1017 Kg
974 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
311 l
909 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
—
Load Capacity
513 lkg
350 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4yr
2yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
I20
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai I20
More powerful engine (90 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R269 995)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 90 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or Picanto?
The I20 uses 5.8 l/100km and the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Picanto is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the I20 or Picanto?
The I20 produces 90 kW and 172 Nm of torque while the Picanto delivers 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque. The I20 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I20 and Picanto?
The I20 starts from R467 500 and the Picanto from R269 995. The Picanto is cheaper by R197 505 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I20 or Picanto?
The I20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Picanto can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I20 or the Picanto?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider