VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
75 kW
Torque
95 Nm
270 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
—
1450 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.0 s
Engine
998 cc
1968 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 75 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.1 l/100km while the Caddy uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R260 995 for the Picanto and R646 650 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
75 kW
Torque
95 Nm
270 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.0 s
Top Speed
155 Km/h
178 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1968 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
118 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
4853 mm
Width
1595 mm
1855-2100 mm
Height
1495 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2970 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
159 mm
Kerb Weight
957 Kg
1582 Kg
Doors
5
6 incl. 2 sliding side + 2 wing rear
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
255-1010 l
3700 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1450 Kg
Load Capacity
—
718 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
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited 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 (5.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R260 995)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 75 kW)
Volkswagen Caddy
More powerful engine (75 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (5.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Caddy?
The Picanto uses 5.1 l/100km and the Caddy uses 5.3 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 75 kW and 270 Nm of torque. The Caddy is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Caddy?
The Picanto starts from R260 995 and the Caddy from R646 650. The Picanto is cheaper by R385 655 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 1450 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