Hatchback Petrol Manual FWD 5-seat

KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual

Price in Polokwane, real specs & fuel economy — 2026

Model year 2026 Generation Third generation (JA) since 2017; 2021 facelift model current in SA Current version 2021 Body style Hatchback
Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and petrol power.
ZAR 260,995
On-road in
ZAR 271,563
What makes up this price?
Vehicle price (ex-showroom)
ZAR 260,995
Registration allowance
ZAR 3,600
Licensing allowance
ZAR 1,400
Inspection / roadworthy allowance
ZAR 950
Dealer handling / delivery
ZAR 2,400
Insurance
ZAR 2,218
Other fees
ZAR 0
Ex-showroom ZAR 260,995
Estimated finance from ZAR 4,618/month Ex-showroom basis · approx. 20% deposit · 11.5% p.a. · 60 months · no balloon
Engine:998cc (1.0L) Torque:94Nm (69 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:155mm (6.1″) Power:49kW (66 bhp) Boot255L (9.0 cu ft)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

Fuel Economy km/l · US mpg equivalent
Combined 17.9 km/l (42 mpg)
City 14.7 km/l (35 mpg)
Highway 22.2 km/l (52 mpg)

On-road pricing varies by dealer. Fuel figures are manufacturer claims or source-backed estimates where a separate city/highway cycle is not published; your real numbers depend on traffic, terrain and driving style.

Research this model
Model PDF Compare cars
₿ Pay with crypto BTC · ETH · USDT · USDC
Hagalu editorial rating: Not yet rated

Estimate monthly vehicle finance for the KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual in South Africa. The default illustration uses the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest over 60 months and no balloon payment.

Estimated monthly instalment
ZAR 4,618
Total Interest
ZAR 67,107
Total Payable
ZAR 277,107
Principal Interest

* Illustrative estimate based on the ex-showroom price, approximately 20% deposit, 11.5% nominal annual interest, 60 months and no balloon payment. Excludes initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit-life insurance and vehicle insurance. Your lender quotation may differ.

Vehicle specifications and buying guidance • Hagalu

KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual

Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is a South African Hatchback with a hatchback body and petrol power.

The Picanto LX Manual represents the variant where Kia South Africa makes its clearest pitch to the connected, budget-aware young urban professional. The mechanical foundation is unchanged from the LS: the 1.0-litre G3LA three-cylinder petrol engine producing 49 kW at 6000 rpm and 94 Nm at 3500 rpm, mated to the same five-speed manual gearbox with its light, precise shift action. The 255-litre boot and the 1010-litre expanded capacity with rear seats folded are identical. The absence of these features in the LS is the most frequent complaint against that variant in owner reviews; the LX addresses it directly. The sensors are rear-facing only; front sensors remain absent at LX and are not available in the Picanto range. The LX Manual's engine character deserves the same honest assessment it receives at LS level, because it is identical mechanically. The five-speed manual's precise action is a genuine pleasure in a car at this price point — the short throws and light clutch mean gear changes become automatic in their execution, the mind freed to manage traffic rather than mechanical operation. On the N1 at 120 km/h, it delivers adequate cruise performance without the stressed character that some rivals' even smaller engines exhibit. The LX's interior receives the same cloth seating, hard-touch plastics, and simple instrument cluster as the LS, with the meaningful addition of a touchscreen infotainment unit that supports CarPlay and Android Auto. Colour choices across Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Smoke Blue, Lime Light, Sporty Blue, and Fiery Red are identical to the rest of the Picanto range, with the same six options available to LX buyers at no cost premium over the base colour. The Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is not best understood by one headline number. Its appeal comes from the interaction between the mid trim, an active listing and a South African price reference of R260,995 for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual. Those details decide whether it is an easy fit for daily transport, or whether a nearby model with a different package would make more sense once the ownership budget is written down for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual

KIA Picanto — Quick Facts

KIA Picanto Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
1.0 LS Manual Base Petrol Efficiency17.9 km/l Manual ZAR 236,995
1.0 LS Auto Base Petrol Efficiency16.4 km/l Automatic ZAR 256,995
1.0 LX Manual Mid Petrol Efficiency17.9 km/l Manual ZAR 260,995
1.0 LX Auto Mid Petrol Efficiency16.4 km/l Automatic ZAR 278,995
1.2 EX Manual Top Petrol Efficiency17.2 km/l Manual ZAR 284,995
1.2 EX Auto Top Petrol Efficiency15.9 km/l Automatic ZAR 302,995
1.2 EX+ Manual Flagship Petrol Efficiency17.2 km/l Manual ZAR 307,995
1.2 EX+ Auto Flagship Petrol Efficiency15.9 km/l Automatic ZAR 325,995
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Efficiency / range Transmission Price
1.0 LS Manual Base Petrol Efficiency17.9 km/l Manual ZAR 236,995
1.0 LS Auto Base Petrol Efficiency16.4 km/l Automatic ZAR 256,995
1.0 LX Manual Mid Petrol Efficiency17.9 km/l Manual ZAR 260,995
1.0 LX Auto Mid Petrol Efficiency16.4 km/l Automatic ZAR 278,995
1.2 EX Manual Top Petrol Efficiency17.2 km/l Manual ZAR 284,995
1.2 EX Auto Top Petrol Efficiency15.9 km/l Automatic ZAR 302,995
1.2 EX+ Manual Flagship Petrol Efficiency17.2 km/l Manual ZAR 307,995
1.2 EX+ Auto Flagship Petrol Efficiency15.9 km/l Automatic ZAR 325,995
2 variants selected
Buyer discovery

Keep exploring cars in South Africa

Broaden your shortlist with live models, images and published starting prices.

Browse all brands
5 live choices

Sedans

All
5 live choices

MPVs

All
5 live choices

Vans

All
5 live choices

SUVs

All
5 live choices

Bakkies & pickups

All

KIA Picanto Specifications

Showing all 587 non-empty supported buyer-facing fields for 1.0 LX Manual. Blank contract fields are not fabricated.

Driving fit

Where the KIA Picanto Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

What changes — and why it matters for a South African buyer in 2026 — is the in-car connectivity experience. Picanto 1.0 LX Manual makes the most sense for an owner whose route and budget agree with Petrol power

City
Drive the Picanto 1.0 LX Manual through the tightest parking area, a steep ramp, a speed hump and stop-start traffic. Around town, Picanto 1.0 LX Manual should be judged by repetition rather than a single burst of acceleration. Try the exact derivative with its normal occupants or equipment for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual. Look for easy entry, usable storage, predictable braking and a calm response at walking pace for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual. The relevance of a power output of 49 kW @ 6000 rpm becomes obvious on a busy weekday, while a 5-Speed Manual transmission is worth checking before a purchase built around tight parking or frequent loading for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual
Highway
For a driver navigating Cape Town's constantly shifting peak-hour traffic using Waze's dynamic routing, or for a Johannesburg commuter who listens to podcasts through the morning commute on Witkoppen Road, CarPlay and Android Auto are daily-use features rather than weekend luxuries. Run Picanto 1.0 LX Manual at legal cruising speed, include a hill and a safe overtake, and see whether the driver can remain relaxed after an hour. The interaction between a Manual transmission, Petrol power and the mid trim is more informative than maximum speed
Off-Road
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow the driver to use their smartphone's navigation, music, messaging, and calling functions through the car's infotainment display, with full voice control capability. For Picanto 1.0 LX Manual, the sensible check is the exact fwd — front wheel drive arrangement, tyre specification, load and protection underneath

KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual — Should You Buy It?

Not yet rated: no complete Hagalu editorial review is published for this exact variant. The buyer guidance below is not a scored review.

Picanto 1.0 LX Manual deserves a closer look when its price, equipment and powertrain fit the owner’s route.

The buying case for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is specific. A hatchback body gives it a reason to be considered, while Petrol power and a Manual transmission set the boundaries. Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is easiest to recommend when the buyer can point to a concrete benefit in the mid trim and accept the limitation represented by engine of 1-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol. The local price should be judged against the equipment that is actually included, not an adjacent trim for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual. That is the difference between a sound purchase and an expensive specification mismatch for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual

What's Good
  • ✓Body style: Hatchback
  • ✓Fuel type: Petrol
  • ✓Transmission: Manual
  • ✓Trim: mid
  • ✓Status: active
  • ✓South African price: R260,995
  • ✓Engine: 1-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
  • ✓Power output: 49 kW @ 6000 rpm
  • ✓Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Watch Out For
  • ✕Exact equipment for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual can vary by derivative.
  • ✕Real fuel use for Picanto 1.0 LX Manual depends on route, load and weather.
  • ✕The written Picanto 1.0 LX Manual quotation should be checked before purchase.
  • ✕Tyre, insurance and service costs need a separate Picanto 1.0 LX Manual budget.
  • ✕A short Picanto 1.0 LX Manual test drive cannot represent every ownership route.
  • ✕Picanto 1.0 LX Manual capability should not be inferred from body styling alone.
  • ✕The adjacent Picanto 1.0 LX Manual grade may suit a different workload.
  • ✕Published Picanto 1.0 LX Manual figures are planning references, not guarantees.
  • ✕Buyers should confirm Picanto 1.0 LX Manual stock and support terms.

KIA Picanto FAQs

The current recommended retail price listed for the KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is R260,995. This is the vehicle price before finance interest, insurance, registration and any dealer-added options.

The current south african range comprises 1.0 LS Manual, 1.0 LS Auto, 1.0 LX Manual, 1.0 LX Auto, 1.2 EX Manual, 1.2 EX Auto, 1.2 EX+ Manual, 1.2 EX+ Auto. Prices and equipment are shown by derivative so buyers can compare the actual local range rather than specifications from another market.

The listed ground clearance for the KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is 155 mm. Use that number as a practical comparison point against similar cars, especially if you regularly deal with steep driveways, gravel roads or uneven parking areas.

The listed engine capacity for the KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is 998 cc, with output shown as 49 kW (66 bhp). Where a model has more than one derivative, compare the specific variant because fuel type, gearbox and drivetrain can change the way it drives.

The combined fuel-economy figure shown for the KIA Picanto 1.0 LX Manual is around 17.9 km/l.

What changes — and why it matters for a South African buyer in 2026 — is the in-car connectivity experience. Picanto 1.0 LX Manual makes the most sense for an owner whose route and budget agree with Petrol power

Drive the Picanto 1.0 LX Manual through the tightest parking area, a steep ramp, a speed hump and stop-start traffic. Around town, Picanto 1.0 LX Manual should be judged by repetition rather than a single burst of acceleration.

For a driver navigating Cape Town's constantly shifting peak-hour traffic using Waze's dynamic routing, or for a Johannesburg commuter who listens to podcasts through the morning commute on Witkoppen Road, CarPlay and Android Auto are daily-use features rather than weekend luxuries. Run Picanto...

Buyers researching the KIA Picanto often compare it with rivals such as Suzuki Ignis , Toyota Starlet , Suzuki Swift , Hyundai Grand i10 , Toyota Vitz . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, fuel use, price and running costs can differ substantially.

Compare KIA Picanto with Similar Hatchbacks

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

KIA Picanto
VS
Suzuki Ignis
Picanto vs Ignis
Petrol Hatchback 4 Variants
Suzuki Ignis from ZAR 237,900
See full specs & who wins →
KIA Picanto
VS
Toyota Starlet
Picanto vs Starlet
Petrol Hatchback 3 Variants
Toyota Starlet from ZAR 244,900
See full specs & who wins →
KIA Picanto
VS
Suzuki Swift
Picanto vs Swift
Petrol Hatchback 5 Variants
Suzuki Swift from ZAR 228,900
See full specs & who wins →
KIA Picanto
VS
Hyundai Grand i10
Picanto vs Grand i10
Petrol Hatchback 3 Variants
Hyundai Grand i10 from ZAR 218,900
See full specs & who wins →
KIA Picanto
VS
Toyota Vitz
Picanto vs Vitz
Petrol Hatchback 2 Variants
Toyota Vitz from ZAR 209,990
See full specs & who wins →

Also Worth Exploring in South Africa

Different body types — refreshed every visit so you discover something new.

Renault Captur Petrol
Renault Captur
Suv 3 Variants
From ZAR 515,999
Suzuki Super Carry Petrol
Suzuki Super Carry
Van 2 Variants
From ZAR 197,900
Suzuki Ertiga Petrol
Suzuki Ertiga
Mpv 3 Variants
From ZAR 304,900
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Sedan 3 Variants
From ZAR 1,322,850

Other Current KIA Models in South Africa

Models currently listed for sale in the south african range.

KIA Carens Diesel
KIA
Carens
MPV 4 Variants
Starting from ZAR 399,995
KIA Carnival Diesel
KIA
Carnival
MPV 2 Variants
Starting from ZAR 1,049,995
KIA K2500 Diesel
KIA
K2500
Van 3 Variants
Starting from ZAR 424,995
KIA K2700 Diesel
KIA
K2700
Van 4 Variants
Starting from ZAR 351,995

More from KIA