VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
61 kW
Torque
160 Nm
115 Nm
Fuel
TBA l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
-
850 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.9 s
Engine
electric cc
1197 cc
Choosing between the Dongfeng BOX and the Hyundai I20 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Dongfeng BOX delivers 70 kW while the Hyundai I20 produces 61 kW. On fuel, the BOX returns TBA l/100km while the I20 uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 000 for the BOX and R345 900 for the I20. 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
70 kW
61 kW
Torque
160 Nm
115 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.9 s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
169 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1197 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
TBA l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43.9 kWh l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
-
135 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4020 mm
3995 mm
Width
1810 mm
1775 mm
Height
1570 mm
1505 mm
Wheelbase
2663 mm
2580 mm
Ground Clearance
—
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1342 Kg
950 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
311 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
850 Kg
Load Capacity
375 lkg
520 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high vkm
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
4yr
Service Plan Distance
100000km
60000km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai I20
2 / 4 categories
Performance
BOX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
I20
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Dongfeng BOX
More powerful engine (70 kW)
Higher starting price
Hyundai I20
Lower starting price (R345 900)
Higher towing capacity (850 Kg)
Less power than rival (61 kW vs 70 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the BOX or I20?
The BOX uses TBA l/100km and the I20 uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the BOX or I20?
The BOX produces 70 kW and 160 Nm of torque while the I20 delivers 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The BOX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the BOX and I20?
The BOX starts from R389 000 and the I20 from R345 900. The I20 is cheaper by R43 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the BOX or I20?
The BOX has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the I20 can tow 850 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the BOX or the I20?
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.
Also Consider