Toyota GR Yaris vs Hyundai i30

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 i30

1.0T Fluid Petrol manual

Change Car B

468,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 88 kW (118 hp)

🔧 172 Nm

⛽ 16.9 km/l

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance GR Yaris

⛽ Mileage GR Yaris

🔑 Ownership i30

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

GR Yaris

/ 100

+11

pts

i30

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

Executive Summary

GR Yaris has a slight advantage, but i30 remains highly competitive.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance GR Yaris +11 pts

Efficiency GR Yaris +7 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality GR Yaris +1 pts

Ownership i30 +8 pts

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Yaris

Performance 19/20

Efficiency 7/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 11/20

Ownership 12/20

i30

Performance 8/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 20/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

GR Yaris

Pros

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Cons

Shorter warranty coverage

Best For: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

i30

Pros

Better long-term ownership value

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: General Use

Who Should Buy Which?

GR Yaris

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability

i30

Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
Ground Clearance	150	135
Wheelbase	2560	2650
Length	3995	4340
Width	1805	1795
Height	1455	1455
Kerb Weight	1280	1285
Gross Vehicle Weight	1680	-
Seating Capacity	4	5
Boot Space	410	395
Towing Capacity	0	-
Turning Radius	5.7	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
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	88
Torque	370	172
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Turbocharged	Yes
Top Speed	230	190
0-100 km/h	5.5	10.8
Power @ RPM	6500 rpm	@ 5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM	3000 rpm	@ 1500 rpm

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
Transmission	6-speed Manual	7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drive Type	AWD	Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout	All Wheel Drive	FWD
LSD Available	Mechanical LSD	-
Paddle Shifters	-	Yes

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
Claimed Mileage	12.0	16.9
City Mileage	9	13.5
Highway Mileage	15	20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity	50	50
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 6

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
CO2 Emissions	174	117
Start Stop System	Standard	-
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
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	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes
Hill Start Assist	-	Yes
Central Locking	-	Yes

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
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	i30
Seat Material	Alcantara and Fabric	Leather-Look
Seat Adjustment	Manual Sport	Power Driver
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	i30
Climate Control	Dual Zone Climate Control	Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows	All Doors Auto	All
Keyless Entry	Smart Key	Yes
Push Button Start	Standard	Yes
Wireless Charging	Standard	Yes
Sunroof	Not Available	Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	-

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
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	i30
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	LED	LED
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Forged Alloy Wheels	17-inch Alloy

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
Tyre Size	225/40 R18	225/45 R17
Wheel Type	Lightweight Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Brembo Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Spare Wheel Type	-	Full Size

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
Front Suspension	Adaptive Dual Axis Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	Reinforced Monocoque	Monocoque
Power Steering	-	Electric

Specification	GR Yaris	i30
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	i30
Warranty Years	3	5
Warranty Kilometers	100000	150000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	5 Years

Final Verdict

🏆 Toyota GR Yaris wins with 67 pts vs 56 pts for i30

In structured scoring, GR Yaris emerges as the stronger overall package. However, i30 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.