VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
63kW@6000
Torque
250 Nm
110Nm@4100
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Towing
900 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
12.0 s
14.1s
Engine
1493 cc
1328cc
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Seltos delivers 85 kW while the Suzuki Jimny produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the Seltos returns 5.2 l/100km while the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R521 995 for the Seltos 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
85 kW
63kW@6000
Torque
250 Nm
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
12.0 s
14.1s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1328cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40L
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
171g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
3645mm
Width
1800 mm
1600mm
Height
1620 mm
1705mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2250mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
190mm
Kerb Weight
1382 Kg
1070kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
900 Kg
-
Load Capacity
—
816kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
—
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
4yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Seltos
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Jimny
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (900 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Jimny
Lower starting price (R184 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or Jimny?
The Seltos uses 5.2 l/100km and the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos 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 Seltos or Jimny?
The Seltos produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Jimny delivers 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 of torque. The Seltos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and Jimny?
The Seltos starts from R521 995 and the Jimny from R184 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R337 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or Jimny?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 900 Kg and the Jimny can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos 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.