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.
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Current KIA Picanto exterior view 3.Current KIA Picanto exterior view 4.Current KIA Picanto exterior view 5.Current KIA Picanto interior view 1.Current KIA Picanto interior view 2.Current KIA Picanto interior view 3.Current KIA Picanto interior view 4.Current KIA Picanto interior view 5.
Simple dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
Boot Space Seats Down
1010
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Trim
Leather
Cloth
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
-
Driver Seat
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
-
Seat Fold Type
Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
-
Armrest Front
No
-
Armrest Rear
No
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
No
-
Interior Colours
2
Black
Interior Trim Colour
2
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
No
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Front Overhang
735 mm
-
Rear Overhang
460 mm
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Body Type
5-Door Hatchback
Hatchback
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Led Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
DRL
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Roof Rails
No
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Sport Design
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
-
Body Cladding
No
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
-
Exterior Colour Options
5
6
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
-
Rear Wiper
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
-
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
6
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Headlight Type
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body-Coloured Door Handles
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Sunroof Slide
Not Available
-
Sunroof Tilt
Not Available
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
45 l
Claimed Mileage
15.9 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
13.0 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
26.2 km/l
Real-world Mileage
15.9 km/l
22.2 km/l
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
35
45
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.2 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.8 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
5.5 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
0
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
185/60 R15
Not Available
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Type
Sport Design
-
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
Not Available
Wheel Diameter
15 Inches
Not Available
Front Tyre Width
185 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
185 mm
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Front Brake Disc Diameter
247 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
234 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
-
Tyre Load Index
84
-
Tyre Speed Rating
T
-
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare Tyre
Not Available
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare Tyre
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Wheel Material
Sport Design
-
Wheels
Sport Design
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full Size Spare
-
Handbrake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Not Applicable
Electric Park Brake
Conventional Handbrake
-
Wheel Size Type
15 Inches
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather-Wrapped
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather-Wrapped
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Auto Brake Hold
Conventional Handbrake
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
6
4
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes — Front Side Airbags
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
ABS
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Alarm System
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
-
Side Impact Beams
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Safety Rating
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
-
Whiplash Protection
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
-
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Front Parking Sensors
No
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
Not Available
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
No
-
EV Mode
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reversing Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
No
Not Available
Surround View Camera
No
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
-
Parking Sensor
Yes
-
Front Camera
No
-
Automatic High Beam
No
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Infotainment Display
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
-
Infotainment Screen Size
8-Inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Navigation System
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Rear Usb
No
-
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Premium Audio
No
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Head Up Display
No
-
Multi Information Display
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Display Audio
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
-
Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Connected Services
Yes
SYNC
Audio Speakers
6
Not Available
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Voice Control
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio System
Yes
-
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Not Available
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Warranty Years
7 Years/150
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
7 Years/150
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
7 Years/150
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Warranty
7 Years/150
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Body Style
Hatchback
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Segment
Hatchback
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Chili Red, Horizon Blue, Perennial Grey, Sporty Blue (two-tone options available on EX+)
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Tare Mass Kg
975 kg
1108 kg
Model Introduced Year
2004
2010
Generation
Third generation (JA) since 2017; 2021 facelift model current in SA
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
2011 second generation; 2017 third generation; 2021 facelift with updated front fascia and infotainment
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Production Status
active
published
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Price Zar
325995 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
325995
363300
Starting Price Zar
325995
363300
Ownership Role
Flagship
South Africa market model
Spec
Picanto
Polo-Vivo
Engine
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
G4LA
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1248 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
71 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
79 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
61 kW @ 6000 rpm
81 kW
Maximum Torque
121 Nm @ 4000 rpm
200 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
163 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
12.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
62.6 kW/tonne
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
124.1 Nm/tonne
180.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
In depth: how these cars differ
This Picanto and Polo-Vivo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Picanto 28 vs Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: Picanto 61 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: Picanto 89 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: Picanto 53 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: Picanto 77 vs Polo-Vivo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Picanto leads by 5 points
Picanto and Polo-Vivo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Picanto
Performance
28/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
53/100
Ownership
77/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Picanto
leads the specification evidence index with 60 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Picanto leads. However, Polo-Vivo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
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