Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both i20 and i30 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
i30
+1 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
i20
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
i20
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
i30
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
i20
Pros
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Best For:Family Usage
i30
Pros
More powerful engine output
Cons
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
Who Should Buy Which?
i20
Large families needing more practicality and usability
i30
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
i20
i30
Length
4040
4340
Width
1775
1795
Height
1505
1455
Wheelbase
2580
2650
Ground Clearance
195
135
Kerb Weight
1135
1285
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
352
395
Specification
i20
i30
Engine
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Petrol
Petrol
Displacement
998
998
Cylinders
3
3
Power
74
88
Torque
172
172
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Top Speed
185
190
0-100 km/h
11.0
10.8
Power @ RPM
@ 5500 rpm
@ 5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
@ 1500 rpm
@ 1500 rpm
Specification
i20
i30
Transmission
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Specification
i20
i30
Claimed Mileage
18.2
16.9
City Mileage
14.8
13.5
Highway Mileage
21.5
20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
50
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Specification
i20
i30
Airbags
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
-
Yes
Specification
i20
i30
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Specification
i20
i30
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leather-Look
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Power Driver
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Specification
i20
i30
Climate Control
Auto Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Specification
i20
i30
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Specification
i20
i30
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Specification
i20
i30
Tyre Size
205/45 R17
225/45 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Spare Wheel
Full Size
Specification
i20
i30
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Specification
i20
i30
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Specification
i20
i30
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Specification
i20
i30
CO2 Emissions
110
117
Final Verdict
🏆Hyundai i20
wins with 57 pts
vs 56 pts for i30
In structured scoring, i20 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.
