VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
270 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
8.2
Towing
—
1250
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
13.8
Engine
1497 cc
1991
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 83kW@4000. On fuel, the GS3 Emzoom returns 6.2 l/100km while the CARENS uses 8.2 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 900 for the GS3 Emzoom and R189 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
83kW@4000
Torque
270 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
8.0 s
13.8
Top Speed
190 Km/h
170
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1991
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
8.2
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.8
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
55
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4446 mm
4493
Width
1850 mm
1748
Height
1600 mm
1609
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2560
Ground Clearance
—
155
Kerb Weight
1370 Kg
1474
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
341 / 1271 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1250
Load Capacity
425 l
1632
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
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
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GS3 Emzoom
Fuel Economy
GS3 Emzoom
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
GAC GS3 Emzoom
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2)
No factory service plan
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 8.2 on the combined cycle. The GS3 Emzoom 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 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the GS3 Emzoom and CARENS?
The GS3 Emzoom starts from R499 900 and the CARENS from R189 995. The CARENS is cheaper by R309 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GS3 Emzoom or CARENS?
The GS3 Emzoom has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the CARENS can tow 1250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
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.