VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
125 kW
Torque
250 Nm
275 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
13.1 s
—
Engine
1493 cc
1496 cc
Choosing between the Kia Carens and the MG HS is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Carens delivers 85 kW while the MG HS produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Carens returns 5.3 l/100km while the HS uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 995 for the Carens and R499 900 for the HS. 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
85 kW
125 kW
Torque
250 Nm
275 Nm
0-100 kph
13.1 s
—
Top Speed
170 Km/h
195 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1496 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4550 mm
4655 mm
Width
1800 mm
1890 mm
Height
1734 mm
1655 mm
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2765 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1488 Kg
1562 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
507-1484 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 7 engine
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 vehicle / unlimited engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
MG HS
3 / 4 categories
Performance
HS
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
HS
Practicality
HS
Pros & Cons
Kia Carens
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 125 kW)
Higher starting price
MG HS
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Lower starting price (R499 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or HS?
The Carens uses 5.3 l/100km and the HS uses 6.9 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 Carens or HS?
The Carens produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the HS delivers 125 kW and 275 Nm of torque. The HS is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and HS?
The Carens starts from R499 995 and the HS from R499 900. The HS is cheaper by R95 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carens or HS?
The Carens has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the HS can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carens or the HS?
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.