Most buyers in the market for a new sub-R300k hatchback will be considering popular models such as the recently facelifted Hyundai Grand i10 and the Suzuki Swift, but which one represents the strongest buying proposition? Let’s see how they stack up!
What does the Hyundai Grand i10 and Suzuki Swift have in common? Well, both models are Indian-made budget hatchbacks – and their respective marques’ bestsellers in South Africa! In August 2023, Hyundai Automotive SA racked up no fewer than 767 sales of the Grand i10 hatchback, while Suzuki Auto SA sold 1 349 units of its Swift, which, at the time of writing, was ranked as Mzansi’s 8th best-selling car.
These sales figures, however, still pale in comparison to the popularity of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, of which 2 453 units were sold in August 2023. Nonetheless, if you’re not a fan of the Polo Vivo, you’re likely to have the Grand i10 and Swift in your crosshairs, but which one is best for you?
The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.
This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & Warranty details.
If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided as to what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
Hyundai Grand i10 vs Suzuki Swift
Exterior Styling
When the refreshed Hyundai Grand i10 arrived in South Africa in August 2023, it sported a new, stylish honeycomb grille design, boomerang-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) and revised taillight clusters. While the visual changes are minimal by the standards of contemporary mid-lifecycle facelifts, the Grand i10’s styling is now more modern and suitably sophisticated.
The Suzuki Swift, meanwhile, received an update in 2021 and while that was a fairly minor revision, the hatchback’s large central grille did gain some chrome trim (for some additional flair). Suzuki also ushered in a new 15-inch alloy wheel design and gave buyers the choice of a dual-tone paint scheme.
The Hyundai Grand i10 adopts a sharper, more progressive design, while the Swift is “softer” on the eye with its shapelier sheet metal. Style is subjective; you can decide which exterior execution you prefer.
Performance & Efficiency
This article focuses on the range-topping Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid and the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX.
Compare them side-by-side using our handy Compare Cars Tool
Note that the Grand i10 is also available with an entry-level, 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine that produces 49 kW/113 Nm and comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission.
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX | |
| Powertrain | 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol | 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol |
| Power Output | 61 kW | 61 kW |
| Torque Output | 114 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100 km (manual) / 5.9 L/100 km (auto) | 4.9 L/100 km (manual) / 4.9 L/100 km (auto) |
Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid
The Grand i10 1.2 Fluid offers nippy performance for urban driving situations and, when travelling on the open road (or freeways), it has enough gusto that overtaking manoeuvres can be executed with relative ease. Note that the Grand i10 has a low kerb weight (892 kg); it feels sprightlier than its outputs suggest.
Not only does the 5-speed gearbox have a positive action, but the Hyundai offers good road holding and can corner deftly. Ride quality is also very good, courtesy of a pliant/forgiving suspension setup.
The Grand i10 1.2 Fluid is also fairly fuel-efficient; Hyundai claims an average consumption figure of 5.5 L/100km for the manual derivative, which is impressive. During the 1.2 Fluid’s tenure in our test fleet, we saw real-world returns of around 5.6 L/100 km, which almost matched the manufacturer’s claim.
Read our Hyundai Grand i10 Launch Review
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
The Suzuki Swift is well-known for delivering impressive driving dynamics and the 1.2 GLX derivative certainly has a notable fun-to-drive factor, perhaps more so than its Grand i10 rival.
The 5-speed manual gearbox has a natural, quick-shifting action and, thanks to the Japanese offering’s low kerb weight of 875 kg, its engine delivers punchy performance. That performance combines with sure-footed handling ability and a comfortable/absorbent ride quality that will appeal to potential buyers.
The Swift is highly regarded as a fuel-efficient budget car, but while Suzuki claims an ambitious 4.9 L/100km for the manual version, real-world returns come in at around (a still good) 5.4 L/100 km.
Interior Features & Safety
See the full feature comparison between the Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid and the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
Use our Handy Compare Tool to compare any models you want!
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid | Suzuki Swift GLX | |
| Infotainment system | 8-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | No, analogue dials with central information display | No, analogue dials with central information display |
| Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging | Yes, front USB-C and USB, no wireless charging | Yes, front USB port, no wireless charging |
| Rear View Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach | Rake only | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Air Conditioning | Yes, manual | Yes, automatic climate control |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | No |
| Upholstery / electric seats | Cloth / Vinyl combination, height adjustable driver’s seat | Cloth, height adjustable driver’s seat |
| Front / Rear Park Distance Control | Rear only | Rear only |
| Safety Features | 2 airbags, ABS with EBD | 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control |
Hyundai Grand i10
As far as interior design execution is concerned, the Grand i10’s cabin looks more interesting than the Swift’s – it’s a bit more modern and better accented (with red details seen around the air vents and matching piping on the seats). The dashboard surface is also textured to add some additional flair.
Note that the Hyundai does offer a larger touchscreen, but nice-to-have features, such as cruise control and a fully adjustable steering wheel, aren’t available. Nonetheless, the Grand i10’s perceived interior build quality is very good. On the safety front, although the Grand i10 features dual front airbags, anti-lock braking (ABS) and emergency brake-force distribution (EBD), it lacks electronic stability control.
Suzuki Swift
The Swift’s interior looks a touch more mundane than the Grand i10’s, but importantly, it comes equipped with cruise control and a fully adjustable steering column – features that the Hyundai doesn’t have. While the perceived interior build quality is good, the Suzuki falls short of the Hyundai’s standard by virtue of some iffy plastic trim and a slightly smaller touchscreen. Those shouldn’t be dealbreakers, though.
Safety-wise, the Swift wins because it also has emergency brake assist and electronic stability control.
Dimensions & Practicality
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX | |
| Length | 3 815 mm | 3 840 mm |
| Width | 1 680 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Height | 1 510 mm | 1 530 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 450 mm | 2 450 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 897 kg | 875 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 157 mm | 145 mm |
| Load Bay Capacity | 360 to 910 litres | 268 to 953 litres |
The Grand i10 and Swift have similar exterior dimensions, but the latter is slightly longer and wider than the former. Although the models’ wheelbases are identical in length, the Hyundai does offer a greater sense of interior space, particularly when seated in the back, where there is ample head- and legroom.
The Swift, by comparison, is a bit more snug inside… When it comes to luggage space, the Hyundai also pips the Swift; its load bay’s claimed capacity is said to be 92 litres larger. Both cars feature a 60:40 split rear seat configuration, but, with the seats folded down, the Swift offers slightly more utility space.
Pricing and Warranty
Note that pricing is accurate as of September 2023.
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid | Price | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX | Price | |
| Entry | Grand i10 1.0 Motion (manual) | R229 900 | Swift 1.2 GA (manual) | R199 900 |
| Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo Panel Van (manual) | R245 900 | |||
| Mid | Grand i10 1.0 Fluid (manual) | R264 900 | Swift 1.2 GL (manual) | R218 900 |
| Grand i10 1.2 Motion (automatic) | R269 900 | Swift 1.2 GL (automatic) | R233 900 | |
| Top | Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (manual) | R279 900 | Swift 1.2 GLX (manual) | R239 900 |
| Grand i10 1.2 Fluid (automatic) | R309 900 | Swift 1.2 GLX (automatic) | R255 900 | |
| Swift 1.4T Sport (manual) | R419 900 | |||
| Swift 1.4T Sport (automatic) | R442 900 | |||
| Warranty | 5-year / 150 000 km vehicle, 7-year / 200 000 km powertrain | 5-year / 200 000 km | ||
| Service Plan | 1-year / 15 000 km | 2-year / 30 000 km |
Whereas the Hyundai’s powertrain warranty is admittedly the longest (7 years), the Suzuki’s general warranty (also 5 years) eclipses that of its rival in terms of mileage (200 000 km vs 150 000 km). What’s more, its service plan is a year longer, which means you get 2, instead of 1, complimentary service(s).
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What to Buy: Hyundai Grand i10 or Suzuki Swift?
Hyundai Grand i10
We Like: Styling, performance, good fuel consumption
We Don’t Like: Pricey
Peace of mind is part and parcel of a Grand i10 purchase. Although, yes, it’s pricier than the Swift, the case for the Hyundai is fairly strong… if you can stretch your budget to buy the 1.2 Fluid derivative.
The Grand i10 offers appealing exterior and interior designs and a good balance between performance and economy, which is something that buyers in this segment of the market will appreciate.
It feels more spacious than its Japanese rival (even though it’s a slightly smaller car), but that is not to say that the Grand i10 doesn’t trail the Swift in some aspects – the lack of cruise control and electronic stability control come to mind. The 1-year/15 000 km service plan also seems a little stingy.
The Hyundai Grand i10 is a semi-finalist in the 2023/2024 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
Book a test drive with the Hyundai Grand i10
Buy a used Hyundai Grand i10 on Cars.co.za
Suzuki Swift
We Like: Styling, performance, handling ability (fun factor), good fuel consumption, value
We Don’t Like: Smaller load bay
Crucially, the Suzuki Swift offers more value than its Korean rival. The Swift 1.2 GLX manual is R40 000 cheaper than the equivalent Grand i10 1.2 Fluid, which is something that will resonate well with budget-conscious buyers. Moreover, the Swift is better equipped with features and, thanks to its slightly longer and wider footprint, it offers superior driving dynamics, while also returning good fuel consumption.
What’s more, note that Suzuki offers a better (general) warranty and service plan. With the above in mind, it’s easy to see why the Suzuki Swift is such a popular model in the South African market.
Note that the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX is a semi-finalist in the 2023/2024 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards
Book a test drive with the Suzuki Swift
Buy a used Suzuki Swift in Cars.co.za
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