VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
121 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
213 Nm
Fuel
8.2L/100km
6.6 l/100km
Towing
1250kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
13.8s
—
Engine
1991cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the KIA Carens and the Mazda CX-30 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carens delivers 83kW@4000 while the Mazda CX-30 produces 121 kW. On fuel, the Carens returns 8.2L/100km while the CX-30 uses 6.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 995 for the Carens and R606 800 for the CX-30. 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.
Specification
KIA Carens2.0 CRDI 2003 - From R189 995
Mazda CX-302.0 Carbon Edition A/T 2025 - From R606 800
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
121 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
213 Nm
0-100 kph
13.8s
—
Top Speed
170km/h
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2L/100km
6.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.8L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55L
51 l
CO2 Emissions
-
150 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4493mm
4395 mm
Width
1748mm
1795-2040 mm
Height
1609mm
1540 mm
Wheelbase
2560mm
2655 mm
Ground Clearance
155mm
175 mm
Kerb Weight
1474kg
1340 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
295-1200 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1250kg
1200 Kg
Load Capacity
1632kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
2
7
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
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5yr
Service Plan Distance
—
unlimitedkm
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-30
Fuel Economy
CX-30
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Higher towing capacity (1250kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2L/100km)
No factory service plan
Mazda CX-30
Better fuel economy (6.6 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or CX-30?
The Carens uses 8.2L/100km and the CX-30 uses 6.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-30 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 Carens or CX-30?
The Carens produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the CX-30 delivers 121 kW and 213 Nm of torque. The CX-30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and CX-30?
The Carens starts from R189 995 and the CX-30 from R606 800. The Carens is cheaper by R416 805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carens or CX-30?
The Carens has a braked towing capacity of 1250kg and the CX-30 can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carens or the CX-30?
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.