How does the Suzuki Swift compare to the Kia Picanto?
Compact hatchbacks are the first stop for many car buyers. With so many manufacturers offering a compact model, the difficulty in choosing the right one for you can be daunting. We compare the Suzuki Swift to the Kia Picanto to see which model is best.
Compact Hatch Comparison
In a market segment dominated by Volkswagen Polo, two competitors emerge that may present a case for themselves. The Suzuki Swift has quickly become the hatchback of choice for students, pensioners, and trendy singles, while the Kia Picanto has remained the premium choice for those who are a little more well-heeled.
Related: 3 Things you'll love about the new Suzuki Swift
The differences go further than the price, though; below, we detail the specification levels of these two vehicles that seem equally matched across the board.
How popular is the Kia Picanto?
Drivetrain
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX auto | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX auto | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Petrol | 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Petrol |
| Transmission | CVT | Auto |
| Power Figures | 60kW / 112Nm | 62kW / 122Nm |
The big differences here are the addition of an extra cylinder in the Kia and a CVT transmission in the Suzuki. Power outputs are virtually the same, but Kia is the clear winner.
Fuel Consumption
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX auto | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX auto | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 4.6l / 100km | 5.8 / 100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 5.0 / 100km | 6.2l / 100km |
| Tank Size | 37l | 35l |
| Distance on a full tank | 800km | 600km |
| Top Speed | 165km/h | 160km/h |
The Suzuki wins hand down here returning a full 200km more on a tank of fuel and pipping the Kia to a higher top speed.
Safety
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX auto | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX auto | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Camera | Rear only | Rear only |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Rear only | No |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 |
| Cruise control | Yes | No |
| Lane Keep Assist | No | No |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | No | No |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Remote only |
| LED Lighting | LED front and rear | standard lighting |
The big surprise here is that the Suzuki Swift has a better list of standard safety equipment. The Swift received a 3 star Euro NCAP rating while the Kia also received a 3 star rating from Euro NCAP.
The Drive
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX auto | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX auto | |
| Boot Space (litres) | 265-580-948l | 255-1010l |
| Towing capacity braked and unbraked | Unrated | Unrated |
| Tow bar | No | No |
| Seating | Cloth seating seats 5 adults | Cloth seating seats 5 adults |
| Sunroof | No | No |
Having driven both vehicles, the Swift comes across as a competent everyday drive while the Picanto has a more premium touch and feel to its interior build quality. The CVT hurts the Swift somewhat when on the freeway, but in the city, its no contest as the Swift wins hands down in the driveability stakes.
Pricing
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL | R 219 900 | ||
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ manual | R 239 900 | Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manua | R 260 995 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ auto | R 259 900 | Kia Picanto 1.0 LX auto | R 278 995 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX manual | R 264 900 | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX manual | R 284 995 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX auto | R 284 900 | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX auto | R 302 995 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport manual | R 454 900 | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ Manual | R 307 995 |
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto | R 478 900 | Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ Manual | R 325 995 |
Suzuki offers a 5-year / 200 000km warranty and a 2 year / 30 000 service plan while Kia puts forward a 5 year / Unlimited km warranty and a 2 year / 30 000km service plan.
Verdict
Taking into account the vast difference in price and the Swift's better standard equipment levels, it goes without saying that the Swift is the better option for those considering a daily drive. The Kia does have a more premium touch and feel, but in a segment that is dominated by thrifty buying practices, it's a tough sell against the Swift.
