VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
74 kW
Torque
144 Nm
160 Nm
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.5 s
11.7 s
Engine
1497 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and the Nissan Magnite is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Nissan Magnite produces 74 kW. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.6 l/100km while the Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R366 995 for the Sonet and R329 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
85 kW
74 kW
Torque
144 Nm
160 Nm
0-100 kph
10.5 s
11.7 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
173 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
160 g/km
125 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
3995 mm
Width
1790 mm
1758-1938 mm
Height
1610 mm
1572 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
205 mm
Kerb Weight
1168 Kg
1071 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
385 l
336 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
—
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
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ 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
3
3
Service Plan Distance
45000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonet
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Kia Sonet
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R329 900)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or Magnite?
The Sonet uses 6.6 l/100km and the Magnite uses 5.3 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 Sonet or Magnite?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the Magnite delivers 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque. The Sonet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and Magnite?
The Sonet starts from R366 995 and the Magnite from R329 900. The Magnite is cheaper by R37 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or Magnite?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Magnite can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet 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.