Toyota GR Yaris vs Hyundai i20

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Toyota GR Yaris

1.6T GR-Four Rally 6MT Petrol Manual

Change Car A

ZAR 897,400 ex-showroom

⚡ 224 kW (300 hp)

🔧 370 Nm

⛽ 12.0 km/l

Hyundai i20

1.0T Fluid Petrol manual

Change Car B

328,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 74 kW (99 hp)

🔧 172 Nm

⛽ 18.2 km/l

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance GR Yaris

⛽ Mileage GR Yaris

🔑 Ownership i20

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

GR Yaris

/ 100

+10

pts

i20

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

Executive Summary

GR Yaris has a slight advantage, but i20 remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance GR Yaris +12 pts

Efficiency GR Yaris +7 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality i20 +1 pts

Ownership i20 +8 pts

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Yaris

Performance 19/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 11/20

Ownership 12/20

i20

Performance 7/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 12/20

Ownership 20/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Yaris

Pros

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency

Cons

Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency

i20

Pros

More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Family Usage

Who Should Buy Which?

GR Yaris

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

i20

Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Ground Clearance	150	195
Wheelbase	2560	2580
Length	3995	4040
Width	1805	1775
Height	1455	1505
Kerb Weight	1280	1135
Gross Vehicle Weight	1680	-
Seating Capacity	4	5
Boot Space	410	352
Towing Capacity	0	-
Turning Radius	5.7	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Engine	1.6L Turbocharged Petrol	1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type	3-cylinder G16E-GTS	Petrol
Displacement	1618	998
Cylinders	4	3
Compression Ratio	9.8:1	-
Power	224	74
Torque	370	172
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Turbocharged	Yes
Top Speed	230	185
0-100 km/h	5.5	11.0
Power @ RPM	6500 rpm	@ 5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM	3000 rpm	@ 1500 rpm

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Transmission	6-speed Manual	iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
Drive Type	AWD	Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout	All Wheel Drive	FWD
LSD Available	Mechanical LSD	-
Paddle Shifters	-	No

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Claimed Mileage	12.0	18.2
City Mileage	9	14.8
Highway Mileage	15	21.5
Fuel Tank Capacity	50	40
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 6

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
CO2 Emissions	174	110
Start Stop System	Standard	-
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Airbags	6	6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Performance Tuned	Yes
Traction Control	Performance Tuned	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Standard	-
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Performance	-
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Hill Start Assist	-	Yes
Central Locking	-	Yes

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Cruise Control	Adaptive	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Yes
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	-
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Yes
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Front & Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	-
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	-
Traffic Sign Recognition	Standard	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Seat Material	Alcantara and Fabric	Leather-Look
Seat Adjustment	Manual Sport	Manual
Heated Seats	Front	Front
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	-
Steering Type	Electric Power Steering	MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Red Performance Lighting	Yes
Folding Rear Seats	-	60/40 Split

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Climate Control	Dual Zone Climate Control	Auto Climate Control
Power Windows	All Doors Auto	All
Keyless Entry	Smart Key	Yes
Push Button Start	Standard	Yes
Wireless Charging	Standard	Yes
Sunroof	Not Available	Sunroof
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Wireless	Yes
Android Auto	Wireless	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Yes
Number of Speakers	12 Bose Performance	8 Bose Premium
Navigation System	Built-in	Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster	-	10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports	-	2 USB-A + 1 USB-C

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Yes
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	LED	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Forged Alloy Wheels	17-inch Alloy

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Tyre Size	225/40 R18	205/45 R17
Wheel Type	Lightweight Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Brembo Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Spare Wheel Type	-	Spare Wheel

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Front Suspension	Adaptive Dual Axis Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Reinforced Monocoque	Monocoque
Power Steering	-	Electric

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Service Interval	10000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	High	-
Battery Warranty	24 Months	-
Maintenance Plan	-	3 Years / 45000 km

Specification	GR Yaris	i20
Warranty Years	3	5
Warranty Kilometers	100000	150000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	5 Years

Final Verdict

🏆 Toyota GR Yaris wins with 67 pts vs 57 pts for i20

In structured scoring, GR Yaris emerges as the stronger overall package. However, i20 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.