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.
Grand i10 starts ZAR 236995 cheaperGrand i10 from ZAR 218,900 · Picanto from ZAR 236,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Engine Power
61
61
Torque
114
121
Engine Size
1197
1248
Claimed Mileage
16.5
15.9
Ground Clearance
170
155
Boot Space
235
255
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
975
975
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Grand i10
52
/ 100
+0
pts
#2
Picanto
52
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Grand i10 and Picanto are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Grand i10
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
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
Grand i10
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:General Use
Picanto
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Grand i10
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Picanto
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Length
3665
3595
Width
1660
1595
Height
1520
1485
Wheelbase
2385
2400
Ground Clearance
170
155
Kerb Weight
975
975
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
235
255
Rear Track Width
1420 mm
1420
Gross Vehicle Weight
1410
1425
Front Track Width
1435 mm
1415
Turning Radius
4.9 m
4.8
Towing Capacity
300 kg (Unbraked)
0
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
0
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
0
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
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
Boot Space Seats Folded
Available
1010
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
450
Boot Volume
Available
255
Front Overhang
Available
735
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
35
Rear Overhang
Available
460
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Engine
1.2 MPI DOHC
1.2L G4LA 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1197
1248
Cylinders
4
4
Power
61
61
Torque
114
121
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
No
Not Applicable
Top Speed
171
163
0-100 km/h
12.8
12.9
Power @ RPM
6300
6,000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
4200
4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
12
4
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
11.0:1
Engine Position
Front
Transverse Front-Mounted
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config
Inline
1.2L 4-Cylinder DOHC
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Cylinder Bore
Available
71.0
Piston Stroke
Available
79.0
Engine Code
Available
G4LA
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
3.8
Power
150
82
Cylinder Layout
Available
Inline 4 (I4)
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6500
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
Grand i10
Picanto
Transmission
5-speed Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Available
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
Not Applicable
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Differential Lock
No
Not Available
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
4
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
Transmission
Available
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Claimed Mileage
16.5
15.9
City Mileage
13.5
13.0
Highway Mileage
19.0
20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
35
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Auto Start Stop
No
No
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
6.3 L/100km Combined
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
6.3
Fuel Efficiency
Available
6.3
Real-world Mileage
Available
14.7
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Available
No
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes — Front Side Airbags
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode Only
Auto Highbeam
Available
No
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
No
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Seat Material
Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
Ambient Lighting
No
No
Front Armrest
Yes
No
Rear Armrest
No
No
Heated Seats
No
Yes — Front Heated Seats
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Cup Holders
4
2
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather-Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Rear AC Vents
No
No
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes — Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes — Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Cooled Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear USB Ports
Available
0
Interior Colour Options
Available
2
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual Adjustment
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Climate Control
Manual AC
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
All
Yes — All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
No
Yes
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Sunroof
No
No
Automatic Headlamps
No
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
AC Type
Manual
Single Zone Auto AC
Climate Zones
1
Single Zone
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Front Armrest
Yes
No
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Boot Opener
Inside
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes — 12V Socket
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
No
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.32 Cd
Driver Display
Available
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
No
Engine Warranty
Available
7 Years/150
Exhaust Finish
Available
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Exhaust Type
Available
Single Exhaust System
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
6.3 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
Gear Shift Type
Available
Floor-Mounted Selector
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
155
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
Payload Capacity
Available
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
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
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
Tail Lamps
Available
LED Combination Tail Lamps
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No — Full Size Spare Provided
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Yes
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
USB Ports
2
2
Digital Instrument Cluster
No
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
8
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Premium Audio
Available
No
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
14-inch Alloy
Sport Design
Roof Rails
No
No
Body Cladding
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
DRL
Yes
Yes — LED DRL
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body Type
Hatchback
5-Door Hatchback
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Led Headlights
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Available
5
Roof Type
Available
Standard Fixed Roof
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Tyre Size
175/65 R14
185/60 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Full Size Spare
Tyre Speed Rating
H
T
Tyre Load Index
91
84
Wheel Rim Size
14
15 Inches
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Conventional Handbrake
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Spare Tyre
Steel
Full Size Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
247
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
234
Front Tyre Width
Available
185
Rear Tyre Width
Available
185
Wheel Diameter
Available
15
Spec
Grand i10
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
Power Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Included — 3 Years/45
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
Approx Service Cost
R1,500 – R2,500 per service
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Service Plan Duration
4
3 Years KIA Service Plan
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
First Service At
15000
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
Battery Type
Lead-acid
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Alternator
120A
80A Alternator
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km or 6 Months
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
7 Years/150
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
CO2 Emissions
123
145
Start Stop System
No
No
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
Not Applicable
Noise Level
70 dB
68
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Available
GPF Fitted
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Idle CO2 Output
Available
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Approach Angle
17°
17
Wading Depth
150 mm
0
Departure Angle
29°
22
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Terrain Modes
No
Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
0
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Recovery Hooks
Available
1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type
Available
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Ramp-over Angle
Available
0
Spec
Grand i10
Picanto
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
7.2
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
8.8
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
4.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
5.5
Owner Review Count
Available
0
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Grand i10
wins with 52 pts
vs 52 pts for Picanto
In structured scoring, Grand i10 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 Grand i10 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: Grand i10 0 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: Grand i10 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: Grand i10 20, 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: Grand i10 9, Picanto 9. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Grand i10 5, 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 Grand i10 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Grand i10 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 Grand i10 and Picanto in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Grand i10 scores 5 vs 5.
Efficiency: Grand i10 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Grand i10 scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Grand i10 scores 9 vs 9.
Ownership: Grand i10 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Grand i10
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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