Hyundai Exter vs. Suzuki Ignis vs. Nissan Magnite: Here's our winner!

Hyundai Exter vs. Suzuki Ignis vs. Nissan Magnite: Which compact crossover wins?

Despite being the cheapest model in the lineup, the Exter Premium impresses with its six airbags. (Please note that the Exter in this image is the Executive model.)

As the compact crossover segment continues to grow, buyers are faced with a plethora of choices, like these three notable contenders: the entry-level Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium (read our Exter driving impression here), top-spec Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX (read our karoo road-trip story here), and mid-spec Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta (read our launch report here). We'll evaluate their performance, fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall value to help you make the best choice. They are all manual models.

An burnt orange Magnite with the ocean in the background.

The Nissan Magnite is one of SA's best-sellers.

Performance Metrics

Acceleration and engine specifications are crucial factors for many buyers.

In this round, it's the Ignis that takes top honours - it's so light in weight that it outguns the Exter and also the Nissan Magnite in 1.0 Acenta trim, which has the lowest engine output of the lot.

A white ignis parked in front of a garage.

The Ignis takes the performance crown thanks to its low body-to-weight ratio - and it's great to drive, too.

You can get a more powerful, 1.0-litre turbocharged Nissan Magnite, but it's too expensive for this comparison.

(The higher-spec executive model of the Hyundai Exter is also considerably more expensive at R289 900, which is why we didn't use it in this shootout, but its engine specs are the same as those of the premium model.)

Model	0-100 km/h	Engine Capacity	Power Output	Torque
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium	12.6 s	1.2	61kW	114Nm
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX	11.6 s	1.2	61kW	113Nm
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta	16.0 s	1.0	53kW	96Nm

Fuel Efficiency

The Suzuki Ignis excels with the best average fuel economy at 5.1 L/100km, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. Remember that the manufacturers' figures and realistic fuel consumption may differ.

A blue Ignis parked in an urban environment.

The Ignis has quite a few aces up its sleeve, but it shines in fuel economy.

One of the reasons that people buy small cars is because they're hoping to save on fuel, and these three cars on our list are wonderfully light sippers. But if you want the lightest of the lot, the Ignis is your car! Suzukis are well-known for being light on petrol - so if you're not keen on the SUV styling of the Ignis, the Suzuki Swift is an excellent alternative, using no more than 5.8 litres per 100 km during its time with us.

Model	Average Fuel Economy (L/100km)	Fuel Tank Capacity (litres)
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium	5.7	37
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX	5.1	32
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta	5.9	40

Safety Features

Safety is paramount when selecting a small vehicle, and each model offers different levels of protection. If it's just you and your partner, maybe you feel like two airbags will suffice, but if you have kiddos in the back, you may require more. The Nissan Magnite and Hyundai Exter have six airbags and all-important stability control.

Model	Airbags	ABS	Stability Control
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium	6	Yes	Yes
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX	2	Yes	Yes
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta	6	Yes	Yes

Pricing and Warranty

Pricing usually significantly influences one's choice in this competitive market, but a warranty is paramount, too, especially if one wants stress-free car ownership.

Model	Price (ZAR)	Warranty
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium	R269 900	5 years / 150,000 km vehicle, 7 years / 200 000 km drivetrain plus 3-yr/ 45 000 km service plan.
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX	R276 900	5 years / 200 000 km plus 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta	R277 300	6 years / 150 000 km plus 3-year/30 000 km service plan.

The Hyundai Exter offers the most competitive price at R269 900 and the brand's appealing 7-year drivetrain warranty.

Our Winner

After analysing performance, fuel efficiency, safety features, pricing, and warranty options, the Hyundai Exter emerges as the best overall choice for buyers seeking a balance of performance and safety at an attractive price point. However, if fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Suzuki Ignis is an excellent option for urban driving.