VS
At a Glance
Power
62 kW
74 kW
Torque
122 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
13.4 s
Engine
1248 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Kia Picanto and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers 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 6.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R325 995 for the Picanto 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.
Performance
Power Output
62 kW
74 kW
Torque
122 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
13.4 s
Top Speed
160 Km/h
168 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
automatic
Number of Gears
4
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
6.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
138 g/km
142 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
1095 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
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
6
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
2
3
Service Plan Distance
30000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Picanto
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Magnite
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R325 995)
Less power than rival (62 kW vs 74 kW)
Nissan Magnite
More powerful engine (74 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km and the Magnite uses 6.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Picanto 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 Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto produces 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Magnite is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Magnite?
The Picanto starts from R325 995 and the Magnite from R370 900. The Picanto is cheaper by R44 905 at this variant level. 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.