Citroen C3 Aircross vs Nissan Magnite
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Nissan Magnite wins on money kept: 67% retained after three years vs 59%, worth about R 11 603 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| C3 Aircross | Magnite | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 269 900 | R 252 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 717/m | R 4 408/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 83% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 67% |
| Value after 3 years | R 158 138 | R 169 740 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 111 762 | R 82 460 |
| Value after 5 years | R 120 770 | R 135 450 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Mainstream |
Citroen C3 Aircross →
Citroen's volume model in South Africa since the brand's 2019 relaunch, now sourced from India in second generation form. The current range undercuts most rivals and offers a rare seven seat option in the segment. Aggressive price repositioning at launch points to the soft resale typical of the brand.
Known for: seven seat option at a budget price
Nissan Magnite →
Launched in April 2021, the Indian-built Magnite gave Nissan a foothold in the budget compact SUV boom. Sharp pricing and a 6-year/150,000 km warranty quickly made it the brand's best-selling passenger car. A 2024 facelift added updated styling and even a panel van version.
Known for: aggressive pricing and a long warranty
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Citroen C3 Aircross or the Nissan Magnite?
The Nissan Magnite. It keeps about 67% of its price after three years against 59% for the Citroen C3 Aircross, a gap of 9 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Citroen C3 Aircross loses about R 111 762 over three years and the Nissan Magnite loses about R 82 460. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Citroen C3 Aircross runs about R 4 717 per month and the Nissan Magnite about R 4 408, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.