Hyundai Grand i10 vs Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Swift: here's our winner.

The budget small hatch market is hotly contested, and three major players are Hyundai’s Grand i10, Kia’s Picanto and Suzuki’s Swift. Picking a winner is not easy.

Deciding which budget hatchback to choose in the current market is tough, with so many great options. Today we will be choosing a winner between the Hyundai Grand i10, the Kia Picanto and the Suzuki Swift.

Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Fluid hatch manual

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Grand i10 chosen for this comparison is a 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces 49Kw and 94Nm, which is sent through the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.  Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.5 L/100km, and the 0-100km/h is quoted at 14.9 seconds.

Standard equipment

In Fluid guise, the Grand i10 comes with cloth/vinyl-covered seats, a colour screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, airconditioning,  cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, USB ports front and rear, 15.0-inch alloy wheels, 2 Airbags, ISOFIX, front PDC and a reverse camera.

Safety

The i10 received a 3-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2020.

Practicality

The Jolion boasts a 337-litre boot, seating for five occupants and 168mm of ground clearance.

Price and value proposition

At R489 550, the Jolion S offers great value versus key rivals.

The competition

Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Corolla Cross is a 1.8-litre petrol engine that produces 103kW and 172Nm that is sent through the front wheels via a CVT.  Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.8 L/100km and the 0-100km/h time is not quoted

Standard equipment

The GR-S comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/ fog lights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, ambient interior lighting, climate control, keyless entry/start, leather seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat as well as front and rear PDC with a reverse camera.

Safety

The Corolla Cross was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2022 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.

Practicality

The Cross features seating for five, a 440-litre boot and 161mm of ground clearance, making it the most practical vehicle in this comparison.

Price and value proposition

At R495 200, the GR-S offers great value.

Opel Mokka

Powertrain and performance

Powering the Mokka is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 96kW and 230Nm that is sent through the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.  Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100km and a 0-100km/h of 7.8 seconds is provided.

Standard equipment

In Elegance specification, the Mokka’s features are similar to the Corolla Cross but feature cloth-covered seats that are heated up front, remote central locking and features ‘regular’ cruise control.

Safety

The Mokka was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2021 where it achieved a 4-Star rating.

Practicality

The Mokka boasts 5 seats, 310-litres of boot space and a ground clearance of 160mm, making it the least practical vehicle among the trio.

Price and value proposition

At R495 900 for the Elegance model, the Moka offers the least value among the trio.

Facts and figures:

* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.

Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.

Verdict

Looking at the figures, as an overall package, we find the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross as the best proposition among the trio assemble here.

Keyword: Hyundai Grand i10 vs Kia Picanto vs Suzuki Swift: here's our winner.