KIA Picanto vs Toyota Starlet

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.

KIA Picanto

1.2 EX+ Auto Petrol 4-Speed Automatic Current

ZAR 325,995 ex-showroom

⚡ 61 kW 🔧 121 Nm ⛽ 15.9 km/l

Toyota Starlet

1.0T XR CVT Petrol CVT Current

ZAR 319,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 72 kW 🔧 140 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

KIA Picanto vs Toyota Starlet: the short answer

Picanto and Starlet are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

Picanto starts ZAR 7,905 cheaper Picanto from ZAR 236,995 · Starlet from ZAR 244,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives

Specification	Picanto	Starlet
Maximum Power	Picanto61 kW @ 6000 rpm	Starlet72 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque	Picanto121 Nm @ 4000 rpm	Starlet140 Nm
Engine Size	Picanto1248 cc	Starlet996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy	Picanto15.9 km/l	Starlet16.7 km/l
Ground Clearance	Picanto155 mm	Starlet162 mm

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

Evidence for KIA Picanto 1.2 EX+ Auto

Source type: Official OEM South Africa

Evidence for Toyota Starlet 1.0T XR CVT

Source type: Official OEM South Africa

Model imagery

Picanto and Starlet image comparison

Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.

KIA Picanto

KIA Picanto exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto exterior view 2.

View 8 more Picanto images

KIA Picanto exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto exterior view 3.

KIA Picanto exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto exterior view 4.

KIA Picanto exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto exterior view 5.

KIA Picanto interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto interior view 1.

KIA Picanto interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto interior view 2.

KIA Picanto interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto interior view 3.

KIA Picanto interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto interior view 4.

KIA Picanto interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison — Current KIA Picanto interior view 5.

View Picanto model and variants

Toyota Starlet

Toyota Starlet exterior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet exterior view 2.

View 8 more Starlet images

Toyota Starlet exterior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet exterior view 3.

Toyota Starlet exterior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet exterior view 4.

Toyota Starlet exterior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet exterior view 5.

Toyota Starlet interior view 1 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet interior view 1.

Toyota Starlet interior view 2 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet interior view 2.

Toyota Starlet interior view 3 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet interior view 3.

Toyota Starlet interior view 4 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet interior view 4.

Toyota Starlet interior view 5 for South African vehicle comparison — Current Toyota Starlet interior view 5.

View Starlet model and variants

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Specification evidence leader

Picanto

Strengths

Stronger published ownership cover

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures

Best suited to: General Use

Starlet

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures

Weak Spots

Lower published ownership cover

Best suited to: Published Performance Published Efficiency Published Practicality

Which One's Right for You?

Picanto

Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover

Starlet

Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Engine Position	Transverse Front-Mounted	Front Transverse
Gearbox	4-Speed Automatic	CVT Automatic
Transmission Type	Automatic	Continuously Variable Transmission
Number of Gears	4	4
Clutch Type	Torque Converter Automatic	Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio	4.058:1	Not Applicable
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain	FWD — Front Wheel Drive	FWD/
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	CVT Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator	Yes	Not Applicable
Gearbox Type	4-Speed Automatic	CVT Automatic
Transmission Speeds	4	4
Axle Layout	FWD	FWD
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	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	Not Available
Differential Type Rear	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Variable Valve Timing	CVVT on Intake Camshaft	-
Fuel Octane Requirement	93 RON Unleaded	Petrol
CO2 Emissions	145 g/km	107 g/km
Start Stop System	No	Standard
Noise Level	68 dB	67 dB
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Particulate Filter	GPF Fitted	Not Available
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating	Not Independently NCAP Green Rated	-
Idle CO2 Output	Within Euro 5 Emission Limits	107
Fuel Evaporation Control	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)	-
CO2 Emissions G Km	145	107

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Engine Oil Capacity	3.8 l	-
Service Interval	15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First	15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost	Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service	Approx R3,200
Battery Warranty	12 Months KIA Battery Warranty	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	Included — 3 Years/45	Optional
Engine Oil Change Interval	10,000 km or 6 Months	15,000 km or 1 Year
First Service At	1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check	-
Service Plan Duration	3 Years/45	Optional
Service Plan Distance	3 Years/45	Optional
Service Plan	3 Years/45	Optional
Anti-Rust Treatment	Underbody Anti-Rust Protection	-
Alternator	80A Alternator	-
Service Intervals	15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First	15,000 km or 1 Year
Accessory Battery Type	12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery	-

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
4WD System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Approach Angle	17 deg	-
Departure Angle	22 deg	-
Wading Depth	0 mm	-
Terrain Modes	Not Available	Not Available
Locking Differential	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Underbody Protection	Not Available	Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	0 deg	-
Ramp-over Angle	0 deg	-
Recovery Hooks	1 Rear Tow Hook	-
Ground Clearance Min	155 mm	162 mm
Ground Clearance Max	155 mm	162 mm
Off Road Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Response System	Not Available	Not Available
Crawl Control	Not Available	Not Available
Underbody Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Energy Recovery Display	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand	Not Available	Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow	Not Available	Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case	Not Available	Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank	Not Available	Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard	Not Available	Not Available
Approach Angle Deg	17 deg	-
Departure Angle Deg	22 deg	-
Wading Depth Mm	0 mm	-
Breakover Angle	0 deg	Not Available

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Length	3595 mm	3995 mm
Width	1595 mm	1695 mm
Height	1485 mm	1520 mm
Wheelbase	2400 mm	2520 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)	155 mm	162 mm
Kerb Weight	975 kg	1005 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	1425 kg	1420 kg
Payload Capacity	450 kg	-
Minimum Turning Radius	4.8 m	4.9 m
Doors	5 doors	5 doors
Seating Capacity	5 seats	5 seats
Boot/Cargo Space	255 l	265 l
Front Legroom	1040 mm	-
Rear Legroom	880 mm	-
Front Headroom	970 mm	-
Rear Headroom	935 mm	-
Fuel Tank Capacity	35 l	40 l
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)	151 mm	-
Towing Capacity	0 kg	-
Number of Rows	2 rows	-

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Front Track Width	1415 mm	1470 mm
Rear Track Width	1420 mm	1455 mm
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform	Monocoque
Power Steering	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)	Electric
Steering Column	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable	Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type	Coil Spring	Torsion Beam
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Standard Anti-Roll Bar	-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Standard Anti-Roll Bar	-
Shock Absorber Type	Telescopic Gas Dampers	-
Front Suspension Type	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut
Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam
Rear Axle Type	Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring	Torsion Beam
Shock Absorbers	Telescopic Gas Dampers	-
Chassis Material	Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform	Monocoque
MagneRide Damping	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Boot Space Seats Folded	1010 l	265 l
Fuel Consumption Combined	6.3 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle	6
Spare Wheel	Full Size Spare Tyre	Full Size Steel
Tyre Repair Kit	No — Full Size Spare Provided	-
Adaptive Dampers	No	Not Available
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Standard
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Yes — Front	-
Speed Alert System	Yes	-
Surround View Monitor	No	Not Available
Digital Speedometer	Yes — Digital Speedometer Display	Full Digital
Driver Display	Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID	-
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	-
Multi Function Steering	Yes	-
Voice Command	Yes	Standard
Voice Command Support	Yes	Standard
Wireless Charging	Yes	Optional
Seat Type	Leather	Fabric
Rear Seat Split	60/40 Split Fold	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	No	Not Available
Headrest Adjustable	Yes	-
Climate Control	Automatic Climate Control	Automatic AC
AC Type	Automatic Climate Control	Automatic AC
Climate Zones	Single Zone	Automatic AC
Power Windows	Yes — All Four Windows	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Yes	Standard
Push Button Start	Yes	Standard
Push Button Start	Yes	Standard
Engine Start Stop Button	Yes	Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination	Yes	Standard
Remote Start	No	-
Remote Engine Start	No	-
Sunroof	No	Not Available
Panoramic Roof	No	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	No	Not Available
Powered Tailgate	No	Not Available
Boot Opener	Yes — Electric Boot Release Button	-
Fuel Lid Opener	Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener	-
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	Yes	Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror	No	Standard
Auto Dimming Irvm	No	Standard
Rear Defogger	Yes	-
Rear Window Defroster	Yes	-
Electric Mirror Folding	Yes	-
Electric Folding Mirrors	Yes	All Doors
Power Mirrors	Yes	All Doors
Remote Side Mirror	Yes	-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Yes	-
Tachometer	Yes	-
Trip Computer	Yes	-
Speed Limiter	Yes	-
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Yes	-
12V Accessory Socket	Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket	-
Front Power Outlet	Yes — 12V Socket	-
Rear Reading Lamps	Yes	-
Vanity Mirror	Yes	-
Door Ajar Warning	Yes	-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Yes	-
Engine Check Warning	Yes	-
Service Reminder	Yes	-
Rear Wing	No	Not Available
Chrome Grille	No	-
Chrome Exterior Highlights	Yes	-
Side Steps	No	-
Skid Plates	No	Not Available
Engine Start Stop	Yes	Standard
Heads Up Display	No	-
Intercooler	Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine	-
Performance Data Logger	No	Not Available
Ride Mode Selection	No	-
Rev Matching	No	Not Available
Roof Antenna	Yes	-
Aero Kit	No	-
Exhaust Finish	Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip	-
Exhaust Type	Single Exhaust System	-
Glovebox Cooling	No	-
Headlamp Height Adjust	Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment	-
Headlamp Washer	No	-
Drag Coefficient	0.32 Cd	-
Stabilizer Bar	Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars	-
Steering Response	Electric Power Assisted Steering	-
Tail Lamps	Yes	-
Glove Box	Yes	-
Engine Warranty	7 Years/150	Not Applicable
Trim Level	flagship	top
Variant Role	Flagship / premium derivative	Mid-to-high value derivative
Accelerator 0 100	12.9 sec	12.0 sec
Common Rail Injection	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)	Direct Injection
Diff Lock	Not Available	Not Applicable
Difflock	Not Available	Not Applicable
Vdc	Yes	Standard
TPMS	Yes	Standard
Sonar	Yes	Rear
Automatic High Beam	No	-
Steering Column Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Height Adjustable
Tilt Steering	Tilt and Telescopic	Height Adjustable
Telescopic Steering	Tilt and Telescopic	Height Adjustable
Bottle Holders	2	-
Rear Air Conditioning	No	-
Air Conditioning	Automatic Climate Control	Automatic AC
Manual Aircon	Automatic Climate Control	Automatic AC
Intelligent Keyless Entry	Yes	Standard
Remote Central Locking	Yes	Standard
Passive Entry Start	Yes	Standard
Wireless Charger	Yes	Optional
Lift Gate	No	Not Available
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors	Yes	-
Power Socket 12v	Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket	-
Sound System	6	4
Roof Rack Compatibility	No	Not Available
Mirror	Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators	All Doors
Rim Size	15 Inches	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Stabilizer Bar Front	Standard Anti-Roll Bar	-
Stabilizer Bar Rear	Standard Anti-Roll Bar	-
Sub Frame	Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform	Monocoque
Vehicle To Grid	Not Available	Not Available
Vehicle To Load	Not Available	Not Available
One Pedal Driving	Not Available	Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Electric Motor	Not Available	Not Available
Battery Preconditioning	Not Available	Not Available
Load Bed Cover	Not Available	Not Available
Tailgate Lock	Not Available	Not Available
Sports Bar	Not Available	Not Available
Canopy Fitment	Not Available	Not Available
Bed Extender	Not Available	Not Available
Source Model Column	picanto	starlet
Intelligent Battery System	Not Available	Not Available
Front Diff Lock	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Diff Lock	Not Available	Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm	Not Available	Not Available
Load Bed Light	Not Available	Not Available
Load Bed Steps	Not Available	Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks	Not Available	Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets	Not Available	Not Available
Tailgate Damper	Not Available	Not Available
Tow Bar Type	Not Available	Not Available
Sport Plus Mode	Not Available	Not Available
Unlocking	Yes	Standard
Walk Away Lock	Yes	Standard
Walk Away Auto Door Lock	Yes	Standard
Rear LED Combination Taillights	Yes	-
Front Wiper	Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer	-
Front Wipers Type	Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer	-
Rearview Mirror Inside	No	Standard
Vanity Mirror Illuminated	Yes	-
Reading Lights Rear	Yes	-
Centre Console	No	Not Available
Side Impact Bars	Yes	Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded	1010 l	265 l
Load Bed Length	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Load Bed Width	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Front Shoulder Room	1355 mm	Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room	1305 mm	Not Applicable
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Height Adjustable
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)	Electric
Instrument Cluster Type	Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital
Rear USB Ports	0	2
Seat Material	Leather	Fabric
Fabric Seats	No	Fabric
Leather Seats	Yes	-
Seat Adjustment	Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment	Manual
Driver Seat Adjustment	6-Way Manual Adjustment	Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat	Yes	Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment	4-Way Manual Adjustment	Manual
Adjustable Front Seat	Yes	-
Memory Seats	No	-
Heated Seats	Yes — Front Heated Seats	Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats	No	Not Applicable
Cooled Seats	No	-
Driver Lumbar Support	No	-
Steering Wheel Material	Leather-Wrapped	Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting	No	Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats	Yes — 60/40 Split Fold	60/40 Split
60 40 Split Seat	Yes	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	No	Not Available
Rear Armrest	No	Not Available
Cup Holders	2	-
Rear AC Vents	No	-
Door Map Pockets	Yes	-
Front Headrest	Yes — Adjustable	-
Rear Headrest	Yes — Adjustable	-
Interior Colour Options	2	6
Interior Courtesy Lamps	8-inch touchscreen (EX+), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (LX+), 4.2-inch colour cluster (EX+), wireless charging (EX+), dual-zone climate control (EX+), 6 airbags standard	Touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Boot Space Seats Down	1010	-
Seat Belt Warning	Yes	-
Seat Trim	Leather	Fabric
Leather Accented Seat Trim	Leather	Fabric
Driver Seat	Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment	Manual
Seat Fold Type	Yes — 60/40 Split Fold	60/40 Split
Armrest Front	No	Not Available
Armrest Rear	No	Not Available
Rear Seat Centre Armrest	No	Not Available
Interior Colours	2	6
Interior Trim Colour	2	-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest	No	-

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Front Overhang	735 mm	-
Rear Overhang	460 mm	-
Panoramic Sunroof	No	Not Available
Body Type	5-Door Hatchback	Hatchback
LED Headlamps	Yes	Full LED
Led Headlights	Yes	Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps	Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights	LED
DRL	Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights	LED
Fog Lamps	Yes	Standard
Fog Lights	Yes	Standard
Front Fog Lights	Yes	Standard
Rear Fog Lights	Yes	-
Led Taillights	Yes	-
Roof Rails	No	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	Sport Design	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish	No	Not Available
Body Cladding	No	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler	Not Available
Exterior Colour Options	5	6
Roof Type	Standard Fixed Roof	Not Available
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	7
Exterior Mirror Electric	Yes	All Doors
Auto Headlights	Yes	Standard
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Standard
Headlamps	Yes	Full LED
Headlights	Yes	Full LED
Headlight Type	Yes	Full LED
Exterior Mirror Folding	Yes	-
Headlamp Levelling	Yes	Full LED
Daytime Running Lights	Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights	LED
Front Fog Lamps	Yes	Standard
Rear Spoiler	Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler	Not Available
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	Not Available
Sunroof Slide	Not Available	-
Sunroof Tilt	Not Available	-

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Fuel Tank Capacity	35 l	40 l
Claimed Mileage	15.9 km/l	16.7 km/l
City Mileage	13.0 km/l	13 km/l
Highway Mileage	20.0 km/l	18 km/l
Real-world Mileage	15.9 km/l	16.7 km/l
Distance To Empty	Yes	-
Low Fuel Warning	Yes	-
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	No	Standard
Fuel Tank Litres	35	40
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	Starlet
Real-world City Mileage Min	7.2 l/100km	14 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max	8.8 l/100km	17 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	4.5 l/100km	17 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	5.5 l/100km	20 l/100km
Owner Review Count	0	31

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Tyre Size	185/60 R15	195/55 R16
Tyre Type	Tubeless Radial	195/55 R16
Wheel Type	Sport Design	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheel Rim Size	15 Inches	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheel Diameter	15 Inches	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Front Tyre Width	185 mm	-
Rear Tyre Width	185 mm	-
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Drum
Brake Type Front	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear	Disc	Drum
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	Full Size Steel
Spare Tyre	Full Size Spare Tyre	Full Size Steel
Tyre Pressure Monitoring	Yes	Standard
Tyre Pressure Display	Yes	Standard
Hydraulic Brake Assist	Yes	Standard
Autonomous Emergency Brake	Yes	Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Yes	-
Wheel Material	Sport Design	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheels	Sport Design	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Spare Wheel Size Type	Full Size Spare	Full Size Steel
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	Not Available
Steering Wheel Phone Controls	Yes	-
Leather Steering Wheel	Leather-Wrapped	-
Steering Wheel Trim	Leather-Wrapped	-
Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution	Yes	-
Cornering Brake Control	Yes	Standard
Auto Brake Hold	Conventional Handbrake	-

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Airbags	6	7
Driver Airbag	Yes	7
Passenger Airbag	Yes	7
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	Standard
TCS	Yes	Standard
Traction Control	Yes	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Brake Assist	Yes	Standard
BA	Yes	Standard
Brake Override System	Yes	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Yes	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Yes	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Standard
Alarm System	Yes	Standard
Central Locking	Yes	Standard
Side Impact Beams	Yes	Standard
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	Standard
Stability Control	Yes	Standard
AEB	Yes	Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Yes	-
Blind Spot Monitoring	Yes	Standard
Lane Change Warning	Yes	-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Standard
Fatigue Detection	Yes	-
Front Parking Sensors	No	Not Available
ABS EBD	Yes	Standard
ESC With Traction Control	Yes	Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags	6	7
Driver Passenger Airbags	6	7
Anti Theft Alarm	Yes	Standard

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Yes	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Yes	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Yes	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Standard
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	Not Available
Auto Highbeam	No	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Yes	Rear
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Rear
Rear View Camera	Yes	Standard
Reverse Camera	Yes	Standard
360 Degree Camera	No	Not Available
Park Assist	No	Not Available
Auto Lights	Yes	Standard
Auto Wipers	Yes	Standard
Eco Mode	Yes	-
Sport Mode	No	-
EV Mode	Not Applicable — Petrol Engine	Not Available
Blind Spot Warning	Yes	Standard
Emergency Braking	Yes	Standard
Pre-Collision System	Yes	Not Available
Rear View Camera	Yes	Standard
Reversing Camera	Yes	Standard
Reverse Camera Type	Yes	Standard
Around View Monitor	No	Not Available
Surround View Camera	No	Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors	Yes	Rear
Parking Sensor	Yes	Rear
Front Camera	No	-
Automatic High Beam	No	-
Rain Sensor Wipers	Yes	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Not Available	Not Available

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Infotainment System	8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System	9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen	8-Inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display	8-Inch Touchscreen Display	9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	8-Inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Yes	Standard
Android Auto	Yes	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Standard
Navigation System	Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay	Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital
USB Ports	2	2
Rear Usb	No	2
Number of Speakers	6	4
Premium Audio	No	-
FM Radio	Yes	-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Yes	-
Audio Controls On Steering	Yes	-
Voice Recognition	Yes	Standard
AUX Input	Yes	-
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No	-
Head Up Display	No	-
Multi Information Display	Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster	Full Digital
Display Audio	8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System	9-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen	8-Inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity	Yes	Standard
Connected Services	Yes	Standard
Audio Speakers	6	4
Front Rear USB Charge Ports	2	2
Voice Control	Yes	Standard
Radio	Yes	-
Audio	Yes	-
Audio System	Yes	4
Wireless Android Auto	Yes	Standard

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Warranty Years	7 Years/150	3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers	7 Years/150	3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years	6 Years
Basic Warranty	7 Years/150	3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	3 Years
Warranty	7 Years/150	3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	3 Years

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Body Style	Hatchback	Hatchback
Model Year	2026	2026
Segment	Hatchback	Hatchback
Vehicle Type	Hatchback	Hatchback
Dealer Stock Note	Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup	Top 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, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Orange
Tare Mass Kg	975 kg	1005 kg
Model Introduced Year	2004	2020
Generation	Third generation (JA) since 2017; 2021 facelift model current in SA	First generation Starlet in South Africa on B-segment platform
Facelift History	2011 second generation; 2017 third generation; 2021 facelift with updated front fascia and infotainment	Minor updates since launch
Facelift Launched Since	2021	Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending	Current	Current
Production Status	active	published

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Price Zar	325995 ZAR	319900 ZAR
Pricing Role	Current listed price	Current listed price
Starting Price	325995	319900
Starting Price Zar	325995	319900
Ownership Role	Flagship	Top

Spec	Picanto	Starlet
Engine	1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol	1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code	G4LA	Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type	Petrol	Petrol
Hybrid System	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Engine Displacement	1248 cc	996 cc
Cylinders	4	3
Cylinder Layout	Inline	Not Officially Disclosed
Valves	16	Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder	4	Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Fuel System	Multi-Point Injection	Direct Injection
Compression Ratio	11.0:1	10.0:1
Bore	71 mm	Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke	79 mm	Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power	61 kW @ 6000 rpm	72 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque	121 Nm @ 4000 rpm	140 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	FWD
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic	CVT
Top Speed	163 km/h	175 km/h
0-100 km/h	12.9 sec	12.0 sec
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	71.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio	124.1 Nm/tonne	139.3 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 Starlet 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 Starlet 32.

Efficiency index: Picanto 61 vs Starlet 66.

Safety-equipment index: Picanto 89 vs Starlet 98.

Practicality index: Picanto 53 vs Starlet 56.

Ownership-cover index: Picanto 77 vs Starlet 43.

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 1 points

Picanto and Starlet are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.

Evidence leader 60 /100

Lead 1 points

Data 92% source coverage

#1 Evidence leader

Picanto

92% source coverage 2 strong categories

Best at Safety 89 Check Performance 28

Performance 28

Efficiency 61

Safety 89

Practicality 53

Ownership 77

Leads by 1 points

Starlet

83% source coverage 1 strong categories

Best at Safety 98 Check Performance 32

Performance 32

Efficiency 66

Safety 98

Practicality 56

Ownership 43

Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%

Category leaders What moves the verdict

Performance Starlet +4 Efficiency Starlet +5 Safety Starlet +9 Practicality Starlet +3 Ownership Picanto +34

Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.

Why this score View full breakdown

Evidence-index leader

Picanto

Performance 28/100

Efficiency 61/100

Safety 89/100

Practicality 53/100

Ownership 77/100

Starlet

Performance 32/100

Efficiency 66/100

Safety 98/100

Practicality 56/100

Ownership 43/100

What the evidence means

Evidence index KIA Picanto leads the specification evidence index with 60 pts vs 59 pts for Starlet

In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Picanto leads. However, Starlet may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Picanto vs Starlet questions

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.

KIA Picanto vs Toyota Starlet

KIA Picanto

Toyota Starlet

KIA Picanto vs Toyota Starlet: the short answer

Five key differences

Picanto and Starlet image comparison

KIA Picanto

Toyota Starlet

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Picanto

Starlet

Which One's Right for You?

Picanto

Starlet

Full Specs, Side by Side

In depth: how these cars differ

Specification Evidence Index

Picanto leads by 1 points

Picanto

Starlet

Picanto

Starlet

What the evidence means

Related comparisons

Picanto vs Starlet questions