VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
89 kW
Torque
300 Nm
145 Nm
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Towing
—
-
Engine
1494 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Changan UNI-S and the Honda Elevate is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Changan UNI-S delivers 138 kW while the Honda Elevate produces 89 kW. On fuel, the UNI-S returns 7.0 l/100km while the Elevate uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R429 900 for the UNI-S and R434 000 for the Elevate. 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.
Specification
Changan UNI-S1.5t CL 2026 - From R429 900
Honda Elevate1.5 Elegance CVT 2024 - From R434 000
Performance
Power Output
138 kW
89 kW
Torque
300 Nm
145 Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1494 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4539 mm
4312 mm
Width
1865 mm
1790- mm
Height
1680 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2656 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
167 mm
199 mm
Kerb Weight
1505 Kg
1259 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
475 l
458- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
4yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
UNI-S
Fuel Economy
Elevate
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Changan UNI-S
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Lower starting price (R429 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.0 l/100km)
Honda Elevate
Better fuel economy (6.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (89 kW vs 138 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the UNI-S or Elevate?
The UNI-S uses 7.0 l/100km and the Elevate uses 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Elevate 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 Elevate?
The UNI-S produces 138 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Elevate delivers 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque. The UNI-S is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the UNI-S and Elevate?
The UNI-S starts from R429 900 and the Elevate from R434 000, a difference of just R4 100, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the UNI-S or Elevate?
The UNI-S has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Elevate can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the UNI-S or the Elevate?
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.