VS
At a Glance
Power
88kW@6000
49 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
95 Nm
Fuel
5.9
5.1 l/100km
Towing
1150
—
0-100 km/h
8.9
—
Engine
1598
998 cc
Choosing between the CITROEN C3 and the Kia Picanto is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The CITROEN C3 delivers 88kW@6000 while the Kia Picanto produces 49 kW. On fuel, the C3 returns 5.9 while the Picanto uses 5.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R225 900 for the C3 and R260 995 for the Picanto. 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
49 kW
Torque
160Nm@4250
95 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9
—
Top Speed
190
155 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598
998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9
5.1 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.9
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.8
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
35 l
CO2 Emissions
136
118 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3941
3595 mm
Width
1728-1994
1595 mm
Height
1524
1495 mm
Wheelbase
2466
2400 mm
Ground Clearance
—
151 mm
Kerb Weight
1075
957 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
255-1010 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1150
—
Load Capacity
300
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
—
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
✗
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2
Service Plan Distance
—
30000
Service Intervals
40000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Picanto
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
C3
Practicality
C3
Pros & Cons
CITROEN C3
Lower starting price (R225 900)
Higher fuel consumption (5.9)
No factory service plan
Kia Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the C3 or Picanto?
The C3 uses 5.9 and the Picanto uses 5.1 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 C3 or Picanto?
The C3 produces 88kW@6000 and 160Nm@4250 of torque while the Picanto delivers 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the C3 and Picanto?
The C3 starts from R225 900 and the Picanto from R260 995. The C3 is cheaper by R35 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the C3 or Picanto?
The C3 has a braked towing capacity of 1150 and the Picanto can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the C3 or the Picanto?
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.