VS
At a Glance
Power
66kW@4000
77 kW
Torque
220Nm@1500
138 Nm
Fuel
5L/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
1100kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
13.5s
11.2 s
Engine
1396cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai I20 and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai I20 delivers 66kW@4000 while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the I20 returns 5L/100km while the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R204 900 for the I20 and R281 500 for the Starlet. 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.
Specification
Hyundai I201.4 CRDI Glide 2013 - From R204 900
Toyota Starlet1.5 XS 2025 - From R281 500
Performance
Power Output
66kW@4000
77 kW
Torque
220Nm@1500
138 Nm
0-100 kph
13.5s
11.2 s
Top Speed
174km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5L/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45L
37 l
CO2 Emissions
110g/km
127 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995mm
3990 mm
Width
-1710mm
1745 mm
Height
1490mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2525mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1115kg
965 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
295kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
3
Warranty Distance
150000km
100000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai I20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
I20
Value
I20
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai I20
Better fuel economy (5L/100km)
Lower starting price (R204 900)
Higher towing capacity (1100kg)
No factory service plan
Toyota Starlet
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.2 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or Starlet?
The I20 uses 5L/100km and the Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The I20 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 I20 or Starlet?
The I20 produces 66kW@4000 and 220Nm@1500 of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the I20 and Starlet?
The I20 starts from R204 900 and the Starlet from R281 500. The I20 is cheaper by R76 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I20 or Starlet?
The I20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100kg and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I20 or the Starlet?
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