VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
81 kW
Torque
95 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1300 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.8 s
Engine
998 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the KIA Picanto and the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Volkswagen Caddy produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Caddy uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R269 995 for the Picanto and R573 200 for the Caddy. 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
81 kW
Torque
95 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.8 s
Top Speed
149 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
4500 mm
Width
1595 mm
1855-2100 mm
Height
1495 mm
1832 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2755 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
144 mm
Kerb Weight
974 Kg
1535 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
Seats
2
5 (opt 7)
Load Volume
909 l
191-1213-2556 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1300 Kg
Load Capacity
350 lkg
665 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Keyless Entry
—
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Caddy
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Caddy
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R269 995)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 81 kW)
Volkswagen Caddy
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Caddy?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Caddy uses 7.3 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 Picanto or Caddy?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Caddy delivers 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Caddy is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Caddy?
The Picanto starts from R269 995 and the Caddy from R573 200. The Picanto is cheaper by R303 205 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Picanto or Caddy?
The Picanto has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Caddy can tow 1300 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Caddy?
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