VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
59 kW
Torque
95 Nm
104 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Engine
998 cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the Suzuki Eeco is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Suzuki Eeco produces 59 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.1 l/100km while the Eeco uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R249 995 for the Picanto and R231 900 for the Eeco. 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
59 kW
Torque
95 Nm
104 Nm
Top Speed
155 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
32 l
CO2 Emissions
118 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3675 mm
Width
1595 mm
1475 mm
Height
1495 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2350 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
952 Kg
935 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
2
2
Load Volume
909 l
—
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
350 l
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
2
—
Service Plan Distance
30000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Eeco
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Eeco
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Eeco
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 59 kW)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Eeco
More powerful engine (59 kW)
Lower starting price (R231 900)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Eeco?
The Picanto uses 5.1 l/100km and the Eeco uses 5.4 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 Eeco?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Eeco delivers 59 kW and 104 Nm of torque. The Eeco is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Eeco?
The Picanto starts from R249 995 and the Eeco from R231 900. The Eeco is cheaper by R18 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Eeco?
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.