VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
120 kW
Torque
95 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
0-100 km/h
—
8.2 s
Engine
998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the KIA Picanto and the MINI Cooper is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Picanto delivers 49 kW while the MINI Cooper produces 120 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Cooper uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R256 995 for the Picanto and R696 402 for the Cooper. 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.
Performance
Power Output
49 kW
120 kW
Torque
95 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.2 s
Top Speed
149 Km/h
220 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
151 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3879 mm
Width
1595 mm
1744-1970 mm
Height
1495 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2495 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
—
Kerb Weight
979 Kg
1375 DIN / 1450 EU Kg
Doors
5
2
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
255-1010 l
215-440-665 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
—
430 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
2yr
—
Service Plan Distance
30000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Picanto
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cooper
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Picanto
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R256 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 120 kW)
MINI Cooper
More powerful engine (120 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Cooper?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Cooper uses 6.6 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 Picanto or Cooper?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Cooper delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Cooper is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Cooper?
The Picanto starts from R256 995 and the Cooper from R696 402. The Picanto is cheaper by R439 407 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Cooper?
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