VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
75 kW
Torque
300 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Engine
1494 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Changan UNI-S and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Changan UNI-S delivers 138 kW while the Suzuki Jimny produces 75 kW. On fuel, the UNI-S returns 7.0 l/100km while the Jimny uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R469 900 for the UNI-S and R467 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
138 kW
75 kW
Torque
300 Nm
130 Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
155 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1494 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4539 mm
3820 mm
Width
1865 mm
1645 mm
Height
1680 mm
1720 mm
Wheelbase
2656 mm
2590 mm
Ground Clearance
167 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1505 Kg
1200 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
475 l
211 - 332 - 1113 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ 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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
4
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
UNI-S
Fuel Economy
Jimny
Value
Jimny
Practicality
UNI-S
Pros & Cons
Changan UNI-S
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Jimny
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R467 900)
Less power than rival (75 kW vs 138 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the UNI-S or Jimny?
The UNI-S uses 7.0 l/100km and the Jimny uses 6.3 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 UNI-S or Jimny?
The UNI-S produces 138 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Jimny delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The UNI-S is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the UNI-S and Jimny?
The UNI-S starts from R469 900 and the Jimny from R467 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R2 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the UNI-S 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.