VS
At a Glance
Power
62 kW
74 kW
Torque
122 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
—
11.7 s
Engine
1248 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the KIA Picanto and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Picanto delivers 62 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.8 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R302 995 for the Picanto and R301 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
KIA Picanto1.2 EX A/T 2024 - From R302 995
Nissan Magnite1.0t Visia 2026 - From R301 900
Performance
Power Output
62 kW
74 kW
Torque
122 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.7 s
Top Speed
160 Km/h
173 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1248 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
138 g/km
125 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3995 mm
Width
1595 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1495 mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
985 Kg
1071 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
255-1010 l
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
30000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Magnite
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Magnite
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Picanto
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (62 kW vs 74 kW)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
More powerful engine (74 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R301 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.3 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 Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto produces 62 kW and 122 Nm 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 Picanto and Magnite?
The Picanto starts from R302 995 and the Magnite from R301 900, a difference of just R1 095, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto 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 Picanto 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