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 Panel Van starts ZAR 284995 cheaperPicanto Panel Van from ZAR 249,995 · Sonet Panel Van from ZAR 284,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Engine Power
49
85 kW
Torque
94
143 Nm
Engine Size
998
1497
Claimed Mileage
16.4
16.9
Ground Clearance
155
211
Boot Space
620
392
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
950
1230
Seating Capacity
2
2
Warranty
7
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Sonet Panel Van
58
/ 100
+2
pts
#2
Picanto Panel Van
56
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Picanto Panel Van and Sonet Panel Van are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Sonet Panel Van
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Picanto Panel Van
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Sonet Panel Van
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
Picanto Panel Van
Performance
4/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Picanto Panel Van
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Sonet Panel Van
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Picanto Panel Van
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sonet Panel Van
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Engine
1.0L G3LA 3-Cylinder Petrol
1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config
1.0L 3-Cylinder DOHC
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve
Engine Code
G3LA
G4LC
Cylinder Layout
Inline 3 (I3)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
998
1497
Engine Displacement
998
1497
Cylinders
3
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Cylinder Bore
71.0
75.0
Piston Stroke
84.0
84.5
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
13.0:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Front Transverse
Variable Valve Timing
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
CVVT
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Gasoline Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
No
Power
49
85 kW
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
6,300 rpm
Power
66
114
Torque
94
143 Nm
Torque @ RPM
3,500 rpm
4,000 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6500
6,500 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
3.2
4.5
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
93 Octane
Top Speed
148
172
0-100 km/h
14.5
11.2
0–100 km/h
14.5
11.2
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
N/A
Charging Port
Not Applicable
N/A
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
N/A
EV Range
0
N/A
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Ground Clearance Unladen
155
211
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.1 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
5.9
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Tyre Repair Kit
No — Full Size Spare Provided
No
Adaptive Dampers
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes — Front
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Digital Cluster
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
No
Seat Type
Cloth Fabric
Fabric Seats
Rear Seat Split
N/A Panel Van
Yes
Front Armrest
No
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
No
AC Type
Manual AC
Manual AC
Climate Zones
Single Zone
1
Power Windows
Yes — Front Windows Only
Yes
Keyless Entry
No
No
Push Button Start
No
No
Push Button Start
No
No
Engine Start Stop Button
No
No
Engine Start Button Illumination
No
No
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Sunroof
No
No
Panoramic Roof
No
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Boot Opener
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Remote
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
No
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
No
No
Electric Folding Mirrors
No
No
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
No
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes — 12V Socket
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Rear Wing
No
Yes
Chrome Grille
No
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
No
Side Steps
No
No
Skid Plates
No
No
Gear Shift Type
Floor-Mounted Selector
Automatic
Engine Start Stop
No
Yes
Heads Up Display
No
No
Intercooler
Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
No
Launch Control
No
No
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Ride Mode Selection
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Payload Capacity
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
N/A
Roof Antenna
Yes
Yes
Aero Kit
No
No
Exhaust Finish
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
-
Exhaust Type
Single Exhaust System
-
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Drag Coefficient
0.32 Cd
0.34
Stabilizer Bar
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Yes
Steering Response
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Normal
Tail Lamps
Halogen Tail Lamps
LED
Service Plan
3 Years/45
3 Years / 45,000 km
Engine Warranty
7 Years/150
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
93 Octane
CO2 Emissions
140
138
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Noise Level
68
67
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Particulate Filter
GPF Fitted
No
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
4
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
145
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Yes
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Number of Gears
4
CVT
Clutch Type
Torque Converter Automatic
Torque Converter
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
No
Final Drive Ratio
4.286:1
3.56
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
15.1:1
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
N/A
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
4WD System Type
Not Applicable — FWD Only
N/A
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Approach Angle
17
21
Departure Angle
22
35
Wading Depth
0
N/A
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
No
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
Underbody Protection
Not Available
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
0
16
Ramp-over Angle
0
18
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
No
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Length
3595
3995
Width
1595
1790
Height
1480
1635
Wheelbase
2400
2500
Ground Clearance
155
211
Kerb Weight
950
1230
Gross Vehicle Weight
1400
1670
Max Payload
450
N/A
Front Track Width
1415
1544
Rear Track Width
1420
1536
Turning Radius
4.8
10.4
Number of Doors
3
5
Doors
3
5
Seats
2
2
Seating Capacity
2
2
Boot Space
620
392
Boot Space Seats Folded
620
1143
Boot Volume
620
392
Towing Capacity
0
N/A
Load Bed Length
1485
N/A
Load Bed Width
1150
N/A
Front Legroom
1040
1030
Rear Legroom
0
860
Front Headroom
970
990
Rear Headroom
0
950
Front Shoulder Room
1355
1380
Rear Shoulder Room
0
1330
Front Overhang
735
800
Rear Overhang
460
695
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
45
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
45
Claimed Mileage
16.4
16.9
City Mileage
13.5
13.7
Highway Mileage
20.4
20.0
Fuel Efficiency
6.1
5.9 L/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.1
5.9
Average Fuel Consumption
6.1 L/100km Combined
5.9
Real-world Mileage
15.2
7.1
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0
No
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.9
11.6
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.4
15.1
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5
18.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
5.3
21.0
Owner Review Count
0
-
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Tyre Size
175/65 R14
215/60 R16
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Radial
Wheel Type
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
14 Inches
215/60 R16
Wheel Diameter
14
16
Front Tyre Width
175
215
Rear Tyre Width
175
215
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
247
280
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
180
236
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
82
102
Tyre Speed Rating
T
H
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Temporary Spare
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Temporary Spare
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Coupled Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Unibody
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Telescopic
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Instrument Cluster Type
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital
Rear USB Ports
0
No
Seat Material
Cloth
Cloth
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
6-Way Manual
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-Way Manual Adjustment
6-Way Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
6-Way Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Manual
Memory Seats
No
No
Heated Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Cooled Seats
No
No
Driver Lumbar Support
No
No
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Leather
Ambient Lighting
No
No
Folding Rear Seats
Not Applicable — Panel Van
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
No
Yes
Front Armrest
No
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Cup Holders
2
4
Rear AC Vents
No
No
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes — Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Not Applicable
Adjustable
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Airbags
6
6
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes — Front Side Airbags
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
ABS
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
5
Whiplash Protection
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
AEB
No
No
Pedestrian Detection AEB
No
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
No
Lane Change Warning
No
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Fatigue Detection
No
No
Front Parking Sensors
No
No
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
No
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
No
Lane Departure Warning
No
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
No
Cruise Control
No
Yes
Auto Highbeam
No
No
Parking Sensors
No
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
No
Yes
Rear View Camera
No
Yes
Reverse Camera
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
No
Park Assist
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
No
Auto Wipers
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco Mode Only
No
EV Mode
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
No
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
8.0-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
8.0
Infotainment Screen Size
8
8.0
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Navigation System
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2
2
Rear Usb
No
No
Number of Speakers
6
4
Premium Audio
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Body Type
3-Door Panel Van
Panel Van
LED Headlamps
No
No
Led Headlights
No
No
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Yes
DRL
Yes — LED DRL
Yes
Fog Lamps
No
No
Fog Lights
No
No
Front Fog Lights
No
No
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
No
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Standard Design
Steel
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
No
Body Cladding
No
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
5
Multiple
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Standard
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Electric
Rear Wiper
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body Colour
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
15000
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
R3,000 per service
Battery Warranty
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
N/A
Battery Type
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
N/A
Maintenance Plan
Included — 3 Years/45
3 Years / 45,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
15000
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
15000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years KIA Service Plan
3
Service Plan Distance
45000
45000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Alternator
80A Alternator
Yes
Spec
Picanto Panel Van
Sonet Panel Van
Warranty Years
7
7
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
7 Years/150
7 Years / 150,000 km
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Sonet Panel Van
wins with 58 pts
vs 56 pts for Picanto Panel Van
In structured scoring, Sonet Panel Van emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Picanto Panel Van 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 Sonet 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: Picanto Panel Van 0 vs Sonet Panel Van 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: Picanto Panel Van 18, Sonet Panel Van 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: Picanto Panel Van 20, Sonet Panel Van 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: Picanto Panel Van 14, Sonet Panel Van 13. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Picanto Panel Van 4, Sonet Panel Van 7. 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 Sonet Panel Van edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Sonet 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 Picanto Panel Van and Sonet Panel Van in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Picanto Panel Van scores 4 vs 7.
Efficiency: Picanto Panel Van scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Picanto Panel Van scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Picanto Panel Van scores 14 vs 13.
Ownership: Picanto Panel Van scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Sonet Panel Van
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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