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Picanto vs Swift Sport
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.
1.2 EX+ Auto
Petrol
Automatic
ZAR 325,995
ex-showroom
⚡ 61 kW
🔧 121 Nm
⛽ 15.9 km/l
Ford EcoSport
Ford Everest
Ford Mustang
Ford Puma
Ford Ranger
Ford Territory
Gwm Cannon
Gwm Cannon Alpha
Gwm H6
Gwm H6 GT
Gwm H7
Gwm Jolion
Gwm Jolion GT
Gwm Ora 5
Gwm P Series
Gwm Tank 300
Gwm Tank 500
Honda Amaze
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic RS
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Elevate
Honda Fit
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai H1
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i30
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu MU-X
KIA Carens
KIA Carnival
KIA K2500
KIA K2700
KIA Pegas
KIA Picanto
KIA Picanto Panel Van
KIA Seltos
KIA Sonet
KIA Sonet Panel Van
KIA Sorento
KIA Sportage
KIA Tasman
Nissan Magnite
Nissan NP200
Nissan NP300 Hardbody
Nissan Navara
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan X-Trail
Suzuki Across
Suzuki Baleno
Suzuki Dzire
Suzuki Eeco
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
Suzuki Super Carry
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki XL6
Toyota Agya
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Corolla Hatch
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota GR Supra
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR86
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Toyota Land Cruiser 76
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Quantum
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Starlet
Toyota Starlet Cross
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Toyota Vitz
Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen Caddy
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Volkswagen Polo-Vivo
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Volkswagen Touareg
VS
1.4 Turbo AT
Petrol
Automatic
ZAR 493,900
ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW
🔧 230 Nm
⛽ 15.6 km/l
Ford EcoSport
Ford Everest
Ford Mustang
Ford Puma
Ford Ranger
Ford Territory
Gwm Cannon
Gwm Cannon Alpha
Gwm H6
Gwm H6 GT
Gwm H7
Gwm Jolion
Gwm Jolion GT
Gwm Ora 5
Gwm P Series
Gwm Tank 300
Gwm Tank 500
Honda Amaze
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic RS
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Elevate
Honda Fit
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai H1
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i30
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu MU-X
KIA Carens
KIA Carnival
KIA K2500
KIA K2700
KIA Pegas
KIA Picanto
KIA Picanto Panel Van
KIA Seltos
KIA Sonet
KIA Sonet Panel Van
KIA Sorento
KIA Sportage
KIA Tasman
Nissan Magnite
Nissan NP200
Nissan NP300 Hardbody
Nissan Navara
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan X-Trail
Suzuki Across
Suzuki Baleno
Suzuki Dzire
Suzuki Eeco
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
Suzuki Super Carry
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki XL6
Toyota Agya
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Corolla Hatch
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota GR Supra
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR86
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Toyota Land Cruiser 76
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Quantum
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Starlet
Toyota Starlet Cross
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Toyota Vitz
Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen Caddy
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Volkswagen Polo-Vivo
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Volkswagen Touareg
+
Add a 3rd car
Select a car to compare…
Ford EcoSport
Ford Everest
Ford Mustang
Ford Puma
Ford Ranger
Ford Territory
Gwm Cannon
Gwm Cannon Alpha
Gwm H6
Gwm H6 GT
Gwm H7
Gwm Jolion
Gwm Jolion GT
Gwm Ora 5
Gwm P Series
Gwm Tank 300
Gwm Tank 500
Honda Amaze
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic RS
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Elevate
Honda Fit
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai H1
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i30
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu MU-X
KIA Carens
KIA Carnival
KIA K2500
KIA K2700
KIA Pegas
KIA Picanto
KIA Picanto Panel Van
KIA Seltos
KIA Sonet
KIA Sonet Panel Van
KIA Sorento
KIA Sportage
KIA Tasman
Nissan Magnite
Nissan NP200
Nissan NP300 Hardbody
Nissan Navara
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan X-Trail
Suzuki Across
Suzuki Baleno
Suzuki Dzire
Suzuki Eeco
Suzuki Ertiga
Suzuki Fronx
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
Suzuki Super Carry
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki XL6
Toyota Agya
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Corolla Hatch
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota GR Supra
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR86
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Land Cruiser 300
Toyota Land Cruiser 76
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Quantum
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Starlet
Toyota Starlet Cross
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Toyota Vitz
Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen Caddy
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Volkswagen Polo-Vivo
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Volkswagen Touareg
Add
Scores
Key Specs
All Specs
Verdict
FAQs
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡
Performance
Swift Sport
⛽
Fuel Economy
Tie
🛡
Safety
Tie
📦
Practicality
Picanto
🔑
Ownership
Tie
Picanto starts ZAR 469900 cheaper
Picanto from ZAR 236,995 · Swift Sport from ZAR 469,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Engine Power
61
103
Torque
121
230
Engine Size
1248
1373
Claimed Mileage
15.9
15.6
Ground Clearance
155
130
Boot Space
255
265
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
975
990
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
7
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Swift Sport
55
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Picanto and Swift Sport are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Swift Sport
+4 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Picanto
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Swift Sport
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Picanto
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:
Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Swift Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:
Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Picanto
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Swift Sport
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Engine & Performance
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Engine
1.2L G4LA 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.4L K14D BoosterJet Turbo 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Direct Injection
Engine Type Config
1.2L 4-Cylinder DOHC
Available
Engine Code
G4LA
K14D
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Displacement
1248
1373
Engine Displacement
1248
Available
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Cylinder Bore
71.0
74.0
Piston Stroke
79.0
79.4
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
10.0:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Transverse Front-Mounted
Variable Valve Timing
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Direct Injection (DI) — BoosterJet
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Mitsubishi Turbocharged Intercooled
Power
61
103
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
5,500 rpm
Power
82
138
Torque
121
230
Torque @ RPM
4,000 rpm
2,000–3,500 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6500
6500
Engine Oil Capacity
3.8
3.7
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
95 RON Unleaded Petrol
Top Speed
163
210
0-100 km/h
12.9
8.5
0–100 km/h
12.9
Available
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Available
Charging Port
Not Applicable
Available
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Available
EV Range
0
Available
Comfort & Convenience
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
155
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.3 L/100km — WLTP Combined Cycle
Available
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare Tyre
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
No — Full Size Spare Provided
Available
Adaptive Dampers
No
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes — Front
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster with MID
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Seat Type
Leather
Available
Rear Seat Split
60/40 Split Fold
Available
Front Armrest
No
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
AC Type
Single Zone Auto AC
Available
Climate Zones
Single Zone
Available
Power Windows
Yes — All Four Windows
All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart Key System
Push Button Start
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Remote Engine Start
No
Available
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
No
Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Boot Opener
Yes — Electric Boot Release Button
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes — Remote Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Not Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
Available
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Power Mirrors
Yes
150
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Standard
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Standard
12V Accessory Socket
Yes — 12V Front Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
Front Power Outlet
Yes — 12V Socket
150
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Rear Wing
No
Available
Chrome Grille
No
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Available
Side Steps
No
Available
Skid Plates
No
Available
Gear Shift Type
Floor-Mounted Selector
Available
Engine Start Stop
No
Available
Heads Up Display
No
Available
Intercooler
Not Applicable — Naturally Aspirated Engine
Available
Launch Control
No
Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Ride Mode Selection
No
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Payload Capacity
Not Applicable — Passenger Vehicle
Available
Roof Antenna
Yes
Available
Aero Kit
No
Available
Exhaust Finish
Standard Single Outlet Chrome Tip
Available
Exhaust Type
Single Exhaust System
Available
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes — Manual Headlamp Beam Adjustment
Available
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.32 Cd
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Front and Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Available
Steering Response
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Available
Tail Lamps
LED Combination Tail Lamps
Available
Service Plan
3 Years/45
Available
Engine Warranty
7 Years/150
Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Available
Environmental & Emissions
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
95 RON Unleaded
CO2 Emissions
145
147
Start Stop System
No
Not Available
Noise Level
68
70
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Particulate Filter
GPF Fitted
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Transmission & Drivetrain
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Transmission Type
Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
Available
Number of Gears
4
6
Clutch Type
Torque Converter Automatic
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Sport Paddle Shifters on Steering Column
Final Drive Ratio
4.058:1
4.062:1
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
2.5
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Off-road Capability
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
4WD System Type
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Not Applicable — FWD
Hill Descent Control
No
Available
Approach Angle
17
17
Departure Angle
22
22
Wading Depth
0
0
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable — Urban Hatchback
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Not Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
0
0
Ramp-over Angle
0
Available
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
1 Rear Tow Hook
Dimensions
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Length
3595
3890
Width
1595
1735
Height
1485
1480
Wheelbase
2400
2450
Ground Clearance
155
130
Kerb Weight
975
990
Gross Vehicle Weight
1425
1390
Max Payload
450
420
Front Track Width
1415
1510
Rear Track Width
1420
1510
Turning Radius
4.8
4.8
Number of Doors
5
5
Doors
5
Available
Seats
5
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
255
265
Boot Space Seats Folded
1010
579
Boot Volume
255
Available
Towing Capacity
0
0
Load Bed Length
0
0
Load Bed Width
0
0
Front Legroom
1040
1032
Rear Legroom
880
890
Front Headroom
970
965
Rear Headroom
935
962
Front Shoulder Room
1355
1370
Rear Shoulder Room
1305
1345
Front Overhang
735
Available
Rear Overhang
460
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
Available
Mileage & Efficiency
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Fuel Tank Capacity
35
37
Claimed Mileage
15.9
15.6
City Mileage
13.0
12.2
Highway Mileage
20.0
18.2
Fuel Efficiency
6.3
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.3
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
6.3 L/100km Combined
Available
Real-world Mileage
14.7
Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0
0
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Available
User & Real-world Data
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.2
7.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.8
9.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5
5.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
5.5
7.0
Owner Review Count
0
0
Tyres, Wheels & Brakes
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Tyre Size
185/60 R15
195/45 R17
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy Wheels
17-inch BBS Sport Alloy
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
17 Inches
Wheel Diameter
15
Available
Front Tyre Width
185
Available
Rear Tyre Width
185
Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Available
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
247
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
234
259
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
84
81
Tyre Speed Rating
T
Y
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Space Saver Spare
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Available
Suspension & Chassis
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut — Sport Tuned
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Torsion Beam — Sport Tuned Dampers
Chassis Type
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
HEARTECT Sport Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric Power Assisted Sport Tuned (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring — Sport Rate
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring — Sport Rate
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Uprated 20mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Uprated 16mm Sport Anti-Roll Bar
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Bilstein Sport Telescopic Gas Dampers
Interior
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Instrument Cluster Type
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
4.2-inch Colour LCD Info Display
Rear USB Ports
0
0
Seat Material
Leather
Alcantara Sport Seats with Bolstering
Fabric Seats
No
Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Available
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way with Sport Bucket Profile
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual Adjustment
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Available
Memory Seats
No
Available
Heated Seats
Yes — Front Heated Seats
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Available
Cooled Seats
No
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
No
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather-Wrapped
Leather-Wrapped Sport Steering Wheel
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
60:40 Split Fold
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
No
Standard Sport Armrest
Rear Armrest
No
Integrated in Seat Back
Cup Holders
2
4
Rear AC Vents
No
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
All Four Door Pockets
Front Headrest
Yes — Adjustable
Available
Rear Headrest
Yes — Adjustable
Available
Interior Colour Options
2
1
Safety
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Airbags
6
6
Driver Airbag
Yes
Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Available
Side Airbags
Yes — Front Side Airbags
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes — Full Length Curtain Airbags
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
ABS
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Available
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Available
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
Remote Central Locking with Smart Key
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
All Seats
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes — Front Seatbelt Pre-tensioners
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
3 Stars (Euro NCAP 2017 Assessment)
Not Independently Rated
Whiplash Protection
Yes — Active Head Restraints Front
Active Head Restraints
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
AEB
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Front Parking Sensors
No
Not Available
Driver Assistance
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
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
Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
No
Available
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Available
360 Degree Camera
No
Not Available
Park Assist
No
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Eco Mode
Yes
Available
Sport Mode
No
Available
Drive Modes
Eco Mode Only
Available
EV Mode
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Available
Infotainment & Connectivity
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Infotainment Screen
8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
7-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
8
7
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wired Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Not Available
Android Auto
Yes
Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Navigation System
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes — Partial Digital Instrument Cluster
4.2-inch Colour LCD
USB Ports
2
2
Rear Usb
No
Available
Number of Speakers
6
4
Premium Audio
No
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Voice Recognition
Yes
Via Smartphone
AUX Input
Yes
Not Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
Not Available
Exterior
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Body Type
5-Door Hatchback
Available
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED Projector Headlamps
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes — LED Daytime Running Lights
LED DRLs
DRL
Yes — LED DRL
Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Roof Rails
No
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Sport Design
17-inch BBS Sport Alloy Wheels (Exclusive Design)
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Not Available
Body Cladding
No
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes — Rear Integrated Spoiler
Rear Roof Spoiler — Sport Design
Exterior Colour Options
5
4
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable with Integrated Turn Indicators
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Auto-Fold Mirrors
Rear Wiper
Yes — Standard Rear Wiper and Washer
Standard
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Service & Maintenance
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months — Whichever First
15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,500–R3,200 per Service
Approx R2,500–R3,500 per Service
Battery Warranty
12 Months KIA Battery Warranty
12 Months
Battery Type
12V 45Ah Lead-Acid Battery
Available
Maintenance Plan
Included — 3 Years/45
Not Included
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
10,000 km or 6 Months
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection and Safety Check
1,000 km Inspection
Service Plan Duration
3 Years KIA Service Plan
4 Years
Service Plan Distance
45000
60000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Anti-Rust Protection
Underbody Rust Protection
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Available
Alternator
80A Alternator
Available
Warranty
▾
Spec
Picanto
Swift Sport
Warranty Years
7
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
200000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty
7 Years/150
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆
Suzuki Swift Sport
wins with 55 pts
vs 52 pts for Picanto
In structured scoring, Swift Sport 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.
Buyers Also Looked At These
Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.
Questions Buyers Usually Ask
Which is better — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
On our scoring the Swift Sport 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.
Which is more fuel-efficient — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
Efficiency scores: Picanto 0 vs Swift Sport 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Which is the safer car — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
Safety scores: Picanto 18, Swift Sport 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Which is cheaper to own over five years?
+
Long-term ownership scores: Picanto 20, Swift Sport 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.
Which is the better family car — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
Practicality scores: Picanto 9, Swift Sport 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Which has more engine performance — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
Performance scores: Picanto 5, Swift Sport 9. 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.
Which holds its value better in South Africa?
+
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.
Which is better off-road — Picanto or Swift Sport?
+
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.
Which has lower monthly running costs?
+
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 Swift Sport edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
Is the Picanto worth the extra price over the Swift Sport?
+
The Swift Sport 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 and Swift Sport in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Picanto scores 5 vs 9.
Efficiency: Picanto scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Picanto scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Picanto scores 9 vs 8.
Ownership: Picanto scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Swift Sport
the advantage in this comparison.