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 Mitsubishi Xpander: the short answer
i20 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Xpander remains close.
i20 starts ZAR 69,095 cheaperi20 from ZAR 296,900 · Xpander from ZAR 365,995
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
i20
Xpander
Maximum Power
i2074 kW @ 5500 rpm
Xpander77 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
i20172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Xpander141 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
i20998 cc
Xpander1499 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
i2014.5 km/l
Xpander14.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
i20195 mm
Xpander225 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)
Specification evidence leader
i20
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Xpander
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
i20
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Xpander
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
i20
Xpander
Model Introduced Year
2008
2021
Generation
Third generation i20 on the K2 platform; sold in SA with 1.0T three-cylinder turbo across all variants
First-generation Xpander, 2025 South African update
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
Current 2025 equipment and Xpander Cross update.
Facelift Launched Since
2020
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
MPV
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Blue, Red, Yellow
-
Dealer Stock Note
Fluid grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Hatchback
Compact seven-seat MPV
Tare Mass Kg
1135 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger vehicle
Spec
i20
Xpander
Length
4040 mm
4595 mm
Width
1775 mm
1790 mm
Height
1505 mm
1750 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2775 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
195 mm
225 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
195 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
352 l
781 l
Kerb Weight
1135 kg
1275 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1610 kg
1860 kg
Payload Capacity
475 kg
585 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
550 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.2 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1000 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
990 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
876 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
855 mm
Spec
i20
Xpander
Front Track Width
1551 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1565 mm
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Spring Type
Coil
-
Rear Spring Type
Coil
-
Chassis Material
Monocoque
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson strut
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Torsion Beam
-
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Torsion beam
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
i20
Xpander
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Auto Climate Control
Manual air conditioning with rear cooler
Power Windows
All
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Sunroof
Sunroof
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1165 l
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1165 l
-
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Power Adjustable
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
12V
-
AC Type
Auto Climate Control
Manual air conditioning with rear cooler
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
-
Boot Opener
Inside
-
Climate Zones
1
-
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
-
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
-
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Engine Warranty
4
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
-
Glovebox Cooling
Yes
-
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Hill Start Assist
Yes
-
Panoramic Roof
Sunroof
No
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Power Mirrors
Yes
-
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Defogger
Yes
-
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
60/40 Split
-
Rear Wing
Yes
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Leather-Look
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
-
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Skid Plates
Not Available
-
Spare Wheel
Spare Wheel
Full-size
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
Voice Command
Yes
-
Voice Command Support
Yes
-
Accelerator 0 100
11.0 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Auto Climate Control
Manual air conditioning with rear cooler
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
4
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Yes
-
Common Rail Injection
Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
No
-
Difflock
No
-
Digital Speedometer
Analogue + MID
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Front Wiper
Yes
-
Front Wipers Type
Yes
-
Glove Box
Yes
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Auto Climate Control
-
Mirror
Power Adjustable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
12V
-
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
-
Rear Air Conditioning
No
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
-
Remote Side Mirror
Power Adjustable
-
Rim Size
16
17-inch alloy
Roof Rack Compatibility
No
-
Sonar
Front & Rear
-
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
6
Source Model Column
i20
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Sub Frame
Monocoque
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Yes
No
Trim Level
fluid
-
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
-
Variant Role
Mid-to-high value derivative
-
Vdc
Yes
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
-
Walk Away Lock
Yes
-
Wireless Charger
Yes
No
Spec
i20
Xpander
Engine
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
G3LE
4A91
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
998 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
3
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
12
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
10.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
75 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
84.8 mm
Maximum Power
74 kW @ 5500 rpm
77 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
141 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
185 km/h
170 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.0 sec
15.4 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
19.5 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal
No
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
65.2 kW/tonne
60.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
151.5 Nm/tonne
110.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
i20
Xpander
Engine Position
Front
-
Gearbox
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.375
Number of Gears
7
4
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
No
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
iMT 6-speed Intelligent Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-Wheel Drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
7
4
Spec
i20
Xpander
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
11.7 km/l
11.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.1 km/l
16.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 2
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
No
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
40
45
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
643
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
665 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
598 km
Spec
i20
Xpander
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
No
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
-
Central Locking
Yes
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Front Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
No
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
-
AEB
No
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
No
Curtain Airbags
Yes
No
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
No
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
No
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
-
Spec
i20
Xpander
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
No
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
No
Auto Lights
Yes
-
Auto Wipers
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
-
EV Mode
No
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
No
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Park Assist
Not Available
No
Around View Monitor
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
No
Emergency Braking
No
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
No
Parking Distance Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Front & Rear
-
Pre-Collision System
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
No
-
Rear View Camera
Yes
-
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
-
Reversing Camera
Yes
-
Spec
i20
Xpander
Seat Material
Leather-Look
High-grade fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Heated Seats
Front
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Steering Type
Electric
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
No
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
-
Front Armrest
Yes
-
Rear Armrest
No
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
No
-
Rear USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
-
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
-
Cooled Seats
No
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual adjustable
Fabric Seats
Yes
-
Front Headrest
Yes
-
Leather Seats
No
-
Memory Seats
No
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual adjustable
Rear Headrest
Yes
-
Armrest Front
Yes
-
Armrest Rear
No
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1165
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
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
High-grade fabric
Spec
i20
Xpander
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Navigation System
Yes
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
8-inch colour LCD meter
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Front and second row
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
-
AUX Input
Yes
-
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Touchscreen
9-inch
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
Yes
-
Audio
Yes
-
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
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
9-inch
Multi Information Display
Analogue + MID
-
Connected Services
Yes
-
Voice Control
Yes
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
9-inch
Spec
i20
Xpander
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
-
Rear Spoiler
Yes
-
Exterior Colour Options
Polar White, Aurora Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
328900 ZAR
419995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
328900
419995
Starting Price Zar
328900
419995
In depth: how these cars differ
This i20 and Xpander 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 Xpander 29.
Efficiency index: i20 59 vs Xpander 56.
Safety-equipment index: i20 84 vs Xpander 36.
Practicality index: i20 61 vs Xpander 76.
Ownership-cover index: i20 65 vs Xpander 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 Xpander 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
i20 leads by 13 points
i20 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Xpander remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
i20
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
65/100
Xpander
Performance
29/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
36/100
Practicality
76/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai i20
leads the specification evidence index with 61 pts
vs 48 pts for Xpander
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, i20 leads. However, Xpander 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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