◆
VS
At a Glance
Power
68kW@4000
49 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
95 Nm
Fuel
3.7
5.3 l/100km
Towing
1150
—
0-100 km/h
11
—
Engine
1560
998 cc
Choosing between the CITROEN C3 and the Kia Picanto is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The CITROEN C3 delivers 68kW@4000 while the Kia Picanto produces 49 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 3.7 while the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R222 900 for the C3 and R269 995 for the Picanto. 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
68kW@4000
49 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
95 Nm
0-100 kph
11
—
Top Speed
180
149 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1560
998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
4
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
3.7
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
4.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
3.3
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
48
35 l
CO2 Emissions
98
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941
3595 mm
Width
1728-1986
1595 mm
Height
1524
1495 mm
Wheelbase
2466
2400 mm
Ground Clearance
—
151 mm
Kerb Weight
1085
974 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
—
909 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150
—
Load Capacity
300
350 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
—
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
Optional
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2
Service Plan Distance
—
30000
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
CITROEN C3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Picanto
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
CITROEN C3
Better fuel economy (3.7)
Lower starting price (R222 900)
No factory service plan
Kia Picanto
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Picanto?
The C3 uses 3.7 and the Picanto uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C3 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 C3 or Picanto?
The C3 produces 68kW@4000 and 230Nm@1750 of torque while the Picanto delivers 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Picanto?
The C3 starts from R222 900 and the Picanto from R269 995. The C3 is cheaper by R47 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or Picanto?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 1150 and the Picanto can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the Picanto?
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.