VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
63kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
110Nm@4100
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
—
14.1s
Engine
1494 cc
1328cc
Choosing between the Changan UNI-S and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Changan UNI-S delivers 138 kW while the Suzuki Jimny produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the UNI-S returns 7.0 l/100km while the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R429 900 for the UNI-S and R184 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
63kW@6000
Torque
300 Nm
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
—
14.1s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1494 cc
1328cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40L
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
171g/km
Dimensions
Length
4539 mm
3645mm
Width
1865 mm
1600mm
Height
1680 mm
1705mm
Wheelbase
2656 mm
2250mm
Ground Clearance
167 mm
190mm
Kerb Weight
1505 Kg
1070kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
475 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
816kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Changan UNI-S
2 / 4 categories
Performance
UNI-S
Fuel Economy
UNI-S
Value
Jimny
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Changan UNI-S
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Suzuki Jimny
Lower starting price (R184 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2L/100km)
No factory service plan
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 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The UNI-S is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 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 R429 900 and the Jimny from R184 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R245 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the UNI-S or Jimny?
The UNI-S has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Jimny can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
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.