VS
At a Glance
Power
49 kW
77 kW
Torque
95 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
11.2 s
Engine
998 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Picanto delivers 49 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.3 l/100km while the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R278 995 for the Picanto and R278 700 for the Starlet. 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
77 kW
Torque
95 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.2 s
Top Speed
149 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1462 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
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
127 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3990 mm
Width
1595 mm
1745 mm
Height
1495 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
979 Kg
965 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability 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
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
4 services
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Starlet
Practicality
Starlet
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 77 kW)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Lower starting price (R278 700)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Starlet?
The Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km and the Starlet 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 Starlet?
The Picanto produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Starlet?
The Picanto starts from R278 995 and the Starlet from R278 700. The Starlet is cheaper by R295 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Picanto or Starlet?
The Picanto has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Picanto or the Starlet?
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.