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Used test: Hyundai i20 vs Suzuki Swift: verdict
The Hyundai i20 and the Suzuki Swift are two sparkling small cars, but which one makes the most sense when bought used? Read on to find out...
Our Verdict
This is a close call. There’s no doubting that the Swift is great value at this age, and it would seem to continue Suzuki’s tradition of offering generously equipped cars for not a lot of money. Added to that, it has a strong, frugal engine, and it’s good fun to drive and reasonably roomy in the back. Suzuki’s reliability record is top-notch too. In short, if you bought a Swift we think you’d be very happy with it.
However, it’s the Hyundai that in the end takes the laurels, as it beats the Swift in a number of key areas. It’s more spacious, for one, has a more practical interior and its overall quality inside is in a different league. It’s also more comfortable to ride in and has a much better infotainment system. True, it’s not quite as cheap to buy as the Swift, but it should be cheaper to run, and for us that just clinches it the narrowest of victories.
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1st – Hyundai i20
For More comfortable ride; better infotainment; classier interior
Against Noisier engine; numb steering; less safety kit
Verdict More generous space, a higher quality interior and lower running costs just give it the edge here
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read the full Hyundai i20 used review >>
Buy a used Hyundai i20 with What Car? >>
2nd – Suzuki Swift
For More agile handling; more standard kit; stronger engine
Against Cheaper-feeling interior; fiddly infotainment system; smaller boot
Verdict A really decent small car that just misses out to the classier i20
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read the full Suzuki Swift used review >>
Buy a used Suzuki Swift with What Car? >>
Specifications: Hyundai i20 1.0 T GDi 100 Turbo Edition
Engine size 1.0-litre petrol
Power 98bhp
Torque 127lb ft
0-60mph 9.8sec
Top speed 116mph
Fuel economy 62.8mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 104g/km
Specifications: Suzuki Swift 1.0 Boosterjet SHVS SZ5
Engine size 1.0-litre petrol
Power 110bhp
Torque 125lb ft
0-60mph 9.4sec
Top speed 121mph
Fuel economy 65.7mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 97g/km
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