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Kia Picanto vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (68 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (15,100 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Picanto or VW Golf?

Kia Picanto vs VW Golf: Key differences

Kia Picanto

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • a bit lighter
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Picanto

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Picanto is considerably cheaper – starting at 15,100 £ , while the VW Golf costs 28,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,204 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Kia Picanto with 5.5 L/100km. The difference is about 4.4 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers significantly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 257 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.6 s. That’s about 9.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers significantly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 324 Nm more.

Picanto

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Picanto is a bit lighter – 1,124 kg compared to 1,307 kg. The difference is around 183 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf offers visibly more boot space – 381 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 126 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries visibly more – 508 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 176 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
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Kia Picanto
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

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Kia Picanto X-Line_02
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Reviews Kia Picanto

4.7 (5 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
15,100 - 19,500 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 134 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,124 - 1,131 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
255 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,595 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
253 - 332 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
68 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
96 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
50 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Kia
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Kia Picanto have?

The Kia Picanto is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.