KIA Picanto Panel Van vs Mahindra S4 Refrigeration

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

KIA Picanto Panel Van in South Africa

KIA Picanto Panel Van

1.0 LS Panel Van Auto Petrol 4-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 269,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 49 kW 🔧 94 Nm ⛽ 16.4 km/l
VS
Mahindra S4 Refrigeration in South Africa

Mahindra S4 Refrigeration

Ice-cream Van Diesel Current
ZAR 500,749 ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW 🔧 320 Nm ⛽ 13 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA Picanto Panel Van vs Mahindra S4 Refrigeration: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Picanto Panel Van starts ZAR 207,154 cheaper Picanto Panel Van from ZAR 249,995 · S4 Refrigeration from ZAR 457,149

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Picanto Panel Van S4 Refrigeration
Maximum Power Picanto Panel Van49 kW @ 6000 rpm S4 Refrigeration103 kW @ 3750 rpm
Maximum Torque Picanto Panel Van94 Nm @ 3500 rpm S4 Refrigeration320 Nm
Engine Size Picanto Panel Van998 cc S4 Refrigeration2179 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Picanto Panel Van16.4 km/l S4 Refrigeration13 km/l
Ground Clearance Picanto Panel Van155 mm S4 Refrigeration210 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Picanto Panel Van S4 Refrigeration
Engine Position Transverse Front-Mounted -
Gearbox 4-Speed Automatic Manual
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Gears 4 Not Applicable
Clutch Type Torque Converter Automatic Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters Not Applicable Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio 4.286:1 Not Applicable
Drivetrain Layout Front Wheel Drive Not Applicable
Drivetrain FWD — Front Wheel Drive Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock 2.8 -
LSD Available Not Applicable Not Applicable
Differential Lock Not Applicable Not Applicable
Transfer Case Not Applicable Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type Floor-Mounted Selector Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator Yes Not Applicable
Gearbox Type 4-Speed Automatic Manual
Transmission Speeds 4 Not Applicable
Axle Layout FWD Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles Not Applicable Not Applicable
4WD Engagement Not Applicable Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range Not Applicable Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range Not Applicable Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard Not Available -
Low Range Not Applicable Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio Not Applicable Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock Not Applicable Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock Not Applicable Not Applicable
4WD Selector Not Applicable Not Applicable
Differential Type Front Not Available -
Differential Type Rear Not Available -
Spec Picanto Panel Van S4 Refrigeration
Variable Valve Timing CVVT on Intake Camshaft -
Fuel Octane Requirement 93 RON Unleaded Diesel
CO2 Emissions 140 g/km Not Applicable
Start Stop System No -
Noise Level 68 dB -
Hybrid System Type Not Applicable -
Particulate Filter GPF Fitted -
Euro Emission Standard Euro 5 -
Green NCAP Rating Not Independently NCAP Green Rated -
Idle CO2 Output Within Euro 5 Emission Limits -
Fuel Evaporation Control Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) -
CO2 Emissions G Km 140 -

In depth: how these cars differ

This Picanto Panel Van and S4 Refrigeration comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Picanto Panel Van vs S4 Refrigeration questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.