VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
75 kW
Torque
230 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Engine
1498 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Jaecoo J5 and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Jaecoo J5 delivers 115 kW while the Suzuki Jimny produces 75 kW. On fuel, the J5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the Jimny uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R479 900 for the J5 and R481 900 for the Jimny. 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
115 kW
75 kW
Torque
230 Nm
130 Nm
Top Speed
—
140 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
4
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
158 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4380 mm
3485 mm
Width
1860 mm
1645 mm
Height
1650 mm
1720 mm
Wheelbase
2620 mm
2250 mm
Ground Clearance
174 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1475 Kg
1130 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
480-1284 l
85 - 377 - 830 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
4
Service Plan Distance
75000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Jaecoo J5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
J5
Fuel Economy
Jimny
Value
J5
Practicality
J5
Pros & Cons
Jaecoo J5
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Lower starting price (R479 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Suzuki Jimny
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (75 kW vs 115 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J5 or Jimny?
The J5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the Jimny uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Jimny 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 J5 or Jimny?
The J5 produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Jimny delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The J5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the J5 and Jimny?
The J5 starts from R479 900 and the Jimny from R481 900. The J5 is cheaper by R2 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the J5 or the Jimny?
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.