VS
At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
49 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
89 Nm
Fuel
8.1L/100km
4.4 l/100km
Towing
800kg
—
0-100 km/h
12.9s
—
Engine
1396cc
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 73kW@5500 while the Suzuki S-Presso produces 49 kW. On fuel, the I20 returns 8.1L/100km while the S-Presso uses 4.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 900 for the I20 and R203 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
73kW@5500
49 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
89 Nm
0-100 kph
12.9s
—
Top Speed
170km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396cc
998 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1L/100km
4.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45L
27 l
CO2 Emissions
140g/km
106 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995mm
3565 mm
Width
-1710mm
1520 mm
Height
1490mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2525mm
2380 mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1056kg
779 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
239 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800kg
—
Load Capacity
295kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
—
Curtain Airbags
✗
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
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
5
Warranty Distance
150000km
200000 Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2yr
Service Plan Distance
—
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Presso
Fuel Economy
S-Presso
Value
I20
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai I20
Lower starting price (R189 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1L/100km)
No factory service plan
Suzuki S-Presso
Better fuel economy (4.4 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or S-Presso?
The I20 uses 8.1L/100km and the S-Presso uses 4.4 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 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the S-Presso delivers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I20 and S-Presso?
The I20 starts from R189 900 and the S-Presso from R203 900. The I20 is cheaper by R14 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 800kg 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