A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Jimny starts ZAR 195,000 cheaperJimny from ZAR 444,900 · SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Maximum Power
75 kW @ 6000 rpm
96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
130 Nm @ 4000 rpm
220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Engine Size
1462 cc
1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
15.9 km/l
17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
180 mm
Boot / Load Bay
85 l
425 l
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
1110 kg
2100 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
SEALION 6 DM-i holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Jimny.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
SEALION 6 DM-i
+29 pts
Efficiency
SEALION 6 DM-i
+14 pts
Safety
SEALION 6 DM-i
+11 pts
Practicality
SEALION 6 DM-i
+15 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Jimny
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Jimny
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
SEALION 6 DM-i
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Model Introduced Year
2019
2024
Generation
Fourth generation (JB74 series); entirely new K15B engine replaces previous K13B; AllGrip Pro 4WD system replaces previous generation's 4WD setup; new body retains ladder-frame construction and live rear axle from all previous generations
First South African SEALION 6 DM-i generation
Facelift History
Fourth-generation Jimny launched globally in 2018 and in SA in 2019; minor specification updates in 2021 including updated connectivity; 5-door Jimny Sierra launched globally in 2023 but not confirmed for SA as of end-2025; no mechanical changes to the 3-door SA model since launch
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
Kinetic Yellow, Sizzling Red, Granite Grey, Brisk Blue, Chiffon Ivory White, Bluish Black Pearl
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 GLX AllGrip AT
7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, hill-hold control, dual front airbags, ABS and EBD, 4WD mode selector, fold-flat rear seats for cargo, snorkel available as dealer-fitted accessory
-
Interior Trim Colour
2
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Fabric
-
Interior Colours
2
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Not Available
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Not Available
-
Seat Belt Warning
All Seats
-
Seat Fold Type
Full Fold-Flat Rear Bench
-
Seat Trim
Fabric
Synthetic leather
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Infotainment System
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Standard
Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
10
Navigation System
Via Smartphone Mirroring
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue with Digital MID
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
2
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Standard
FM Radio
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
-
Voice Recognition
Via Smartphone
-
AUX Input
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Standard
-
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
2
-
Audio
Standard
-
Audio Speakers
4
10
Audio System
Standard
-
Display Audio
9-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Multi Information Display
Analogue with Digital MID
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Voice Control
Via Smartphone
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Wired Apple CarPlay
-
Radio
Standard
-
Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
LED Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Front and rear fog lamps
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
15-inch Land Rover-Inspired Alloy Wheels
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Body Cladding
Black Plastic Body Cladding
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof with Black Contrast Roof Option
-
Wing Mirror Type
Electrically Foldable Black Mirrors
-
Rear Wiper
Standard
-
Door Handle Finish
Black Door Handles
-
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lights
Front Fog Lamps
-
Front Fog Lights
Front Fog Lamps
-
Led Headlights
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Auto Headlights
Standard
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED DRLs
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Black Door Handles
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
All Windows
-
Exterior Mirror Folding
Electrically Foldable Mirrors (New 2026)
-
Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Front and rear fog lamps
Headlamp Levelling
LED Projector Headlamps
-
Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Headlight Type
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Headlights
LED Projector Headlamps
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Sunroof Slide
Not Available
-
Sunroof Tilt
Not Available
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Approach Angle
36 deg
19 deg
Departure Angle
50 deg
21 deg
Wading Depth
600 mm
358.8 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available — AllGrip PRO 2H / 4H / 4L Transfer Modes
Mud, Sand, Snow
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Standard Skid Plates
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
27 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
Front and Rear Recovery Hooks
-
4WD System Type
AllGrip PRO — Part-Time 4WD with Low-Range Gearbox
Electric all-wheel drive
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control Standard
Standard
Ramp-over Angle
27 deg
-
Approach Angle Deg
36 deg
-
Breakover Angle
27 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
50 deg
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
210 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
210 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Hill Descent Control Standard
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
600 mm
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Tyre Size
195/80 R15
235/50 R19
Wheel Type
15-inch Land Rover-Inspired Alloy Wheels
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size External Rear Spare
Tyre repair kit
Front Brake Disc Diameter
265 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
220 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
-
Tyre Load Index
96
-
Tyre Speed Rating
S
-
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
19
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Full Size External Rear Spare
Tyre repair kit
Tyre Type
195/80 R15
-
Wheel Diameter
15 Inches
19
Auto Brake Hold
Conventional Handbrake
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Electric Park Brake
Conventional Handbrake
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Electronic parking brake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full Size External Rear Spare
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Wheel Material
15-inch Land Rover-Inspired Alloy Wheels
-
Wheel Size Type
15 Inches
-
Wheels
15-inch Land Rover-Inspired Alloy Wheels
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
-
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,500–R3,000 per Service
-
Battery Warranty
12 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.7 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
-
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
-
Service Plan Duration
Not Included
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
Not Included
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection and Skid Plates
-
Service Plan
Not Included
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15,000 km or 12 Months
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Warranty Years
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
32 g/km
Start Stop System
Not Available
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
-
Noise Level
69 dB
-
Variable Valve Timing
VVT on Intake Camshaft
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
-
Particulate Filter
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
-
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
-
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
148
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.0 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
5.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7.0 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
0
-
Spec
Jimny
SEALION 6 DM-i
Ownership Role
Flagship
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
466900 ZAR
799900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
466900
799900
Starting Price Zar
466900
799900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
SEALION 6 DM-i leads by 15 points
SEALION 6 DM-i holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Jimny.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
75/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
59/100
Jimny
Performance
29/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
44/100
Ownership
71/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆BYD SEALION 6 DM-i
leads the catalogue index with 72 pts
vs 57 pts for Jimny
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, SEALION 6 DM-i leads. However, Jimny may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Jimny and SEALION 6 DM-i comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Jimny 29 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 58.
Efficiency index: Jimny 61 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 75.
Safety-equipment index: Jimny 88 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 99.
Practicality index: Jimny 44 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 59.
Ownership-cover index: Jimny 71 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 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.
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