VS
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At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
92kW@6800
Torque
136Nm@4200
148Nm@4800
Fuel
6.1L/100km
7L/100km
Towing
1000kg
-
0-100 km/h
11.6s
8.9s
Engine
1396cc
1586cc
Choosing between the Hyundai I20 and the Suzuki Swift is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai I20 delivers 73kW@5500 while the Suzuki Swift produces 92kW@6800. On fuel, the I20 returns 6.1L/100km while the Swift uses 7L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R191 900 for the I20 and R199 900 for the Swift. 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
92kW@6800
Torque
136Nm@4200
148Nm@4800
0-100 kph
11.6s
8.9s
Top Speed
181km/h
200km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396cc
1586cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1L/100km
7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45L
-
CO2 Emissions
132g/km
165g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995mm
3765mm
Width
-1710mm
1690mm
Height
1490mm
1500mm
Wheelbase
2525mm
2380mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
140mm
Kerb Weight
1028kg
1030kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000kg
-
Load Capacity
295kg
494kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
36
Warranty Distance
150000km
100000km
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai I20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
I20
Value
I20
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai I20
Better fuel economy (6.1L/100km)
Lower starting price (R191 900)
Higher towing capacity (1000kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Suzuki Swift
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or Swift?
The I20 uses 6.1L/100km and the Swift uses 7L/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 Swift?
The I20 produces 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the Swift delivers 92kW@6800 and 148Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I20 and Swift?
The I20 starts from R191 900 and the Swift from R199 900. The I20 is cheaper by R8 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I20 or Swift?
The I20 has a braked towing capacity of 1000kg and the Swift can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I20 or the Swift?
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