VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
55 kW
Torque
95 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
12.8 s
Engine
998 cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 55 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R269 995 for the Picanto and R271 900 for the Polo Vivo. 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
55 kW
Torque
95 Nm
130 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.8 s
Top Speed
149 Km/h
171 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
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
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3972 mm
Width
1595 mm
1682 mm
Height
1495 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
974 Kg
1063 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
909 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Load Capacity
350 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
2
—
Service Plan Distance
30000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R269 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 55 kW)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
More powerful engine (55 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Polo Vivo?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km 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 Polo Vivo?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 55 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The Polo Vivo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Polo Vivo?
The Picanto starts from R269 995 and the Polo Vivo from R271 900. The Picanto is cheaper by R1 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Picanto or Polo Vivo?
The Picanto has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Polo Vivo can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Polo Vivo?
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.