VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
74kW@6000
Torque
95 Nm
133Nm@4000
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
6.1L/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
—
10s
Engine
998 cc
1490cc
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 74kW@6000. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Swift uses 6.1L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R278 995 for the Picanto and R163 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
74kW@6000
Torque
95 Nm
133Nm@4000
0-100 kph
—
10s
Top Speed
149 Km/h
175km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1490cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
6.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
43L
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
161g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3755mm
Width
1595 mm
1690mm
Height
1495 mm
1510mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2390mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
145mm
Kerb Weight
979 Kg
980kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
494kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✗
Traction Control
—
✗
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
—
✗
Cruise Control
—
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
2yr
—
Service Plan Distance
30000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Swift
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Swift
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Swift
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Suzuki Swift
Lower starting price (R163 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.1L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Swift?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Swift uses 6.1L/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 Swift?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Swift delivers 74kW@6000 and 133Nm@4000 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 R163 900. The Swift is cheaper by R115 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Picanto or Swift?
The Picanto has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Swift can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
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