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 i20 are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
i20 starts ZAR 103,095 cheaperCarens from ZAR 399,995 · i20 from ZAR 296,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Carens
i20
Maximum Power
Carens85 kW @ 4000 rpm
i2074 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Carens250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
i20172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
Carens1493 cc
i20998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Carens18.9 km/l
i2014.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
Carens180 mm
i20195 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)
Specification evidence leader
Carens
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
i20
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Carens
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
i20
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Carens
i20
Intercooler
Yes
-
Rev Matching
No
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Not Available
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Drag Coefficient
0.34
-
Roof Load
50 kg
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
1165 l
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
-
Skid Plates
No
Not Available
Side Steps
No
-
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Spare Wheel
Tyre Repair Kit
No
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
-
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
No
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
Digital Speedometer
Yes
Analogue + MID
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
-
Heads Up Display
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Multi Function Steering
Yes
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Auto Climate Control
Climate Control
Yes
Auto Climate Control
Climate Zones
2
1
Rear Air Conditioning
Yes
No
Glovebox Cooling
No
Yes
Seat Type
Leather Seats
Leather-Look
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
Yes
60/40 Split
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
-
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
12V
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Remote Start
No
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
Inside
Boot Opener
Remote
Inside
Power Windows
Yes
All
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Heated Mirrors
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
Power Adjustable
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
Power Adjustable
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Tail Lamps
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Panoramic Roof
No
Sunroof
Roof Antenna
Yes
-
Rear Wing
Yes
Yes
Aero Kit
No
-
Chrome Grille
Yes
-
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
-
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
-
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Powered Tailgate
No
-
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Trim Level
flagship
fluid
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Mid-to-high value derivative
Accelerator 0 100
11.5 sec
11.0 sec
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Diff Lock
No
No
Difflock
No
No
Vdc
Yes
Yes
TPMS
Yes
Yes
Sonar
Yes
Front & Rear
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Yes
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
No
Bottle Holders
4
4
Glove Box
Yes
Yes
Manual Aircon
Yes
Auto Climate Control
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Passive Entry Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
Yes
Lift Gate
No
-
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
Yes
12V
Sound System
8
8 Bose Premium
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
No
Mirror
Electric
Power Adjustable
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
Monocoque
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
carens
i20
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Walk Away Lock
Yes
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
Yes
Front Wiper
Yes
Yes
Front Wipers Type
Yes
Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
No
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
Yes
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
Yes
Side Impact Bars
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1660 l
1165 l
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.3
6.9
AC Type
Yes
Auto Climate Control
Sunroof
No
Sunroof
Engine Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
4
Rim Size
215/55 R17
16
Spec
Carens
i20
Fuel Octane Requirement
B7 Diesel
Unleaded 95
Variable Valve Timing
No
Yes
Particulate Filter
DPF
Not Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
No
Yes
Green NCAP Rating
4
-
Start Stop System
Yes
No
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Noise Level
67 dB
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
139
110
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
110 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
139
110
Spec
Carens
i20
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
14.5 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
No
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
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
14.5 km/l
City Mileage
15.3 km/l
11.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.1 km/l
17.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Fuel Tank Litres
45
40
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Spec
Carens
i20
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front
Number of Gears
6
7
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Yes
Clutch Type
Dry Dual Clutch
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.63
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
Differential Lock
No
No
LSD Available
No
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
-
Transmission Speeds
6
7
Axle Layout
FWD
Front-Wheel Drive
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
No
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
Not Available
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Gearbox
6-Speed Automatic
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
Transmission Type
Automatic Transmission
Manual
Gearbox Type
6-Speed Automatic
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
Spec
Carens
i20
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
-
ABS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Yes
No
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
Not Rated (SA)
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
6
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
6
Spec
Carens
i20
Alternator
Yes
120A
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
3.6 l
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
15000
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
15000
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
15000
15000
Approx Service Cost
R3,800 per service
-
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Carens
i20
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
i20
EV Mode
No
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Reversing Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Parking Sensor
Yes
Front & Rear
Front Camera
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
No
Spec
Carens
i20
Locking Differential
No
No
Approach Angle
16 deg
-
Departure Angle
18 deg
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
20 deg
Ramp-over Angle
14 deg
20 deg
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
195 mm
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
195 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
16 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
18 deg
-
Breakover Angle
16 deg
20 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Carens
i20
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2580 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
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Length
4550 mm
4040 mm
Width
1800 mm
1775 mm
Height
1734 mm
1505 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
195 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.2 m
Kerb Weight
1488 kg
1135 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2050 kg
1610 kg
Front Headroom
1062 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
1045 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1031 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
928 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space
216 l
352 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Spec
Carens
i20
Body Type
MPV
Hatchback
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
LED
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Roof Type
Standard
Sunroof
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Body Cladding
No
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
Body Coloured
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
Polar White, Aurora Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red
Exterior Colour Options
5
6
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Auto Headlights
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlights
Yes
Yes
Headlight Type
Yes
Yes
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
Power Adjustable
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
Body Coloured
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
Sunroof
Front Overhang
830 mm
-
Rear Overhang
940 mm
-
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Sunroof
Spec
Carens
i20
Chassis Type
Unibody
Monocoque
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
Monocoque
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Front Track Width
1563 mm
1551 mm
Rear Track Width
1587 mm
1565 mm
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Spec
Carens
i20
Steering Type
Yes
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Rear USB Ports
Yes
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Analogue + MID
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Rear AC Vents
Yes
No
Heated Seats
Yes
Front
Cooled Seats
Yes
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Seat Material
Leather
Leather-Look
Fabric Seats
No
Yes
Leather Seats
Yes
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Manual
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
-
Memory Seats
Yes
No
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60/40 Split
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Yes
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
No
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
4
4
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
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
8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Fluid, digital instrument cluster, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, quality-feeling interior
Boot Space Seats Down
1660
1165
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Yes
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather-Look
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Leather-Look
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Manual
Seat Fold Type
Yes
60/40 Split
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
Yes
Armrest Rear
Yes
No
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
No
Interior Colours
Black
Black
Interior Trim Colour
Black
Black
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Front Shoulder Room
1421 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1441 mm
Not Applicable
Spec
Carens
i20
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300 mm
256 mm
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
262 mm
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Manual
Front Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
235 mm
-
Wheel Type
Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Tyre Type
Radial
Tubeless Radial
Tyre Load Index
107
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Spare Wheel
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Spare Wheel
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Yes
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
No
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
Spare Wheel
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Manual
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
Manual
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
Leather
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
Leather
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Yes
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Yes
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
Manual
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Brake Type Front
Disc
Disc (Ventilated)
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
205/45 R17
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
16
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
16
Wheel Material
Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Wheels
Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
16
Spec
Carens
i20
Infotainment Screen
12.3
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
12.3
Touchscreen
Infotainment System
12.3-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
12.3
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
4
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
No
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Head Up Display
Yes
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Multi Information Display
Digital
Analogue + MID
Display Audio
12.3-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Connected Services
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Voice Control
Yes
Yes
Audio
Yes
Yes
Audio System
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Spec
Carens
i20
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years / Unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / Unlimited km
5
Spec
Carens
i20
Body Style
MPV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
MPV
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
MPV
Hatchback
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Fluid grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Snow White Pearl
White, Black, Silver, Blue, Red, Yellow
Tare Mass Kg
1745 kg
1135 kg
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Production Status
active
active
Model Introduced Year
2026
2008
Generation
Fourth-generation Kia Carens (KY) facelift; South African launch May 2026
Third generation i20 on the K2 platform; sold in SA with 1.0T three-cylinder turbo across all variants
Facelift History
Current facelift launched in South Africa in May 2026
Third generation launched globally in 2020 and arrived in SA shortly after; significant improvement over the second gen in styling, tech, and driving dynamics
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2020
Spec
Carens
i20
Ownership Role
Flagship
Fluid
Price Zar
599995 ZAR
328900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current official retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
599995
328900
Starting Price Zar
599995
328900
Spec
Carens
i20
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
12
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
10.0:1
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
74 kW @ 5500 rpm
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
Not Officially Disclosed
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
G3LE
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
170 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
13.1 sec
11.0 sec
Quarter Mile
18.4 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
No
Eco, Normal
Rev Limiter
4500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
57.1 kW/tonne
65.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
168.0 Nm/tonne
151.5 Nm/tonne
In depth: how these cars differ
This Carens and i20 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 i20 37.
Efficiency index: Carens 72 vs i20 59.
Safety-equipment index: Carens 93 vs i20 84.
Practicality index: Carens 56 vs i20 61.
Ownership-cover index: Carens 54 vs i20 65.
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 i20 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
Carens leads by 1 points
Carens and i20 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
Carens
Performance
39/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
56/100
Ownership
54/100
i20
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Carens
leads the specification evidence index with 62 pts
vs 61 pts for i20
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Carens leads. However, i20 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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