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.
Picanto starts ZAR 380500 cheaperFit from ZAR 380,500 · Picanto from ZAR 236,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Engine Power
109
61
Torque
253
121
Engine Size
1498
1248
Claimed Mileage
26
15.9
Ground Clearance
135
155
Boot Space
304
255
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1150
975
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Fit
69
/ 100
+17
pts
#2
Picanto
52
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Fit holds a noticeable edge over Picanto, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Fit
+5 pts
Efficiency
Fit
+20 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Picanto
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Fit
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
20/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
12/20
Picanto
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Fit
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Picanto
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Fit
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Picanto
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Ground Clearance
135
155
Wheelbase
2530
2400
Length
3995
3595
Width
1695
1595
Height
1515
1485
Kerb Weight
1150
975
Gross Vehicle Weight
1550
1425
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
304
255
Towing Capacity
800
0
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1010
Front Track Width
1550
1415
Rear Track Width
1540
1420
Turning Radius
Available
4.8
Load Bed Length
Available
0
Load Bed Width
Available
0
Front Legroom
Available
1040
Rear Legroom
Available
880
Front Headroom
Available
970
Rear Headroom
Available
935
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1355
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1305
Max Payload
Available
450
Boot Volume
Available
255
Doors
Available
5
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
735
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
35
Rear Overhang
Available
460
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Engine
1.5L Hybrid Petrol
1.2L G4LA 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Atkinson Cycle with Electric Motor
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1498
1248
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
109
61
Torque
253
121
Fuel System
Direct Injection + Electric Motor Assist
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Top Speed
175
163
0-100 km/h
10.5
12.9
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
Standard
G4LA
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
11.0:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
71.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
79.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Power @ RPM
150
6,000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
4,000 rpm
Turbocharger
Available
Not Applicable
Engine Position
Available
Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
3.8
Power
150
82
Variable Valve Timing
Available
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6500
Engine Type Config
Available
1.2L 4-Cylinder DOHC
0–100 km/h
Available
12.9
Battery Capacity
Available
Not Applicable
Charging Port
Available
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Available
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Available
1248
EV Range
Available
0
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Transmission
eCVT Automatic
4-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
4
Transmission
Automatic CVT
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Not Available
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Paddle Shifters
Available
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Available
4.058:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
2.8
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter Automatic
Drivetrain
Available
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Claimed Mileage
26
15.9
City Mileage
24
13.0
Highway Mileage
27
20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
35
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
0
Auto Start Stop
Available
No
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
6.3 L/100km Combined
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
6.3
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
6.3
Real-world Mileage
Available
14.7
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Side Airbags
Available
Yes — Front Side Airbags
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Optional
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
No
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Eco Mode Only
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Reverse Camera
Available
Yes
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
No
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated Seats
Optional
Yes — Front Heated Seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
No
Front Armrest
Yes
No
Cup Holders
4
2
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
No
Rear AC Vents
Available
No
Rear USB Ports
Available
0
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather-Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
No
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Yes
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Yes — Adjustable
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual Adjustment
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes — Adjustable
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
Yes — All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Optional
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Payload Capacity
500
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
No
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Single Zone Auto AC
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
No
Boot Opener
Available
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
No
Climate Zones
Available
Single Zone
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.32 Cd
Driver Display
Available
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
No
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
7 Years/150
Exhaust Finish
Available
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Exhaust Type
Available
Single Exhaust System
Front Armrest
Available
No
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes — 12V Socket
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
6.3 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Gear Shift Type
Available
Floor-Mounted Selector
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
155
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
No
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40 Split Fold
Rear Wing
Available
No
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
No
Roof Antenna
Available
Yes
Seat Type
Available
Leather
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes — Front
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
3 Years/45
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Full Size Spare Tyre
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED Combination Tail Lamps
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No — Full Size Spare Provided
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Built-in
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
USB Ports
Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
No
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
8
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Rear Usb
Available
No
Premium Audio
Available
No
Spec
Fit
Picanto
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Alloy Wheel Design
16-inch Alloy
Sport Design
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
5
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
No
Body Cladding
Available
No
Rear Spoiler
Available
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Roof Type
Available
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Rear Wiper
Available
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Body Type
Available
5-Door Hatchback
DRL
Available
Yes — LED DRL
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Approach Angle
14
17
Departure Angle
16
22
Wading Depth
250
0
Terrain Modes
EV Eco Normal
Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Underbody Protection
Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
0
Recovery Hooks
Available
1 Rear Tow Hook
Hill Descent Control
Available
No
Ramp-over Angle
Available
0
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Tyre Size
185/55 R16
185/60 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
247
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Full Size Spare
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
234
Parking Brake Type
Available
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
Available
84
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
T
Wheel Rim Size
Available
15 Inches
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Disc
Spare Tyre
Available
Full Size Spare
Tyre Type
Available
Tubeless Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
185
Rear Tyre Width
Available
185
Wheel Diameter
Available
15
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Power Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Available
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
Approx Service Cost
Low
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Battery Warranty
8 Years
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
First Service At
5000
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
Maintenance Plan
Available
Included — 3 Years/45
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km or 6 Months
Service Plan Duration
Available
3 Years KIA Service Plan
Service Plan Distance
Available
45000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Alternator
Available
80A Alternator
Battery Type
Available
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Warranty Years
3
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
7 Years/150
Spec
Fit
Picanto
CO2 Emissions
90
145
Start Stop System
Standard
No
Hybrid System Type
Self-Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
93 RON Unleaded
Noise Level
Available
68
Particulate Filter
Available
GPF Fitted
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Spec
Fit
Picanto
Real-world City Mileage Min
22
7.2
Real-world City Mileage Max
26
8.8
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
24
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
28
5.5
Owner Review Count
25
0
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Honda Fit
wins with 69 pts
vs 52 pts for Picanto
In structured scoring, Fit emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Picanto 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 Fit 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: Fit 20 vs Picanto 0. 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: Fit 18, Picanto 18. 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: Fit 12, Picanto 20. 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: Fit 9, Picanto 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Fit 10, Picanto 5. 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 Fit edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Fit 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 Fit and Picanto in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Fit scores 10 vs 5.
Efficiency: Fit scores 20 vs 0.
Safety: Fit scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Fit scores 9 vs 9.
Ownership: Fit scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Fit
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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