VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
60 kW
Torque
95 Nm
112 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Engine
998 cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the KIA Picanto and the Suzuki Swift is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Suzuki Swift produces 60 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Swift uses 4.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R278 995 for the Picanto and R276 900 for the Swift. 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
60 kW
Torque
95 Nm
112 Nm
Top Speed
149 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
4.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
102 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3860 mm
Width
1595 mm
1735 mm
Height
1495 mm
1520 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2450 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
145 mm
Kerb Weight
979 Kg
917 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
265-580-948 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability 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
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2yr
4yr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Swift
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Swift
Fuel Economy
Swift
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 60 kW)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Swift
More powerful engine (60 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R276 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Swift?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Swift uses 4.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Swift 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 Swift?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Swift delivers 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque. The Swift is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Swift?
The Picanto starts from R278 995 and the Swift from R276 900, a difference of just R2 095, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Swift?
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