VS
At a Glance
Power
62 kW
60 kW
Torque
122 Nm
112 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Engine
1248 cc
1197 cc
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 62 kW while the Suzuki Swift produces 60 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.8 l/100km while the Swift uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R302 995 for the Picanto and R296 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
62 kW
60 kW
Torque
122 Nm
112 Nm
Top Speed
160 Km/h
165 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1248 cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
138 g/km
107 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3860 mm
Width
1595 mm
1735 mm
Height
1495 mm
1520 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2450 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
145 mm
Kerb Weight
985 Kg
945 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
265-580-948 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
4
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Swift
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Picanto
Fuel Economy
Swift
Value
Swift
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
More powerful engine (62 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Swift
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R296 900)
Less power than rival (60 kW vs 62 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Swift?
The Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km and the Swift uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Swift 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 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque while the Swift delivers 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque. The Picanto is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Swift?
The Picanto starts from R302 995 and the Swift from R296 900. The Swift is cheaper by R6 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
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.