VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
75 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
130 Nm
Fuel
—
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1250
—
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1991
1462 cc
Choosing between the KIA CARENS and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA CARENS delivers 83kW@4000 while the Suzuki Jimny produces 75 kW. On fuel, the CARENS returns 0 while the Jimny uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 995 for the CARENS and R444 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
83kW@4000
75 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
130 Nm
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
1462 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
40 l
CO2 Emissions
—
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4493
3485 mm
Width
1748
1645 mm
Height
1609
1720 mm
Wheelbase
2560
2250 mm
Ground Clearance
155
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1474
1095 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
85 - 377 - 830 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1250
—
Load Capacity
1632
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
2
6
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
✗
—
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
200000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4
Service Plan Distance
—
60000
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA CARENS
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Jimny
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
CARENS
Practicality
CARENS
Pros & Cons
KIA CARENS
Lower starting price (R189 995)
No factory service plan
Suzuki Jimny
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CARENS or Jimny?
The CARENS uses 0 and the Jimny uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. 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 Jimny?
The CARENS produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the Jimny delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CARENS and Jimny?
The CARENS starts from R189 995 and the Jimny from R444 900. The CARENS is cheaper by R254 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CARENS or Jimny?
The CARENS has a braked towing capacity of 1250 and the Jimny can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CARENS 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.