At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
63kW@6000
Torque
245Nm@2000
110Nm@4100
Fuel
8.2L/100km
7.2L/100km
Towing
1250kg
-
0-100 km/h
13.8s
14.1s
Engine
1991cc
1328cc
Choosing between the KIA Carens and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carens delivers 83kW@4000 while the Suzuki Jimny produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the Carens returns 8.2L/100km while the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 995 for the Carens and R184 900 for the Jimny. 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
83kW@4000
63kW@6000
Torque
245Nm@2000
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
13.8s
14.1s
Top Speed
170km/h
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991cc
1328cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2L/100km
7.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.8L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.6L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
55L
40L
CO2 Emissions
-
171g/km
Dimensions
Length
4493mm
3645mm
Width
1748mm
1600mm
Height
1609mm
1705mm
Wheelbase
2560mm
2250mm
Ground Clearance
155mm
190mm
Kerb Weight
1474kg
1070kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1250kg
-
Load Capacity
1632kg
816kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✗
Stability Control
✗
✗
Traction Control
✗
✗
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✗
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✗
Cruise Control
✗
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
—
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Jimny
Value
Jimny
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
Higher towing capacity (1250kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (13.8ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2L/100km)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Jimny
Better fuel economy (7.2L/100km)
Lower starting price (R184 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or Jimny?
The Carens uses 8.2L/100km and the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The Jimny 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 Jimny?
The Carens produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the Jimny delivers 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and Jimny?
The Carens starts from R189 995 and the Jimny from R184 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R5 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carens or Jimny?
The Carens has a braked towing capacity of 1250kg and the Jimny can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carens or the Jimny?
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.