VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
80 kW
Torque
230 Nm
148 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
—
750 Kg
Engine
1498 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Jaecoo J5 and the Lepas L4 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Jaecoo J5 delivers 115 kW while the Lepas L4 produces 80 kW. On fuel, the J5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R379 900 for the J5 and R299 900 for the L4. 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
115 kW
80 kW
Torque
230 Nm
148 Nm
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4380 mm
4406 mm
Width
1860 mm
1820 mm
Height
1650 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2620 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
174 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1453 Kg
1262 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480-1284 l
458 / 1284 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
750 Kg
Load Capacity
—
470 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
4
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ 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 / 10 engine for 1st owner
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st km
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
5yr
Service Plan Distance
75000km
75000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Lepas L4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
J5
Fuel Economy
L4
Value
L4
Practicality
L4
Pros & Cons
Jaecoo J5
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lepas L4
Better fuel economy (6.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Less power than rival (80 kW vs 115 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J5 or L4?
The J5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The L4 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 J5 or L4?
The J5 produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the L4 delivers 80 kW and 148 Nm of torque. The J5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the J5 and L4?
The J5 starts from R379 900 and the L4 from R299 900. The L4 is cheaper by R80 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the J5 or L4?
The J5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the L4 can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the J5 or the L4?
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.