VS
At a Glance
Power
62 kW
53 kW
Torque
122 Nm
96 Nm
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
—
—
0-100 km/h
—
21.0 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 53 kW. On fuel, the Picanto returns 5.0 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R307 995 for the Picanto and R269 200 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
53 kW
Torque
122 Nm
96 Nm
0-100 kph
—
21.0 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1248 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
116 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3595 mm
3995 mm
Width
1595 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1495 mm
1571 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
151 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
962 Kg
1007 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ 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
Picanto
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Kia Picanto
More powerful engine (62 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Lower starting price (R269 200)
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (53 kW vs 62 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Picanto or Magnite?
The Picanto uses 5.0 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.9 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 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque. The Picanto is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Picanto and Magnite?
The Picanto starts from R307 995 and the Magnite from R269 200. The Magnite is cheaper by R38 795 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.