VS
At a Glance
Power
90 kW
77 kW
Torque
172 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.9 s
11.2 s
Engine
998 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai i20 and the Toyota Starlet is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai i20 delivers 90 kW while the Toyota Starlet produces 77 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 5.8 l/100km while the Starlet uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R467 500 for the i20 and R300 900 for the Starlet. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
90 kW
77 kW
Torque
172 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9 s
11.2 s
Top Speed
187 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
126 g/km
133 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
3990 mm
Width
1775 mm
1745 mm
Height
1505 mm
1500 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1017 Kg
980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
311 l
314- l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
513 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
3
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
4 services
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
i20
Fuel Economy
Starlet
Value
Starlet
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai i20
More powerful engine (90 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R300 900)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 90 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or Starlet?
The i20 uses 5.8 l/100km and the Starlet uses 5.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the i20 or Starlet?
The i20 produces 90 kW and 172 Nm of torque while the Starlet delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The i20 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the i20 and Starlet?
The i20 starts from R467 500 and the Starlet from R300 900. The Starlet is cheaper by R166 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i20 or Starlet?
The i20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the Starlet can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i20 or the Starlet?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.