VS
At a Glance
Power
68kW@4000
74 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
160 Nm
Fuel
3.7L/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
1150kg
-
0-100 km/h
11s
11.7 s
Engine
1560cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Citroen C3 and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Citroen C3 delivers 68kW@4000 while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 3.7L/100km while the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R230 500 for the C3 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.
Specification
Citroen C31.6 E-HDI 90 Seduction 2011 - From R230 500
Nissan Magnite1.0t Acenta 2024 - From R329 900
Performance
Power Output
68kW@4000
74 kW
Torque
230Nm@1750
160 Nm
0-100 kph
11s
11.7 s
Top Speed
180km/h
173 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1560cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
3.7L/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
4.4L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
3.3L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
40 l
CO2 Emissions
98g/km
125 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941mm
3995 mm
Width
1728-1994mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1524mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2466mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
-
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1080kg
1071 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150kg
-
Load Capacity
300kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
6
Warranty Distance
100000km
150000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3yr
Service Plan Distance
—
30000km
Service Intervals
40000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Citroen C3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Magnite
Fuel Economy
C3
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Better fuel economy (3.7L/100km)
Lower starting price (R230 500)
Higher towing capacity (1150kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11ss)
No factory service plan
Nissan Magnite
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 Magnite?
The C3 uses 3.7L/100km and the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the C3 or Magnite?
The C3 produces 68kW@4000 and 230Nm@1750 of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The Magnite is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Magnite?
The C3 starts from R230 500 and the Magnite from R329 900. The C3 is cheaper by R99 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or Magnite?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 1150kg and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 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.
Also Consider