A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Carens and HS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Carens starts ZAR 99,905 cheaperCarens from ZAR 399,995 · HS from ZAR 499,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Carens
HS
Maximum Power
Carens85 kW @ 4000 rpm
HS170 kW
Maximum Torque
Carens250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
HS370 Nm
Engine Size
Carens1493 cc
HS1986 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Carens18.9 km/l
HS11.63 km/l
Ground Clearance
Carens180 mm
HS145 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
KIA Carens
1.5D SX Auto
Hagalu editorial rating
4.4/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Carens
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
HS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carens
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
HS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Carens
HS
Intercooler
Yes
-
Rev Matching
No
-
Performance Data Logger
No
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Drag Coefficient
0.34
-
Roof Load
50 kg
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
-
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
-
Skid Plates
No
-
Side Steps
No
-
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Space-saver spare
Tyre Repair Kit
No
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
-
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Speed Limiter
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
-
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
No
-
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Voice Command
Yes
-
Voice Command Support
Yes
-
Digital Speedometer
Yes
-
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
-
Heads Up Display
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Multi Function Steering
Yes
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Yes
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Climate Control
Yes
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Climate Zones
2
-
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
-
Glovebox Cooling
No
-
Seat Type
Leather Seats
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
Yes
-
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Remote Start
No
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
-
Boot Opener
Remote
-
Power Windows
Yes
Standard
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Heated Mirrors
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
-
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Rear Defogger
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Panoramic Roof
No
Panoramic electric sunroof
Roof Antenna
Yes
-
Rear Wing
Yes
-
Aero Kit
No
-
Chrome Grille
Yes
-
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
-
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
-
Electric Tailgate
No
Standard
Powered Tailgate
No
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Accelerator 0 100
11.5 sec
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
No
-
Difflock
No
-
Vdc
Yes
-
TPMS
Yes
Standard
Sonar
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Bottle Holders
4
-
Glove Box
Yes
-
Manual Aircon
Yes
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
-
Passive Entry Start
Yes
-
Wireless Charger
Yes
Standard
Lift Gate
No
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
Yes
-
Sound System
8
8
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
-
Mirror
Electric
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
carens
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Unlocking
Yes
Standard
Walk Away Lock
Yes
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
-
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
-
Front Wiper
Yes
-
Front Wipers Type
Yes
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
-
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
-
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
-
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
-
Side Impact Bars
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.3
-
AC Type
Yes
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Sunroof
No
Panoramic electric sunroof
Engine Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
-
Rim Size
215/55 R17
19-inch
Spec
Carens
HS
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
-
Variable Valve Timing
No
-
Particulate Filter
DPF
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
-
Green NCAP Rating
4
-
Start Stop System
Yes
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Noise Level
67 dB
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Idle CO2 Output
139
-
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
195 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
139
-
Spec
Carens
HS
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
11.63 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EURO 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
11.63 km/l
City Mileage
15.3 km/l
9.35 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.1 km/l
16.95 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
65 l
Fuel Tank Litres
45
65
Spec
Carens
HS
Engine Position
Front Transverse
-
Number of Gears
6
9
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Standard
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Torque converter automatic
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Differential Lock
No
Not Available
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
-
Transmission Speeds
6
9
Axle Layout
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Standard
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
Automatic
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Spec
Carens
HS
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
2
Curtain Airbags
Yes
2
Side Impact Beams
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Standard
Whiplash Protection
Yes
-
ABS
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
-
Alarm System
Yes
-
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
-
Airbags
6
7
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Alternator
Yes
-
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Interval
15000
-
First Service At
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
R3,800 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Real-world City Mileage Min
12.5 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
16.2 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
19.1 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22.3 l/100km
-
Spec
Carens
HS
EV Mode
No
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Standard
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Standard
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
Yes
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Emergency Braking
Yes
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Around View Monitor
Yes
Standard
Surround View Camera
Yes
Standard
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
-
Parking Sensor
Yes
-
Front Camera
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Approach Angle
16 deg
19.0 deg
Departure Angle
18 deg
28.0 deg
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
-
Ramp-over Angle
14 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
-
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Approach Angle Deg
16 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
18 deg
-
Breakover Angle
16 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Carens
HS
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2765 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
562 kg
475 kg
Towing Capacity
750 kg
750 kg
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Length
4550 mm
4655 mm
Width
1800 mm
1890 mm
Height
1734 mm
1655 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
145 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.65 m
Kerb Weight
1488 kg
1590 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2050 kg
2065 kg
Front Headroom
1062 mm
968 mm
Rear Headroom
1045 mm
964 mm
Front Legroom
1031 mm
1044 mm
Rear Legroom
928 mm
980 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
216 l
507 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
65 l
Spec
Carens
HS
Body Type
MPV
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Standard
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Standard
DRL
Yes
Standard
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Roof Type
Standard
-
Roof Rails
Yes
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Body Cladding
No
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
Black, White, Grey, Silver, Blue, Red
Exterior Colour Options
5
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Standard
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
-
Front Overhang
830 mm
-
Rear Overhang
940 mm
-
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Standard
Spec
Carens
HS
Chassis Type
Unibody
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
-
Steering Column
Adjustable
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
-
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Front Track Width
1563 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1587 mm
-
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Multi-link
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Multi-link
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Steering Type
Yes
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Microfibre (PU)
Rear AC Vents
Yes
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Standard
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Seat Material
Leather
PVC Seat with hole
Fabric Seats
No
-
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Electric
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Powered
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
-
Memory Seats
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Standard
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
-
Rear Armrest
Yes
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Standard
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
7-seat layout with sliding second row (EX+), 10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), panoramic sunroof (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), digital cluster (SX), full ADAS suite (SX), 6 airbags
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1660
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Trim
Leather
PVC Seat with hole
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
-
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
-
Seat Fold Type
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
-
Armrest Rear
Yes
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Front Shoulder Room
1421 mm
-
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
-
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Wheel Type
Alloy
-
Tyre Type
Radial
-
Tyre Load Index
107
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Space-saver spare
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Space-saver spare
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
-
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Electric
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Brake Type Front
Disc
-
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
225/55 R19
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
19-inch
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
19-inch
Wheel Material
Alloy
-
Wheels
Alloy
-
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Infotainment Screen
12.3
12.3-inch
Infotainment Display
12.3
-
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
12.3-inch
Touchscreen
12.3
12.3-inch
Navigation System
Yes
-
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
4
4
Rear Usb
Yes
-
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
8
8
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
12.3-inch driver display
Head Up Display
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Multi Information Display
Digital
-
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Connected Services
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8
8
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
-
Voice Control
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio System
Yes
-
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Spec
Carens
HS
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Warranty Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
-
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
-
Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 years / 200,000 km vehicle; 7 years / unlimited km engine
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
-
Spec
Carens
HS
Body Style
MPV
Five-door mid-size SUV
Model Year
2026
2025
Segment
MPV
Mid-size SUV
Vehicle Type
MPV
SUV
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl
-
Tare Mass Kg
1745 kg
-
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Production Status
active
active
Model Introduced Year
2026
2025
Generation
Fourth-generation Kia Carens (KY) facelift; South African launch May 2026
Current five-seat HS on MG's SIGMA-A architecture with 1.5T DCT and 2.0T automatic powertrains.
Facelift History
Current facelift launched in South Africa in May 2026
Current-generation HS introduced locally in 2025; four petrol derivatives remain active.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2025
Spec
Carens
HS
Ownership Role
Flagship
Passenger vehicle
Price Zar
599995 ZAR
665900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current official retail price
Current South African MSRP
Starting Price
599995
665900
Starting Price Zar
599995
665900
Spec
Carens
HS
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
2.0-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
1986 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
170 kW
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Launch Control
No
No
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
D4FA
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
370 Nm
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
170 km/h
220 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.1 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
18.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
No
Standard, Eco, Sport, Custom
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
57.1 kW/tonne
106.92 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
168.0 Nm/tonne
232.70 Nm/tonne
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carens and HS comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Carens 39 vs HS 70.
Efficiency index: Carens 72 vs HS 46.
Safety-equipment index: Carens 93 vs HS 98.
Practicality index: Carens 56 vs HS 57.
Ownership-cover index: Carens 54 vs HS not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Carens and HS image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
HS leads by 7 points
Carens and HS are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
HS
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
46/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
57/100
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMG HS
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 62 pts for Carens
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, HS leads. However, Carens may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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