A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Hyundai i20 vs BYD SEALION 6 DM-i: the short answer
SEALION 6 DM-i has a modest catalogue-index lead, while i20 remains close.
i20 starts ZAR 343,000 cheaperi20 from ZAR 296,900 · SEALION 6 DM-i from ZAR 639,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Maximum Power
i2074 kW @ 5500 rpm
SEALION 6 DM-i96 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque
i20172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
SEALION 6 DM-i220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Engine Size
i20998 cc
SEALION 6 DM-i1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
i2014.5 km/l
SEALION 6 DM-i17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
i20195 mm
SEALION 6 DM-i180 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Hyundai i20
1.0T Fluid
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
i20
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
i20
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SEALION 6 DM-i
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Model Introduced Year
2008
2024
Generation
Third generation i20 on the K2 platform; sold in SA with 1.0T three-cylinder turbo across all variants
First South African SEALION 6 DM-i generation
Facelift History
Third generation launched globally in 2020 and arrived in SA shortly after; significant improvement over the second gen in styling, tech, and driving dynamics
No separately marketed South African facelift announced as at August 2026
8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Fluid, digital instrument cluster, sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, quality-feeling interior
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather-Look
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
No
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Fold Type
60/40 Split
-
Seat Trim
Leather-Look
Synthetic leather
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
10
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Full LCD instrument display
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Front and rear USB-A/USB-C ports
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
10
Audio System
Yes
-
Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
-
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Multi Information Display
Analogue + MID
-
Connected Services
Yes
-
Voice Control
Yes
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
15.6
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
LED Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
Front and rear fog lamps
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Polar White, Aurora Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red
Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black, Smokey Gray
Roof Type
Sunroof
-
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
-
Body Type
Hatchback
-
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
-
Front Fog Lights
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Standard
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Auto Headlights
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
Sunroof
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Coloured
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
-
Exterior Mirror Folding
Power Adjustable
-
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Front and rear fog lamps
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
-
Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlight Type
Yes
Standard
Headlights
Yes
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Sunroof
Standard
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Approach Angle
-
19 deg
Departure Angle
-
21 deg
Wading Depth
-
358.8 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Mud, Sand, Snow
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Electric all-wheel drive
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Ramp-over Angle
20 deg
-
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Breakover Angle
20 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
195 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
195 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Tyre Size
205/45 R17
235/50 R19
Wheel Type
17-inch Alloy
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Spare Wheel
Tyre repair kit
Front Brake Disc Diameter
256 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
262 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Manual
-
Tyre Load Index
91
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Wheel Rim Size
16
19
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
-
Brake Type Rear
Disc
-
Spare Tyre
Spare Wheel
Tyre repair kit
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
-
Wheel Diameter
16
19
Auto Brake Hold
Manual
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
No
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
-
Electric Park Brake
Manual
-
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Manual
Electronic parking brake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Spare Wheel
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Wheel Material
17-inch Alloy
-
Wheel Size Type
16
-
Wheels
17-inch Alloy
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.6 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 services/75000 km service plan; 5 years/100000 km maintenance plan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Warranty Years
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 years/100000 km complete vehicle; 8 years/200000 km power battery; 5 years/100000 km drive unit
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
CO2 Emissions
110 g/km
32 g/km
Start Stop System
No
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
-
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
-
Idle CO2 Output
110
-
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
110
-
Spec
i20
SEALION 6 DM-i
Ownership Role
Fluid
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Price Zar
328900 ZAR
799900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
flagship all-wheel-drive derivative
Starting Price
328900
799900
Starting Price Zar
328900
799900
In depth: how these cars differ
This i20 and SEALION 6 DM-i comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: i20 37 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 58.
Efficiency index: i20 59 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 75.
Safety-equipment index: i20 84 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 99.
Practicality index: i20 61 vs SEALION 6 DM-i 59.
Ownership-cover index: i20 65 vs SEALION 6 DM-i not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
i20 and SEALION 6 DM-i image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
SEALION 6 DM-i leads by 11 points
SEALION 6 DM-i has a modest catalogue-index lead, while i20 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SEALION 6 DM-i
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
75/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
59/100
i20
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBYD SEALION 6 DM-i
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 61 pts for i20
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SEALION 6 DM-i leads. However, i20 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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