At a Glance
Power
130 kW
106kW@6000
Torque
270 Nm
189Nm@4250
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
-
Towing
700 Kg
1500kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
-
Engine
1497 cc
1998cc
Choosing between the GAC GS3 Emzoom and the KIA Carens is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The GAC GS3 Emzoom delivers 130 kW while the KIA Carens produces 106kW@6000. On fuel, the GS3 Emzoom returns 6.2 l/100km while the Carens uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R529 900 for the GS3 Emzoom and R243 995 for the Carens. 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
106kW@6000
Torque
270 Nm
189Nm@4250
0-100 kph
8.0 s
-
Top Speed
190 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1998cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
47 l
55L
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4446 mm
4545mm
Width
1850 mm
1800mm
Height
1600 mm
1650mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2560mm
Ground Clearance
—
156mm
Kerb Weight
1370 Kg
1480kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
341-1271 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
700 Kg
1500kg
Load Capacity
425 lkg
2106kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
120
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1stkm
150000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GS3 Emzoom
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
GAC GS3 Emzoom
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Carens
Lower starting price (R243 995)
Higher towing capacity (1500kg)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GS3 Emzoom or Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom uses 6.2 l/100km and the Carens uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GS3 Emzoom or Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 106kW@6000 and 189Nm@4250 of torque. The GS3 Emzoom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GS3 Emzoom and Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom starts from R529 900 and the Carens from R243 995. The Carens is cheaper by R285 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 Carens?
The GS3 Emzoom has a braked towing capacity of 700 Kg and the Carens can tow 1500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GS3 Emzoom or the Carens?
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.