At a Glance
Power
73 kW
49 kW
Torque
133 Nm
89 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Towing
800 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
12.5 s
—
Engine
1368 cc
998 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai i20 and the Suzuki S-Presso is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai i20 delivers 73 kW while the Suzuki S-Presso produces 49 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 6.9 l/100km while the S-Presso uses 4.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R365 900 for the i20 and R189 900 for the S-Presso. 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
73 kW
49 kW
Torque
133 Nm
89 Nm
0-100 kph
12.5 s
—
Top Speed
173 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1368 cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
4.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
27 l
CO2 Emissions
151 g/km
111 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
3565 mm
Width
1775 mm
1520 mm
Height
1505 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2380 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
998 Kg
765 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
311 l
239 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800 Kg
—
Load Capacity
522 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4yr
2yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
i20
Fuel Economy
S-Presso
Value
S-Presso
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai i20
More powerful engine (73 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Suzuki S-Presso
Better fuel economy (4.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R189 900)
Less power than rival (49 kW vs 73 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or S-Presso?
The i20 uses 6.9 l/100km and the S-Presso uses 4.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The S-Presso 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 S-Presso?
The i20 produces 73 kW and 133 Nm of torque while the S-Presso delivers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. The i20 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the i20 and S-Presso?
The i20 starts from R365 900 and the S-Presso from R189 900. The S-Presso is cheaper by R176 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i20 or S-Presso?
The i20 has a braked towing capacity of 800 Kg and the S-Presso can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i20 or the S-Presso?
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