VS
At a Glance
Power
88kW@6000
74 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
152 Nm
Fuel
6.6L/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
1150kg
-
0-100 km/h
10.9s
13.4 s
Engine
1598cc
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 88kW@6000 while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.6L/100km while the Magnite uses 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R240 900 for the C3 and R370 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 VTI 120 Exclusive AT 2010 - From R240 900
Nissan Magnite1.0t Acenta PLUS CVT 2026 - From R370 900
Performance
Power Output
88kW@6000
74 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
152 Nm
0-100 kph
10.9s
13.4 s
Top Speed
190km/h
168 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
-
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6L/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.4L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
40 l
CO2 Emissions
153g/km
142 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
1089kg
1095 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
C3
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
Citroen C3
Lower starting price (R240 900)
Higher towing capacity (1150kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.9ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6L/100km)
No factory service plan
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Magnite?
The C3 uses 6.6L/100km and the Magnite uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite 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 88kW@6000 and 160Nm@4250 of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The C3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Magnite?
The C3 starts from R240 900 and the Magnite from R370 900. The C3 is cheaper by R130 000 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