VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
74kW@6000
Torque
95 Nm
133Nm@4000
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
6.5
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
11.5
Engine
998 cc
1490
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the SUZUKI SWIFT is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Picanto delivers 49 kW while the SUZUKI SWIFT produces 74kW@6000. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.1 l/100km while the SWIFT uses 6.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R260 995 for the Picanto and R177 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
—
11.5
Top Speed
155 Km/h
170
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1490
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
manual
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
6.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
43
CO2 Emissions
118 g/km
169
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3755
Width
1595 mm
1690
Height
1495 mm
1510
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2390
Ground Clearance
151 mm
145
Kerb Weight
957 Kg
980
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
—
494
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
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
2
—
Service Plan Distance
30000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Picanto
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Picanto
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
SWIFT
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
SUZUKI SWIFT
Lower starting price (R177 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or SWIFT?
The Picanto uses 5.1 l/100km and the SWIFT uses 6.5 on the combined cycle. The Picanto is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world 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. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and SWIFT?
The Picanto starts from R260 995 and the SWIFT from R177 900. The SWIFT is cheaper by R83 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 0. 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.