VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
85 kW
Torque
270 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
13.1 s
Engine
1497 cc
1493 cc
Choosing between the GAC GS3 Emzoom and the Kia Carens is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC GS3 Emzoom delivers 130 kW while the Kia Carens produces 85 kW. On fuel, the GS3 Emzoom returns 6.2 l/100km while the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 900 for the GS3 Emzoom and R499 995 for the Carens. 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
130 kW
85 kW
Torque
270 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
13.1 s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1493 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
139 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4446 mm
4550 mm
Width
1850 mm
1800 mm
Height
1600 mm
1734 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2780 mm
Ground Clearance
—
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1370 Kg
1488 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
341 / 1271 l
—
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
425 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GS3 Emzoom
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
GS3 Emzoom
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
GAC GS3 Emzoom
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Lower starting price (R499 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Kia Carens
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 130 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GS3 Emzoom or Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom uses 6.2 l/100km and the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens 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 GS3 Emzoom or Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The GS3 Emzoom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GS3 Emzoom and Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom starts from R499 900 and the Carens from R499 995. The GS3 Emzoom is cheaper by R95 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the GS3 Emzoom or the Carens?
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.