VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
74 kW
Torque
205 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
11.7 s
Engine
1199 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Citroen Basalt and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen Basalt delivers 81 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R354 900 for the Basalt and R329 900 for the Magnite. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
74 kW
Torque
205 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.7 s
Top Speed
—
173 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
125 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
3995 mm
Width
1765 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1593 mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1207 / 1233 Kg
1071 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Magnite
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Basalt
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R329 900)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 81 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Basalt or Magnite?
The Basalt uses 6.3 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Basalt or Magnite?
The Basalt produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The Basalt is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and Magnite?
The Basalt starts from R354 900 and the Magnite from R329 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R25 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Basalt or Magnite?
The Basalt has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Basalt or the Magnite?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.