VS
At a Glance
Power
62 kW
77 kW
Torque
122 Nm
153 Nm
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.6 s
Engine
1248 cc
1598 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 62 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.0 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R307 995 for the Picanto and R326 800 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
62 kW
77 kW
Torque
122 Nm
153 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.6 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
188 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1248 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
116 g/km
156 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
962 Kg
1102 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
2
Service Plan Distance
30000
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 (5.0 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R307 995)
Less power than rival (62 kW vs 77 kW)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Polo Vivo?
The Picanto uses 5.0 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 6.5 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 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 77 kW and 153 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 R307 995 and the Polo Vivo from R326 800. The Picanto is cheaper by R18 805 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 1000 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.