VS
At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
141kW@5850
Torque
136Nm@4200
230Nm@1980
Fuel
6.1
7.9
Towing
1000
—
0-100 km/h
11.6
7.2
Engine
1396
1598
Choosing between the HYUNDAI i20 and the OPEL CORSA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI i20 delivers 73kW@5500 while the OPEL CORSA produces 141kW@5850. On fuel, the i20 returns 6.1 while the CORSA uses 7.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R191 900 for the i20 and R259 790 for the CORSA. 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
73kW@5500
141kW@5850
Torque
136Nm@4200
230Nm@1980
0-100 kph
11.6
7.2
Top Speed
181
225
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396
1598
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
MANUAL
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1
7.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
10.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6.4
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
45
CO2 Emissions
132
172
Dimensions
Length
3995
3999
Width
-1710
1737-1944
Height
1490
1489
Wheelbase
2525
2511
Ground Clearance
150
—
Kerb Weight
1028
1280
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000
—
Load Capacity
295
700
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
SLS
Traction Control
✗
✓ 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
✗
✗
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✗
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
60
Warranty Distance
150000
120000
Service Plan
S
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HYUNDAI i20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
i20
Value
i20
Practicality
i20
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI i20
Better fuel economy (6.1)
Lower starting price (R191 900)
Higher towing capacity (1000)
Few notable weaknesses
OPEL CORSA
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.2s)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or CORSA?
The i20 uses 6.1 and the CORSA uses 7.9 on the combined cycle. The i20 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 CORSA?
The i20 produces 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the CORSA delivers 141kW@5850 and 230Nm@1980 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the i20 and CORSA?
The i20 starts from R191 900 and the CORSA from R259 790. The i20 is cheaper by R67 890 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the i20 or CORSA?
The i20 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 and the CORSA can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the i20 or the CORSA?
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.