Hyundai has recently launched the Hyundai iGen i20 2012 New Model in India at a very lucrative starting price of Rs. 4.73 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi for Era Petrol variant which is the entry level petrol variant of new Hyundai iGen i20. The Maruti Swift 2011 new model, which is the undisputed best seller in this premium hatchback segment will now start to feel the heat of the increased competition from the new Hyundai iGen i20. The old Hyundai i20 was an old car which was due for a refresh for quite some time while the Swift got a makeover in August 2011 in India. In continuation to our Car Comparison Series on Car Blog India, in this article, we compare the New Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol with New Maruti Swift Petrol in detail on all the important aspect including exteriors, interiors, engines, handling and performance, price and variants and their value for money quotient.
We have also compared the diesel variants of these cars. Check out the same at the link below:
New Hyundai iGen i20 Diesel Vs New Maruti Swift Diesel
New Hyundai iGen i20 Exteriors Vs New Maruti Swift Exteriors
image – New Hyundai iGen i20 2012 (Left) and New Maruti Swift 2011 (Right)
Maruti Swift 2011 Dimension
- Length = 3850 mm
- Width = 1695mm
- Height = 1510mm
- Wheelbase = 2430
New Hyundai iGen i20 Dimensions
- Length = 3995mm
- Width = 1710mm
- Height = 1505mm
- Wheelbase = 2525mm
Hyundai iGen i20 2012 new model has gone longer from previous 3940 to 3990 mm which is about 50 mm or 2 inches longer than the previous model. The increase in length makes it look slightly larger and more commanding than before. In terms of wheelbase, width and height, Hyundai i20 remains the same. The iGen i20 is wider and longer compared to the New Maruti Swift and this offers more space and comfort on the inside especially at the rear seat, but the ride height of the i20 is lower, so the seating position in Swift is higher and slightly more comfortable for taller passengers and drivers.
In terms of exteriors and looks of it, Hyundai i20 looks better now with the fluidic styling and improved visual appeal. The front fascia is not more upmarket and better looking. The side and rear profile has not changed much for good as it already looked quite nice.
Maruti Swift on the other hand is a much improved version of the older Swift with a more impressive presence and sporty looks. With large headlamps and unconventional rounded design, Swift does look quite different from the flock. The side somewhat resembles the iconic Mini range of cars and the rear is also very sporty in looks. All in all, Swift is also a stunner. In terms of exteriors and looks, I would call it a tie between the Hyundai iGen i20 2012 and New Maruti Swift.
New Hyundai iGen i20 Interiors Vs New Maruti Swift Interiors
image – Hyundai iGen i20 2012 Interiors
When it comes to Interiors, Hyundai has all it takes to woo feature loving customers towards itself with high build quality and premium colour tones, useful features, lots of space and comfort.
image – Maruti Swift 2011 Interiors
New Maruti Swift has come a long way since the old Maruti Swift 2009 which was quite plain and simple. The new Maruti Swift is more spacious, has much better build quality and looks more premium on the interiors. However, Maruti Swift does not live up to the interiors of Hyundai iGen i20 in terms of premium feel, however, people who prefer sporty over premium will like Swift better. My vote for interiors goes to i20.
New Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol Engine Vs New Maruti Swift Petrol Engine
Maruti Swift 2011 Engine Specifications
- Improved K12 1.2 Litre MPFI Petrol Engine
- VVTI Technology Engine
- 4 Cylinder, Displacement 1197 CC
- Max power of 86 BHP @ 6000 RPM
- Max torque of 114 Nm @ 4000 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual transmission
- ARAI Certified mileage of 18.6 KMPL
- Kerb Weight = 960 Kg to 990 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 88.2 BHP per 1000 Kg
Engine Specifications of Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol:
1.2 Litre Kappa Engine Specifications
- 4 Cylinder VTVT Kappa Engine
- 1.2 Litre / 4 Cylinder / 16 Valve DOHC
- Max Power output of 83 BHP @ 6000 RPM
- 114 Nm Torque @ 4000 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- ARAI Certified Mileage of 18.50 KMPL
- Kerb Weight nearly 1000 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 83 BHP per 1000 Kg
1.4 Litre Gamma Engine Automatic Variant Specifications
- 4 Cylinder DOHC Gamma Engine With VTVT
- 1.4 Litre / 4 Cylinder / 16 Valve DOHC
- Max Power output of 99 BHP @ 5500 RPM
- 136Nm Torque @ 4200 RPM
- 4 Speed Automatic Transmission
- ARAI Certified Mileage of 15 KMPL
- Kerb Weight nearly 1000 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 99 BHP per 1000 Kg
Looking at the engine specifications, the Swift seems to be a better option with 1 higher power and power to weight ratio, agile and well delivered power range along with a decent fuel mileage of above 18 KMPL.
Hyundai iGen i20 2012 falls very close with nearly the same power and torque ratings, but with its higher weight, the power to weight ratio is slightly less. However, the more powerful Gamma engine, which comes with Automatic transmission only, is a very punchy unit with real muscle for this size of a car, but it costs much more too, so we will consider the 1.2 Litre engines with MT for comparison which come out to be really close in terms of power and mileage both. Comparing the 1.2 Litre unit of Hyundai iGen i20 and New Maruti Swift, I would say they are almost equally good.
New Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol Handling and Performance Vs New Maruti Swift Petrol Handling and Performance
Handling is one area which has been weak in Hyundai i20 for long time, the steering feedback is quite low and the steering it very light with higher body roll and soft suspension tuned for a comfortable ride quality. Although Hyundai iGen i20 improves on the steering feedback and suspension settings, it is still not as sporty and precise as Maruti Swift which is one of the best handling cars in the price segment. Although New Swift may feel less comfortable on bad roads, but because of its stiffer suspensions, it does handle much better than the i20.
New Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol Price Vs New Maruti Swift Petrol Price
Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Petrol Price In India
The Ex-showroom Delhi prices of Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 are as follows:
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Era Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.73 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Magna Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.97 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Magna (O) Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.27 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Sportz Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.75 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Asta Petrol is priced at Rs. 6.21 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Asta (O) With Sunroof Petrol is priced at Rs. 6.65 Lakhs
- Hyundai i20 iGen 2012 Sportz AT Petrol is priced at Rs. 7.67 Lakhs
Maruti Swift 2011 Petrol Price In India
The Ex-showroom Delhi prices of New Maruti Swift (with metallic paint) are as follows:
- Maruti Swift Lxi Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.44 Lakhs
- Maruti Swift Vxi Petrol is priced at Rs. 4.90 Lakhs
- Maruti Swift Zxi Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.68 Lakhs
Hyundai iGen i20 Era Petrol Vs Maruti Swift LXi
Both Hyundai i20 iGen Era and Maruti Swift Lxi are base variants of the their respective petrol variant series and do not come with most of the safety and convenience features, however both have an electrical power steering, air conditioning and body coloured bumpers. Hyundai i20 offers some additional features like Tachometer, Front power windows with timelag function, impact sensing automatic door unlock feature, day and night inside rear view mirror, chrome finish in inside door handles, gear shift indicator, rear fog lamps, central locking, clutch footrest or dead-pedal etc. over the Maruti Swift LXi. On the other hand, Maruti Swift Lxi offers rear parcel tray, multi-information display with fuel consumption information, tilt steering etc. as some of the extra features over i20 Era. Overall, at a price difference of Rs. 29,000 the extra features of Hyundai i20 do justify the price, but for an entry level variant, the New Swift is a more value for money proposition.
Hyundai iGen i20 Era Petrol Vs Maruti Swift VXi
The Hyundai i20 Era Petrol is priced just Rs. 17,000 lower than the Swift Vxi mid variant which offers more features like bod coloured door handles, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors, outside rear view mirrors with turn indicators, front and rear fog lamps, multi-information display, all four doors power windows, Keyless entry, security alarm system etc. additional to the Era for an additional price. Comparing these two variants, both seem a value for money proposition, but in terms of exterior features like ORVM mounted turn indicators etc. make Swift a slightly more lucrative option with better handling and performance.
Hyundai iGen i20 Magna and Magna (O) Petrol Vs Maruti Swift VXi
The Hyundai iGen i20 Magna and Magna O are priced at Rs. 4.97 Lakhs and Rs. 5.27 Lakhs respectively and fall very close to the pricing of New Swift 2012 VXi which is priced at Rs. 4.90 Lakhs. Compared to the base variant Era, iGen i20 Magna and Magna (O) add features like keyless entry with alarm and a foldable key, rear parking assist sensors, body coloured outside door handles and outside rear view mirrors, turn indicators on outside rear view mirrors (Optional), optional full functional Multi-information display, optional 2-DIN integrated audio system with 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, USB and Aux-input, optional automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, all door power windows, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors with optional heating and auto-folding function etc. All these optional features are available on Magna (O) while other features are available on both Magna and Magna (O). Comparing the Magna and Magna (O) with the Swift VXi, the i20 seems to be a better loaded car but it does cost extra for these extra features. I would say both are good value for money options.
Hyundai iGen i20 Sportz Petrol Vs Maruti Swift ZXi
Hyundai iGen i20 2012 Sportz Petrol is priced at just Rs. 7000 higher than the Swift Zxi top end variant which comes fully loaded with features. First lets talk of what Hyundai iGen i20 Sportz offers additional to Magna, which includes – eletcrochromic (auto darkening) inside rear view mirror, rear parking assist camera with display on inside rear view mirror, driver side airbag, ABS and EBD for safety, rain sensing wipers, front and rear fog lamps, turn indicators in outside rear view mirrors, alloy wheels, chrome finish gear knobs and metallic inserts in steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, front map lamp, full function multi-information display, 2-Din integrated audio system with 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, USB and Aux-input. Bluetooth for phone pairing and steering mounted Audio and phone controls, automatic climate control, clean air ionizer for fresh air circulation, electrically adjustable, heated and power folding outside rear view mirrors, tilt and telescopic adjustment in steering wheel, 60:40 rear split seats, adjustable headrest at rear etc.
Whereas over Maruti Swift Vxi, the Swift Zxi offers features including – alloy wheels, electrical boot release, rear defogger, washer and wiper, driver seat height adjust and front seatbelt shoulder height adjust, automatic climate control, integrated audio system with 4 speakers, USB and Aux-input, steering mounted audio control but no Bluetooth. On safety it adds dual airbags, ABS and EBD with brake assist etc.
Considering the above feature set, I find Swift ahead on Dual airbags compared to single airbag on iGen i20, on all other fronts, Hyundai iGen i20 offers much better features and premium interiors at just a small price difference. However, the handling and performance of Swift continue to work in its favour. In terms of value for money, Hyundai iGen i20 Sportz is far better loaded compared to the New Maruti Swift. So if you can compromise on soft suspension, Hyundai i20 Sportz is a very lucrative deal.
Hyundai iGen i20 Asta and Asta (O) Petrol Vs Maruti Swift ZXi
Hyundai iGen i20 2012 Asta and Asta (O) are priced at Rs. 6.21 Lakhs and Rs. 6.65 Lakhs which is about Rs. 50,000 to 80,000 higher compared to Swift top end Zxi petrol. However at the extra price, you get features you would hardly get in any other car in this segment in India like up to 6 airbags for safety, speed sensing auto door locks, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, chrome outside door handles, rear spoiler with integrated stop lamps, push button engine start stop, front arm rest, electric sunroof with tilt function to name a few. Although on the price point, the Asta does not compete with Swift Zxi, rather it is placed for high end buyers who are looking for a premium featured car with compact form factor. So if you are looking for lots of features, iGen i20 Asta and Asta(O) are good option, but of you are looking for value for money and sporty handling, Swift is better.
Hyundai iGen i20 Sportz AT Petrol Vs Maruti Swift ZXi
The Swift Zxi again does not compete with the iGen i20 Sportz AT as the Swift is priced a whooping Rs. 1.99 lakhs lower compared to the i20 AT Sportz. The i20 Sportz AT comes with a much more powerful 1.4 petrol Gamma engine with 99 BHP of power and 136 Nm of torque. It is targeted towards premium buyers who are looking for a comfortable automatic transmission car with a decent fuel economy.
Car Blog India verdict – New Hyundai iGen i20 Petrol Vs New Maruti Swift Petrol
Hyundai i20 is priced higher than Maruti Swift because of different features and variant placement. However, the basic is same, Swift performs in a more sporty way and is very good value for money. On the other hand, Hyundai iGen i20 2012 drivers well with good comfort but does not handle as precisely as Swift, but in terms of features, it’s a much better value for money and does offer premium features at affordable price. If you are a sporty driver, New Maruti Swift will be a better choice, however if you drive normally and want a spacious and premium car with great features, go for Hyundai iGen i20 2012. Don’t forget to test drive both cars before you pay the booking amount.
Check out more-
New Hyundai iGen i20 Diesel Vs New Maruti Swift Diesel
Hyundai iGen i20 Fluidic 2012 New Model Vs Hyundai i20 Old Model
Maruti Swift 2011 Petrol Vs Honda Jazz 2011– Which Is Better And Why?
Maruti Swift 2011 Petrol Vs Ford Figo Petrol– Which is Better and Why?
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