VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
85 kW
Torque
262 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 co
5.3 l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
13.1 s
Engine
1499 cc
1493 cc
Choosing between the Geely E5 and the Kia Carens is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Geely E5 delivers 160 kW while the Kia Carens produces 85 kW. On fuel, the E5 returns 1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 combined l/100km while the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R679 999 for the E5 and R459 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
85 kW
Torque
262 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
13.1 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1493 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 co
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 litre + 18.4 kWh l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
28 when hybrid battery charged / 54 comb
139 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4740 mm
4550 mm
Width
1905 mm
1800 mm
Height
1685 mm
1734 mm
Wheelbase
2755 mm
2780 mm
Ground Clearance
—
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1770 Kg
1488 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
528 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ 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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
6 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
E5
Fuel Economy
E5
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
Geely E5
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Kia Carens
Lower starting price (R459 995)
Higher fuel consumption (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 160 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the E5 or Carens?
The E5 uses 1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 combined l/100km and the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The E5 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 E5 or Carens?
The E5 produces 160 kW and 262 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The E5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the E5 and Carens?
The E5 starts from R679 999 and the Carens from R459 995. The Carens is cheaper by R220 004 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
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.