A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Eeco starts ZAR 249995 cheaperEeco from ZAR 196,900 · Picanto Panel Van from ZAR 249,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Engine Power
61 kW
49 kW
Torque
103 Nm
94 Nm
Engine Size
1197 cc
998 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
170 mm
155 mm
Boot / Load Bay
120 l
620 l
Airbags
2
6
Kerb Weight
905 kg
950 kg
Seating Capacity
7
2
Warranty
5
7 Years/150
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Picanto Panel Van has a slight advantage, but Eeco remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Eeco
+2 pts
Efficiency
Eeco
+2 pts
Safety
Picanto Panel Van
+52 pts
Practicality
Picanto Panel Van
+5 pts
Ownership
Picanto Panel Van
+11 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Eeco
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Picanto Panel Van
Strengths
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Eeco
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Picanto Panel Van
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Model Introduced Year
2017
2018
Generation
Second-generation Eeco on dedicated commercial platform with purpose-built high-roof body; G12B engine consistent across the Eeco's SA lifespan; commercial application specific, not shared with passenger vehicle range
Based on third-generation JA Picanto platform; commercial derivative
Facelift History
Second-generation Eeco in SA since 2017; minor exterior and interior updates in 2021; specification has remained stable — the buyer segment does not require frequent feature updates
Updated with third-generation Picanto platform in 2021
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
Van
Color Note
Solid White, Metallic Silver
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Van
Van
Vehicle Type
Van
Van
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Ground Clearance
170 mm
155 mm
Wheelbase
2350 mm
2400 mm
Length
3675 mm
3595 mm
Width
1475 mm
1595 mm
Height
1700 mm
1480 mm
Kerb Weight
905 kg
950 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1280 kg
1400 kg
Seating Capacity
7
2
Boot Space
120 l
620 l
Towing Capacity
0 kg
0 kg
Front Track Width
1285 mm
1415 mm
Rear Track Width
1285 mm
1420 mm
Turning Radius
4.5 m
4.8 m
Load Bed Length
120 l
620 l
Load Bed Width
1250 mm
1150 mm
Front Legroom
930 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
750 mm
0 mm
Front Headroom
1020 mm
970 mm
Rear Headroom
1000 mm
0 mm
Front Shoulder Room
1200 mm
1355 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1180 mm
0 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
800 l
620 l
Number of Doors
4
3
Max Payload
390 kg
450 kg
Boot Volume
120 l
620 l
Doors
4
3
Seats
7
2
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
35 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1280 kg
1400 kg
Ground Clearance Max
170 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
170 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
170 mm
155 mm
Height Mm
1700 mm
1480 mm
Length Mm
3675 mm
3595 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
120 l
620 l
Loadbox Width Mm
1250 mm
1150 mm
Payload Kg
390 kg
450 kg
Cargo Volume
120 l
620 l
Tare Mass Kg
905 kg
950 kg
Turning Circle
4.5 m
4.8 m
Turning Circle M
4.5 m
4.8 m
Width Mm
1475 mm
1595 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
800 l
620 l
Front Overhang
-
735 mm
Rear Overhang
-
460 mm
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Engine
1.2L G12B 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.0L G3LA 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1197 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
2
4
Power
61 kW
49 kW
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
6,000 rpm
Torque
103 Nm
94 Nm
Torque @ RPM
3,000 rpm
3,500 rpm
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
-
-
Top Speed
130 km/h
148 km/h
0-100 km/h
17.0 sec
14.5 sec
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
10.5:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Transverse Front-Mounted
Cylinder Bore
68.5 mm
71.0 mm
Piston Stroke
81.3 mm
84.0 mm
Engine Code
G12B
G3LA
Engine Oil Capacity
3.5 l
3.2 l
Power
82 bhp
66 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Variable Valve Timing
Not Available — Fixed Cam Timing
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Maximum Engine RPM
6500 rpm
6500 rpm
Engine Type Config
1.2L G12B 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.0L 3-Cylinder DOHC
0–100 km/h
17.0 sec
14.5 sec
Battery Capacity
-
-
Charging Port
-
-
AC Charging Time
-
-
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
998 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1197 cc
998 cc
EV Range
-
0 km
Acceleration 0 100
17.0 sec
14.5 sec
Combined System Power
-
-
Combined System Torque
-
-
Engine Config
1.2L G12B 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.0L G3LA 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Cylinders
4
3
Engine Displacement Cc
1197 cc
998 cc
Engine Power kW
61 kW
49 kW
Engine Torque Nm
103 Nm
94 Nm
Engine Valves
2
4
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Max Power kW
61 kW
49 kW
Max Torque Nm
103 Nm
94 Nm
Maximum Power
61 kW
49 kW
Maximum Torque
103 Nm
94 Nm
Motor Position
-
-
Motor Power
-
-
Motor Torque
-
-
Motor Type
-
-
Power Assisted Steering
Power Assisted Steering (Hydraulic)
Electric Power Steering
Power kW Rpm
6,000 rpm
6,000 rpm
Active Exhaust
-
-
System Output
-
-
Torque Nm Rpm
3,000 rpm
3,500 rpm
Turbo Type
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
-
-
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
-
-
Paddle Shifters
-
-
Final Drive Ratio
4.529:1
4.286:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
3.2
2.8
Number of Gears
5 km/h
4 km/h
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Torque Converter Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
-
Differential Type Front
-
-
Differential Type Rear
-
-
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
Manual
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transfer Case Guard
-
-
Transmission Speeds
5 km/h
4 km/h
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.4 km/l
City Mileage
14.7 km/l
13.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
20.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
35 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
-
Auto Start Stop
-
No
Average Fuel Consumption
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.4 km/l
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
-
-
Charging Time AC Full
-
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
5.9 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
35 l
35 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
-
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
-
Yes
Traction Control
-
Yes
Hill Descent Control
-
No
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
-
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
-
Yes
Central Locking
Manual Central Locking
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front Seats
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
-
No
Front Parking Sensors
-
No
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated — Commercial Vehicle
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
Whiplash Protection
Basic Head Restraints
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Lane Change Warning
-
No
AEB
-
No
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
-
Yes
Curtain Airbags
-
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Driver Airbag
2
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
-
Yes
Passenger Airbag
2
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front Seats
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Side Airbags
-
Yes — Front Side Airbags
TCS
-
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
No
Knee Airbag
-
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
2
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
2
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Yes
Fatigue Detection
-
No
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Cruise Control
-
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
No
Lane Keep Assist
-
No
Lane Departure Warning
-
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
No
Parking Sensors
-
No
Rear View Camera
-
No
360 Degree Camera
-
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
No
Auto Highbeam
-
No
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Auto Wipers
-
No
Drive Modes
-
Eco Mode Only
EV Mode
-
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Rear Parking Sensors
-
No
Reverse Camera
-
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
No
Park Assist
-
No
Around View Monitor
-
No
Blind Spot Warning
-
No
Emergency Braking
-
No
Forward Collision Warning
-
-
Front Camera
-
No
Parking Distance Sensors
-
No
Parking Sensor
-
No
Pre-Collision System
-
No
Rain Sensor Wipers
-
No
Rear View Camera
-
No
Reverse Camera Type
-
No
Reversing Camera
-
No
Surround View Camera
-
No
Eco Mode
-
Yes
Sport Mode
-
No
Automatic High Beam
-
No
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Seat Material
Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)
Cloth
Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated Seats
-
No
Ventilated Seats
-
No
Steering Type
Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
-
No
Folding Rear Seats
Third Row Fold Flat
Not Applicable — Panel Van
Front Armrest
-
No
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
2
2
Rear AC Vents
Rear Roof-Mounted AC Vents
No
Rear USB Ports
0
0
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Urethane
Instrument Cluster Type
Basic Analogue Gauges
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Interior Colour Options
1
2
Driver Lumbar Support
-
No
Door Map Pockets
Driver Door Pocket Only
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Third Row Fold Flat
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual 4-Way Driver
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Fabric Seats
Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver
4-Way Manual Adjustment
Armrest Front
-
No
Armrest Rear
-
No
Boot Space Seats Down
800
620
Boot Space Seats Up
120
620
Cargo Space
120
620
Driver Seat
Manual 4-Way Driver
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Commercial two-seat cab, vinyl floor covering, manual air-conditioning, analogue instrument cluster, AM/FM radio, power steering, high-roof cargo area with approximately 1.9m internal height
2-seat cab with sealed cargo bulkhead, air conditioning, electric windows, basic audio system, flat commercial load floor
Interior Trim Colour
1
2
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)
Cloth
Interior Colours
1
2
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
No
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
-
No
Seat Belt Warning
Front Seats
Yes
Seat Capacity
7
2
Seat Count
7
2
Seat Fold Type
Third Row Fold Flat
Not Applicable — Panel Van
Seat Trim
Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)
Cloth
Leather Seats
-
No
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Yes
Memory Seats
-
No
Cooled Seats
-
No
Front Headrest
-
Yes — Adjustable
Rear Headrest
-
-
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows
Front Windows Only
Yes — Front Windows Only
Keyless Entry
-
No
Push Button Start
-
No
Wireless Charging
-
No
Sunroof
-
No
Electric Tailgate
-
No
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Manual Fold
No
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Speed Limiter
-
Yes
AC Type
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Adaptive Dampers
-
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
No
Climate Zones
Manual Air Conditioning
Single Zone
Electric Folding Mirrors
Front Windows Only
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
No
TPMS
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
-
No
Engine Start Stop Button
-
No
Engine Warranty
2 Years
7 Years/150
Front Armrest
-
No
Front Power Outlet
1 x 12V Socket
Yes — 12V Socket
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.9
6.1 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
Gear Shift Type
5-Speed Manual
Floor-Mounted Selector
Glovebox Cooling
Driver Door Pocket Only
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
170
155
Hill Start Assist
-
Yes
Launch Control
-
No
Panoramic Roof
-
No
Payload Capacity
390
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Performance Data Logger
-
No
Power Mirrors
Front Windows Only
Yes
Push Button Start
-
No
Rear Defogger
Standard
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Third Row Fold Flat
N/A Panel Van
Rear Wing
-
No
Rev Matching
-
No
Seat Type
Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)
Cloth Fabric
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Front Seats
Yes — Front
Seatbelt Reminder
Front Seats
Yes
Service Plan
Not Included
3 Years/45
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare Tyre
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Stability Control
-
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Standard
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Valves Per Cylinder
2
4
Voice Command
-
Yes
Voice Command Support
-
Yes
Accelerator 0 100
17.0 sec
14.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Battery Preconditioning
-
-
Battery Voltage
-
-
Bed Extender
-
-
Bottle Holders
2
2
Canopy Fitment
-
-
Centre Console
-
No
Common Rail Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Diff Lock
-
-
Difflock
-
-
Digital Speedometer
Basic Analogue Gauges
Yes — Digital Speedometer Display
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Manual Fold
No
Front Diff Lock
-
-
Front Wiper
-
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Front Wipers Type
-
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Glove Box
Driver Door Pocket Only
Yes
Intelligent Battery System
-
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
No
Lift Gate
-
No
Load Bed Cover
-
-
Load Bed Light
-
-
Load Bed Steps
-
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
-
Manual Aircon
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Mirror
Manual Fold Flat Mirrors
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
One Pedal Driving
-
-
Passive Entry Start
-
No
Power Socket 12v
1 x 12V Socket
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Powered Tailgate
-
No
Rear Air Conditioning
Rear Roof-Mounted AC Vents
No
Rear Diff Lock
-
-
Rear Electric Motor
-
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
No
Regenerative Braking
-
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
-
Remote Central Locking
Manual Central Locking
No
Remote Side Mirror
Manual Fold Flat Mirrors
Yes
Rim Size
13 Inches
14 Inches
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
No
Side Impact Bars
Standard
Yes
Sonar
-
No
Sound System
2
6
Source Model Column
eeco
picanto-panel-van
Sport Plus Mode
-
-
Sports Bar
-
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Standard
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Surround View Monitor
-
No
Tailgate Damper
-
-
Tailgate Lock
-
-
Tow Bar Type
-
-
Trim Level
mid
mid
Unlocking
-
No
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
Commercial utility derivative
Vdc
-
Yes
Vehicle To Grid
-
-
Vehicle To Load
-
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
No
Walk Away Lock
-
No
Wireless Charger
-
No
Tyre Repair Kit
-
No — Full Size Spare Provided
Driver Display
-
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Multi Function Steering
-
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
-
Yes
Remote Start
-
No
Remote Engine Start
-
No
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Tachometer
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Chrome Grille
-
No
Side Steps
-
No
Skid Plates
-
No
Heads Up Display
-
No
Ride Mode Selection
-
No
Roof Antenna
-
Yes
Aero Kit
-
No
Exhaust Finish
-
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Exhaust Type
-
Single Exhaust System
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Drag Coefficient
-
0.32 Cd
Steering Response
-
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Tail Lamps
-
No
Automatic High Beam
-
No
Rear LED Combination Taillights
-
No
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
-
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
-
Yes
Boot Opener
-
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Chrome Exterior Highlights
-
No
Intercooler
-
Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Infotainment Screen
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
-
Yes
Android Auto
-
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Yes
Number of Speakers
2
6
Navigation System
-
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
USB Ports
0
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Yes
FM Radio
AM/FM Radio Ready
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen
Wi-Fi Hotspot
-
No
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Rear Usb
0
No
Audio
AM/FM Radio Ready
Yes
Audio Speakers
2
6
Audio System
AM/FM Radio Ready
Yes
Display Audio
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
0
2
Infotainment Screen
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen
Multi Information Display
Basic Analogue Gauges
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Connected Services
-
Yes
Voice Control
-
Yes
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Yes
Radio
AM/FM Radio Ready
Yes
Touchscreen
No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision
8-Inch Touchscreen
Wireless Android Auto
-
Yes
Premium Audio
-
No
Head Up Display
-
No
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
No
Daytime Running Lamps
-
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lamps
-
No
Roof Rails
-
No
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard Design
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
No
Body Cladding
-
No
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Exterior Colour Options
3
5
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Manual Fold Flat Mirrors
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Rear Wiper
-
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Door Handle Finish
Black Door Handles
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body Type
Van
3-Door Panel Van
DRL
-
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lights
-
No
Front Fog Lights
-
No
Led Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
No
Auto Headlights
-
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
-
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
-
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
2
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Black Door Handles
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Mirror Electric
Front Windows Only
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
Manual Fold
No
Front Fog Lamps
-
No
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen Headlamps
No
Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
No
Headlight Type
Halogen Headlamps
No
Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
No
Load Bed Liner
-
-
Panoramic Sunroof
-
No
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Sunroof Slide
-
-
Sunroof Tilt
-
-
Rear Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Taillights
-
No
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Approach Angle
22 deg
17 deg
Departure Angle
30 deg
22 deg
Wading Depth
0 mm
0 mm
Terrain Modes
-
-
Locking Differential
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
0 deg
0 deg
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type
FWD
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Hill Descent Control
-
No
Ramp-over Angle
0 deg
0 deg
Approach Angle Deg
22 deg
17 deg
Breakover Angle
0 deg
0 deg
Departure Angle Deg
30 deg
22 deg
Energy Recovery Display
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Off Road Descent Control
-
-
Off Road Traction Assist
-
-
Crawl Control
-
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
-
Terrain Mode Mud
-
-
Terrain Mode Normal
-
-
Terrain Mode Rock
-
-
Terrain Mode Sand
-
-
Terrain Mode Snow
-
-
Terrain Response System
-
-
Underbody Camera
-
-
Wading Depth Mm
0 mm
0 mm
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Tyre Size
155 R13 C
175/65 R14
Wheel Type
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard Design
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare Tyre
Front Brake Disc Diameter
214 mm
247 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
180 mm
180 mm
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
91
82
Tyre Speed Rating
Q
T
Wheel Rim Size
13 Inches
14 Inches
Brake Type Front
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare Tyre
Tyre Type
155 R13 C
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
13 Inches
14 Inches
Auto Brake Hold
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
No
Braked Towing Capacity
0 kg
0 kg
Brakes
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
Yes
Electric Park Brake
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
-
Handbrake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Urethane
Urethane
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
No
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Trim
Urethane
Urethane
Towing Braked Kg
0 kg
0 kg
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
-
Yes
Wheel Material
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard Design
Wheel Size Type
13 Inches
14 Inches
Wheelbase Mm
2350 mm
2400 mm
Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard Design
Front Tyre Width
-
175 mm
Rear Tyre Width
-
175 mm
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-
Yes
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring (Commercial Grade)
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Power Steering
Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Hydraulic
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Chassis Material
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MagneRide Damping
-
-
Rear Axle Type
Leaf Spring (Commercial Grade)
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf Spring (Commercial Grade)
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic Hydraulic
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
Approx Service Cost
Approx R1,500–R2,000 per Service
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Battery Warranty
12 Months
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
Included — 3 Years/45
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
10,000 km or 6 Months
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
Service Plan Duration
Not Included
3 Years/45
Service Plan Distance
Not Included
3 Years/45
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Battery Type
-
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Service Intervals
15,000 km or 12 Months
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
Alternator
-
80A Alternator
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Warranty Years
5
7 Years/150
Warranty Kilometers
5
7 Years/150
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
7 Years/150
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Warranty
5
7 Years/150
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
CO2 Emissions
135 g/km
140 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Hybrid System Type
-
-
Noise Level
72 dB
68 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
GPF Fitted
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Not Rated — Commercial Vehicle
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
CO2 Emissions G Km
135
140
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.0 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.0 l/100km
8.4 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
6.0 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Owner Review Count
0
0
Spec
Eeco
Picanto Panel Van
Ownership Role
Mid
Mid
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
219900 ZAR
269995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
219900
269995
Starting Price Zar
219900
269995
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Picanto Panel Van leads by 13 points
Picanto Panel Van has a slight advantage, but Eeco remains highly competitive.
Performance
Eeco +2
Efficiency
Eeco +2
Safety
Picanto Panel Van +52
Practicality
Picanto Panel Van +5
Ownership
Picanto Panel Van +11
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Picanto Panel Van
Performance
22/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
76/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
71/100
Eeco
Performance
24/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
24/100
Practicality
54/100
Ownership
60/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Picanto Panel Van
wins with 56 pts
vs 43 pts for Eeco
In structured scoring, Picanto Panel Van emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Eeco may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Picanto Panel Van edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Eeco 65 vs Picanto Panel Van 63. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Eeco 24, Picanto Panel Van 76. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Eeco 60, Picanto Panel Van 71. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Eeco 54, Picanto Panel Van 59. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Eeco 24, Picanto Panel Van 22. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Picanto Panel Van edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Picanto Panel Van scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Eeco and Picanto Panel Van in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Eeco scores 24 vs 22.
Efficiency: Eeco scores 65 vs 63.
Safety: Eeco scores 24 vs 76.
Practicality: Eeco scores 54 vs 59.
Ownership: Eeco scores 60 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Picanto Panel Van
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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