A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Ignis starts ZAR 432900 cheaperi30 from ZAR 432,900 · Ignis from ZAR 237,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
i30
Ignis
Engine Power
88
61
Torque
172
113
Engine Size
998
1197
Claimed Mileage
16.9
13.5
Ground Clearance
135
180
Boot Space
395
400
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1285
855
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
i30
56
/ 100
+1
pts
#2
Ignis
55
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both i30 and Ignis are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
i30
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Ignis
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
i30
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
Ignis
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
i30
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Ignis
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
i30
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Ignis
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
i30
Ignis
Length
4340
3700
Width
1795
1690
Height
1455
1595
Wheelbase
2650
2435
Ground Clearance
135
180
Kerb Weight
1285
855
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
395
400
Rear Track Width
1546 mm
1540
Gross Vehicle Weight
1780 kg
1600
Front Track Width
1569 mm
1550
Turning Radius
5.4 m
Available
Towing Capacity
1200 kg (Unbraked)
1500
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Available
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Available
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Available
1500
Number of Doors
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
260
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Engine
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
1.2L K12M 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
998
1197
Cylinders
3
4
Power
88
61
Torque
172
113
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
Yes
Not Applicable
Top Speed
190
152
0-100 km/h
10.8
14.0
Power @ RPM
5500
6,000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
1500
4,200 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
12 (4 per cylinder)
4
Compression Ratio
9.9:1
10.0:1
Engine Position
Front
Transverse Front-Mounted
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Engine Type Config
Inline
Available
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
VVT on Intake Camshaft
Cylinder Bore
Available
73.0
Piston Stroke
Available
71.5
Engine Code
Available
K12M
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
3.3
Power
150
83
Cylinder Layout
Available
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Available
Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6500
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Transmission
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
5-Speed Automated Manual (AMT)
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Available
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
Not Applicable
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Differential Lock
No
Not Available
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
5
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.909:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Single Dry Plate with Electronic Clutch Actuator
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Transmission
Available
Automatic CVT
Spec
i30
Ignis
Claimed Mileage
16.9
13.5
City Mileage
13.5
10.2
Highway Mileage
20.0
15.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
32
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EURO 6
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Available
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
5.3
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
ABS with EBD
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Yes
Available
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
EBD
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Standard — Front
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Standard
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Standard — Low Speed AEB
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Standard
Fatigue Detection
Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Available
Standard
TCS
Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Optional
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Standard
EV Mode
No
Available
Eco Mode
Yes
Available
Sport Mode
No
Available
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Available
Auto Highbeam
Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Available
Rear View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Premium Fabric with Contrast Stitching
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Available
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Available
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Available
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
Available
Ventilated Seats
No
Available
Cup Holders
4
Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Available
Rear Headrest
Yes
Available
Front Headrest
Yes
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Available
Leather Seats
No
Available
Fabric Seats
Yes
Available
Cooled Seats
No
Available
Memory Seats
No
Available
Rear AC Vents
Available
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Interior Colour Options
Available
Black
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Manual 6-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Manual 4-way
Spec
i30
Ignis
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Standard
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
15W Wireless Charging
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Available
Power Mirrors
Yes
Power Adjustment
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Available
Boot Opener
Inside
Available
Front Power Outlet
Yes
150
Tilt Steering
Yes
Available
Telescopic Steering
No
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Manual Air Conditioning
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Not Available
Payload Capacity
Available
500
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Standard
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
4
Navigation System
Yes
Google Maps via CarPlay/Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Multi-Information Display (MID)
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
2 USB
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless CarPlay
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Standard
Rear Usb
Yes
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
9 Inches
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
Available
Roof Rails
No
Available
Body Cladding
No
Black Plastic Wheel Arch Cladding
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Grille & Door Handles
Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Available
DRL
Yes
LED DRL
Fog Lights
Yes
Standard
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Standard LED
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Available
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Chrome Finish
Body Type
Hatchback
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
Available
6
Roof Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Standard
Led Headlights
Available
LED Projector Headlights
Led Taillights
Available
LED Tail Lamps
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Standard
Spec
i30
Ignis
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
175/65 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Tyre Load Index
91
84
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Conventional Handbrake
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Available
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Available
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Available
Spare Tyre
Steel
Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
228
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
180
Wheel Rim Size
Available
15 Inches
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Available
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Available
Torsion Beam
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
i30
Ignis
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 12 Months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Included
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
12 Months
Approx Service Cost
R2,000 – R3,500 per service
Approx R1,800–R2,200 per Service
Service Plan Duration
4
4 Years
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
First Service At
15000
1,000 km Inspection
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Available
Alternator
120A
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Available
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km or 6 Months
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Underbody Rust Protection
Spec
i30
Ignis
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
200000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
CO2 Emissions
117
120
Start Stop System
No
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
Not Applicable
Noise Level
68 dB
68
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Available
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output
Available
Within Euro 5 Limits
Spec
i30
Ignis
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Approach Angle
13°
0
Wading Depth
120 mm
0
Departure Angle
28°
0
Locking Differential
No
Not Available
Terrain Modes
No
Not Applicable
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
0
Hill Descent Control
No
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type
Available
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
i30
Ignis
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
6.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
7.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
5.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
6.5
Owner Review Count
Available
5
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai i30
wins with 56 pts
vs 55 pts for Ignis
In structured scoring, i30 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Ignis may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the i30 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: i30 0 vs Ignis 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: i30 18, Ignis 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: i30 20, Ignis 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: i30 10, Ignis 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: i30 8, Ignis 5. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The i30 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The i30 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between i30 and Ignis in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: i30 scores 8 vs 5.
Efficiency: i30 scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: i30 scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: i30 scores 10 vs 12.
Ownership: i30 scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives i30
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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