VS
At a Glance
Power
88kW@6000
53 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
96 Nm
Fuel
6.6
5.9 l/100km
Towing
1150
—
0-100 km/h
10.9
16.0 s
Engine
1598
999 cc
Choosing between the CITROEN C3 and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The CITROEN C3 delivers 88kW@6000 while the Nissan Magnite produces 53 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 6.6 while the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R240 900 for the C3 and R229 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
88kW@6000
53 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
96 Nm
0-100 kph
10.9
16.0 s
Top Speed
190
150 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598
999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
9.4
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
40 l
CO2 Emissions
153
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941
3995 mm
Width
1728-1994
1758-1938 mm
Height
1524
1571 mm
Wheelbase
2466
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1089
1006 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
—
690 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150
—
Load Capacity
300
250 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
6
Warranty Distance
100000
150000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
40000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Magnite
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Magnite
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
CITROEN C3
Higher towing capacity (1150)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R229 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Magnite?
The C3 uses 6.6 and the Magnite uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite 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 C3 or Magnite?
The C3 produces 88kW@6000 and 160Nm@4250 of torque while the Magnite delivers 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Magnite?
The C3 starts from R240 900 and the Magnite from R229 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R11 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 1150 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.