VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
85 kW
Torque
270 Nm
144 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
700 Kg
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
10.3 s
Engine
1497 cc
1497 cc
Choosing between the GAC GS3 Emzoom and the KIA Sonet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC GS3 Emzoom delivers 130 kW while the KIA Sonet produces 85 kW. On fuel, the GS3 Emzoom returns 6.2 l/100km while the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R419 900 for the GS3 Emzoom and R411 995 for the Sonet. 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
130 kW
85 kW
Torque
270 Nm
144 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
10.3 s
Top Speed
190 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1497 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
6.2 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
148 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4410 mm
4110 mm
Width
1850 mm
1790 mm
Height
1600 mm
1610 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1370 Kg
1197 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
341-1271 l
385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
700 Kg
1100 Kg
Load Capacity
425 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sonet
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GS3 Emzoom
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sonet
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
GAC GS3 Emzoom
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
KIA Sonet
Lower starting price (R411 995)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 130 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GS3 Emzoom or Sonet?
The GS3 Emzoom uses 6.2 l/100km and the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 GS3 Emzoom or Sonet?
The GS3 Emzoom produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Sonet delivers 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. The GS3 Emzoom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GS3 Emzoom and Sonet?
The GS3 Emzoom starts from R419 900 and the Sonet from R411 995. The Sonet is cheaper by R7 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GS3 Emzoom or Sonet?
The GS3 Emzoom has a braked towing capacity of 700 Kg and the Sonet can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GS3 Emzoom or the Sonet?
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.