We compare the Hyundai Grand i10 and the Toyota Starlet

If you are looking for a compact city car offering good value for money, the 2020 Hyundai Grand i10 and the Toyota Starlet are two cars that should be on the top of your list. These two hatchbacks compete against the likes of Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, and Renault Sandero. In this blog post, we look at the details of the Hyundai Grand i10 and it against with the new Starlet.

Earlier this month we reviewed the Toyota Starlet. Click here to read the full review.

While the Starlet gives you a choice of three variants, all carrying the same 1.4L four-cylinder engine and a choice between manual and auto gearboxes, the 2020 Hyundai Grand i10 is more versatile. Available in five trim levels and two engine options, you have the freedom to choose the one that suits your budget and driving habits.

The Hyundai Grand i10 base Motion model comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 94 Nm @ 3500 rpm, and 48 kW @ 5500 rpm. You can mate it either to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1.0L Fluid model offers the same power output and transmission options.

For a more energetic drive, we strongly recommend the 1.25L 4-cylinder engine from the “Kappa” mill family creating 120 Nm @ 4,000 rpm and 64 kW @ 6,000 rpm.  

The top speed and fuel economy figures differ as per the choice of engine and transmission. The range-topping 1.2L Fluid returns the not-so-bad fuel economy of 5.9 l / 100 km (according to Hyundai) and the maximum top speed of 168 km/h in the range. However, 7.0l/100km is a more realistic everyday commuting figure.

For a relatively low price, the 2020 Hyundai Grand i10 comes with an impressive array of standard features. The base variant is equipped with a 4-speaker sound system, a digital clock, an audio system (Radio/CD/MP3) with AUX and USB connection, electric front windows, and steering wheel controls with Bluetooth and an integrated microphone. The top of the line 1.2L Fluid adds Infotainment System with Carplay to the mix.

The safety of the passengers is ensured through ABS with EBD braking systems, dual airbags, central locking with key, front and rear crumple zones, and side-impact protection beams.

Comparing the overall features with the new Toyota Starlet, we find the Grand i10 falls behind in safety and infotainment departments. Facilities like the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), the Hill Assist Control (HAC), four airbags, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a reverse camera, cruise control, and park distance control really make the Starlet a better city car. These options are only available in the top of the range Starlet XR, but the none of the Hyundai Grand i10 variants can match this. These features come at a cost though -  Toyota’s range-topping XR costs R272 500, the Grand i10’s top trim level costs R256 900. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

The 2020 Grand i10 is a cool, easy to drive, stylish car with an affordable price tag. Although it is a little underpowered and down-featured compared to the Starlet, it is more affordable. The base Grand i10 starts at just R191,900. Added to that, Hyundai is currently offering R15,000 cashback and 7-years/ 200,000 km of manufacturer warranty to make your purchase even more worthwhile.

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