At a Glance
Power
160 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
320 Nm
245Nm@2000
Fuel
16.2 kWh/100km l/100km
8.2L/100km
Towing
—
1250kg
0-100 km/h
7.6 s
13.8s
Engine
electric cc
1991cc
Choosing between the Geely E5 and the KIA Carens is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Geely E5 delivers 160 kW while the KIA Carens produces 83kW@4000. On fuel, the E5 returns 16.2 kWh/100km l/100km while the Carens uses 8.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R788 888 for the E5 and R189 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
160 kW
83kW@4000
Torque
320 Nm
245Nm@2000
0-100 kph
7.6 s
13.8s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
170km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1991cc
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
DIESEL
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.2 kWh/100km l/100km
8.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.8L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.6L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
68.4 kWh l
55L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4615 mm
4493mm
Width
1901 mm
1748mm
Height
1670 mm
1609mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2560mm
Ground Clearance
—
155mm
Kerb Weight
1815 Kg
1474kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
461 / 1877 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1250kg
Load Capacity
—
1632kg
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
—
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
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
6 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
120000km
—
Service Intervals
—
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
3 / 4 categories
Performance
E5
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
Geely E5
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (16.2 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Carens
Better fuel economy (8.2L/100km)
Lower starting price (R189 995)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the E5 or Carens?
The E5 uses 16.2 kWh/100km l/100km and the Carens uses 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens 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 E5 or Carens?
The E5 produces 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque. The E5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the E5 and Carens?
The E5 starts from R788 888 and the Carens from R189 995. The Carens is cheaper by R598 893 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the E5 or Carens?
The E5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Carens can tow 1250kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the E5 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.