VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
63kW@6000
Torque
144 Nm
110Nm@4100
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
10.3 s
14.1s
Engine
1497 cc
1328cc
Choosing between the KIA Sonet and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Suzuki Jimny produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.2 l/100km while the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R454 995 for the Sonet 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
144 Nm
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
10.3 s
14.1s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1328cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
7.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40L
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
171g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
3645mm
Width
1790 mm
1600mm
Height
1610 mm
1705mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2250mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
190mm
Kerb Weight
1197 Kg
1070kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
385 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
-
Load Capacity
—
816kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ 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
✓ Standard
✗
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
3yr
—
Service Plan Distance
45000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sonet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonet
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Jimny
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
KIA Sonet
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.3 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 Sonet or Jimny?
The Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km and the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 Sonet or Jimny?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the Jimny delivers 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 of torque. The Sonet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and Jimny?
The Sonet starts from R454 995 and the Jimny from R184 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R270 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or Jimny?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Jimny can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet 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.