A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Carens and Magnite are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Magnite starts ZAR 170,095 cheaperCarens from ZAR 399,995 · Magnite from ZAR 229,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Carens
Magnite
Maximum Power
Carens85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Magnite53 kW @ 6250 rpm
Maximum Torque
Carens250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Magnite96 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Engine Size
Carens1493 cc
Magnite999 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Carens18.9 km/l
Magnite16.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Carens180 mm
Magnite205 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
KIA Carens
1.5D SX Auto
Hagalu editorial rating
4.4/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Carens
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Magnite
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carens
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Magnite
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Intercooler
Yes
Not Applicable
Rev Matching
No
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Not Available
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Drag Coefficient
0.34
-
Roof Load
50 kg
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
690 l
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
Electric power steering
Skid Plates
No
Not Available
Side Steps
No
Not Available
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Full Size Spare wheel
Tyre Repair Kit
No
Not Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Driver and passenger front pretensioners with load limiters
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Speed Limiter
Yes
Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
Speed Alert System
Yes
Adjustable speed limiter
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Impact sensing unlock
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Around View Monitor
Adaptive Dampers
No
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Voice Command
Yes
Not Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
Yes
Standard
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
7-inch TFT Advanced Drive-Assist Display
Heads Up Display
Yes
Not Available
Tachometer
Yes
Standard
Trip Computer
Yes
Standard
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Standard
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Standard
Air Conditioning
Yes
Automatic air conditioning
Climate Control
Yes
Automatic air conditioning
Climate Zones
2
1
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
Not Available
Glovebox Cooling
No
Not Available
Seat Type
Leather Seats
Leather two-tone seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Standard
Rear Seat Split
Yes
60:40 split second row
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Standard
Front Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Driver and passenger vanity mirrors
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
12V power socket
Front Power Outlet
Yes
12V power socket
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Remote Start
No
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start button
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Door open warning
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
Remote fuel flap release
Boot Opener
Remote
-
Power Windows
Yes
Driver auto up/down with anti-pinch
Power Mirrors
Yes
Electric folding and electric adjustment
Heated Mirrors
Yes
Not Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Electric folding and electric adjustment
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
Electric folding and electric adjustment
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
Electric folding
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Standard
Rear Defogger
Yes
Standard
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
LED bi-projector headlamp
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
-
Headlamp Washer
No
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
No
Not Available
Roof Antenna
Yes
Standard
Rear Wing
Yes
Roof spoiler
Aero Kit
No
Not Available
Chrome Grille
Yes
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
Chrome exterior door handles
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Powered Tailgate
No
Not Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Service intervals: 10,000 km
Trim Level
flagship
top
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Core range derivative
Accelerator 0 100
11.5 sec
21 sec
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Petrol injection
Diff Lock
No
Not Available
Difflock
No
Not Available
Vdc
Yes
Vehicle Dynamic Control
TPMS
Yes
Standard
Sonar
Yes
Rear parking sensors
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering wheel adjustment with manual tilt
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering wheel adjustment with manual tilt
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Not Available
Bottle Holders
4
Front and rear cup holders
Glove Box
Yes
Standard
Manual Aircon
Yes
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start button
Passive Entry Start
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start button
Wireless Charger
Yes
Not Available
Lift Gate
No
Manual tailgate
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
Electric folding with side indicator
Power Socket 12v
Yes
12V power socket
Sound System
8
6
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
Not Available
Mirror
Electric
Electric folding
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
carens
magnite
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Unlocking
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start
Walk Away Lock
Yes
Standard
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
Smart keyless entry with push start button
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
Not Available
Front Wiper
Yes
Variable intermittent
Front Wipers Type
Yes
Variable intermittent
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
Frameless auto dimming mirror
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
Not Available
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
Not Available
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
Standard
Side Impact Bars
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
690 l
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.3
5.9
AC Type
Yes
Automatic air conditioning
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 years / 150,000 km
Rim Size
215/55 R17
16
Power Sliding Doors
-
Not Applicable
Remote Starter
-
Standard
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
Unleaded Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
No
-
Particulate Filter
DPF
Not Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
-
Green NCAP Rating
4
Not Available
Start Stop System
Yes
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Noise Level
67 dB
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
139
140.15
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
140.15 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
139
140.15
Spec
Carens
Magnite
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
16.9 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
16.9 km/l
City Mileage
15.3 km/l
15.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.1 km/l
22 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Fuel Tank Litres
45
40
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Number of Gears
6
5
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
AMT
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
2WD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
2WD
Differential Lock
No
Not Available
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
-
Transmission Speeds
6
5
Axle Layout
FWD
2WD
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Available
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Available
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
AMT
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
AMT
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic
AMT
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Driver and passenger front pretensioners with load limiters
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Driver and passenger
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Driver and passenger
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Not Available
ABS
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Not Available
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Adjustable speed limiter
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Central Locking
Yes
Remote central locking
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Standard
Airbags
6
6 airbags
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
6 airbags
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
6 airbags
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Alternator
Yes
-
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
15 000 km
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 years / 30,000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 years / 30,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 years / 30,000 km
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 years / 30,000 km
Service Interval
15000
10000
First Service At
15000
10000
Approx Service Cost
R3,800 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Not Available
Service Intervals
15000
10000
Battery Warranty
-
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Real-world City Mileage Min
12.5 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
16.2 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
19.1 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22.3 l/100km
-
Spec
Carens
Magnite
EV Mode
No
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Reversing Camera
Yes
Rear Parking Camera
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear Parking Camera
Reverse Camera
Yes
Rear Parking Camera
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear parking sensors
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear parking sensors
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Around View Monitor
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Auto Lights
Yes
LED bi-projector headlamp
Eco Mode
Yes
Not Available
Sport Mode
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Rear Parking Camera
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Rear Parking Camera
Around View Monitor
Yes
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera
Yes
Around View Monitor
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
Rear parking sensors
Parking Sensor
Yes
Rear parking sensors
Front Camera
Yes
Around View Monitor front camera
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Approach Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
18 deg
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Ramp-over Angle
14 deg
Not Available
Recovery Hooks
No
Not Available
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
205 mm
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
205 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
16 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
18 deg
Not Available
Breakover Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Breakover Angle Deg
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2500 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
-
Payload Capacity
562 kg
-
Towing Capacity
750 kg
-
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Length
4550 mm
3995 mm
Width
1800 mm
1758 mm
Height
1734 mm
1571 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
205 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5 m
Kerb Weight
1488 kg
1007 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2050 kg
1399 kg
Front Headroom
1062 mm
-
Rear Headroom
1045 mm
-
Front Legroom
1031 mm
-
Rear Legroom
928 mm
-
Boot/Cargo Space
216 l
336 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Body Type
MPV
SUV
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
Body-colour electric folding mirrors
Rear Wiper
Yes
Standard
Led Headlights
Yes
LED
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard
DRL
Yes
Standard
Led Taillights
Yes
Standard
Fog Lights
Yes
LED front fog lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED front fog lights
Front Fog Lights
Yes
LED front fog lights
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard
Standard roof
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Standard
Body Cladding
No
Standard
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Chrome exterior door handles
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
Chrome
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
See Nissan South Africa Magnite colour selector
Exterior Colour Options
5
6
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Electric folding and electric adjustment
Auto Headlights
Yes
LED bi-projector headlamp
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
LED bi-projector headlamp
Headlamps
Yes
LED
Headlights
Yes
LED
Headlight Type
Yes
LED
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
Electric folding
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
LED bi-projector headlamp
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Standard
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
LED front fog lights
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Standard
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
Chrome
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Front Overhang
830 mm
-
Rear Overhang
940 mm
-
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy
16" Alloy - 2 Tone Wheel
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Mac Pherson strut with Lower Transverse link
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
MacPherson strut
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion beam / twin-tube shock absorber
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
Twin-tube telescopic shock absorber
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
Electric Power Steering
Steering Column
Adjustable
Steering wheel adjustment with manual tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Mac Pherson strut with Lower Transverse link
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Mac Pherson strut with Lower Transverse link
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
Twin-tube telescopic shock absorber
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Front Track Width
1563 mm
1536 mm
Rear Track Width
1587 mm
1535 mm
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Twin tube telescopic shock absorbe
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Twin tube telescopic shock absorbe
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Twin tube telescopic shock absorbe
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Steering Type
Yes
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering wheel adjustment with manual tilt
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Not Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Speedometer and tachometer
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Not Available
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Cooled Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Seat Material
Leather
Leather two-tone seats
Fabric Seats
No
Not Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
3-way driver seat adjustment
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
3-way driver seat adjustment
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
3-way driver seat adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
2-way passenger seat adjustment
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
2-way passenger seat adjustment
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Not Available
Memory Seats
Yes
Not Available
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
60:40 split second row
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60:40 split second row
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Not Available
Rear Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Not Available
Cup Holders
4
Front and rear cup holders
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
6
Interior Courtesy Lamps
7-seat layout with sliding second row (EX+), 10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), panoramic sunroof (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), digital cluster (SX), full ADAS suite (SX), 6 airbags
7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, reversing camera (Acenta and above), dual airbags, climate control on Acenta+
Boot Space Seats Down
1660
690
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Driver and passenger
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather two-tone seats
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Leather two-tone seats
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
3-way driver seat adjustment
Seat Fold Type
Yes
60:40 split second row
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
Not Available
Armrest Rear
Yes
Not Available
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Interior Colours
Black
6
Interior Trim Colour
Black
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
Reclining
Front Shoulder Room
1421 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
Not Applicable
Boot Light
-
Standard
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum brake
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Drum brake
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Manual parking brake
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
195 mm
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
195 mm
Wheel Type
Alloy
16" Alloy - 2 Tone Wheel
Tyre Type
Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
107
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Full Size Spare wheel
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Full Size Spare wheel
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Standard
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
Full Size Spare wheel
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
Not Available
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
Standard
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
Leather
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
Leather
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Front disc / rear drum
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Standard
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Not Available
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc brakes
Brake Type Front
Disc
Disc brakes
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
195/60R16
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
16
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
16
Wheel Material
Alloy
16" Alloy - 2 Tone Wheel
Wheels
Alloy
16" Alloy - 2 Tone Wheel
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
195/60R16
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Infotainment Screen
12.3
8-inch
Infotainment Display
12.3
8-inch touch screen with smartphone integration
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
8-inch
Touchscreen
12.3
8-inch
Navigation System
Yes
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
4
Front USB / smartphone integration
Rear Usb
Yes
Not Available
AUX Input
No
Not Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
Not Available
Number of Speakers
8
6
Premium Audio
Yes
Not Available
FM Radio
Yes
Standard
Radio
Yes
Standard
Voice Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
7-inch TFT
Head Up Display
Yes
Not Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Multi Information Display
Digital
7-inch TFT driver display
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
8-inch touch screen with smartphone integration
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
Smartphone integration
Connected Services
Yes
Smartphone integration
Audio Speakers
8
6
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
Front USB / smartphone integration
Voice Control
Yes
Not Available
Audio
Yes
8-inch touchscreen audio with smartphone integration
Audio System
Yes
6-speaker audio system
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
Not Available
Basic Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 years / 150,000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
Standard
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
Standard
Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 years / 150,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
Standard
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / Unlimited km
6 years / 150,000 km
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Body Style
MPV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
MPV
Compact SUV
Vehicle Type
MPV
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl
Fourth-generation Kia Carens (KY) facelift; South African launch May 2026
First generation Magnite arrived in SA in 2021 — Nissan's entry into the growing budget compact SUV segment
Facelift History
Current facelift launched in South Africa in May 2026
2023 facelift refreshed the grille, interior trims, and added safety upgrades
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2023
Drivetrain Note
-
Front-wheel drive confirmed by Nissan South Africa derivative/specification data
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Ownership Role
Flagship
Top
Price Zar
599995 ZAR
323900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current official retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
599995
323900
Starting Price Zar
599995
323900
Spec
Carens
Magnite
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
999 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
12
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
53 kW @ 6250 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
D4FA
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
96 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
170 km/h
150 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.1 sec
21.0 sec
Quarter Mile
18.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
57.1 kW/tonne
52.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
168.0 Nm/tonne
95.3 Nm/tonne
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carens and Magnite comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Carens 39 vs Magnite 16.
Efficiency index: Carens 72 vs Magnite 65.
Safety-equipment index: Carens 93 vs Magnite 86.
Practicality index: Carens 56 vs Magnite 64.
Ownership-cover index: Carens 54 vs Magnite not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Carens and Magnite image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Carens leads by 6 points
Carens and Magnite are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
Magnite
Performance
16/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
86/100
Practicality
64/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Carens
leads the specification evidence index with 62 pts
vs 56 pts for Magnite
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Carens leads. However, Magnite may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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