Hatchback Icons: How Swift and i20 Have Defined Their Segments for Over a Decade
The love for hatchbacks among Indian car enthusiasts is well known. Based on their ease of driving and parking, affordable price ranges, and features wrapped in a compact package, they are one of the most preferred car segments in the nation. The Swift from Maruti Suzuki and the i20 from Hyundai are two popular contenders in this space. The former was introduced in 2005, and the latter in 2008. Across almost two decades, the hatchbacks have undergone facelifts and upgrades to keep up with changing customer preferences.
But what has not changed is their demand. The Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Hyundai i20 have led the Indian market for hatchbacks and continue to do so. You get a peppy city experience with the Swift, while Hyundai designed the i20 to be upscale, filling it with modern features and a sleek design. Here's an analysis of the factors that help these models stay on top in their segment.
The current-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift has a sporty character, similar to its predecessors, but gets modern upgrades. Top variants of the car are more stylish now, thanks to LED projector headlamps, daytime running lights, and uniquely designed alloy wheels. A combination of different colours and chrome details helps preserve the Swift's sporty look.
The Hyundai i20 is designed to stand out with a bolder, sportier appearance. It has a large front grille, sharp LED headlamps, and an eye-catching rear spoiler. Its aggressive appearance is aimed at people who expect a premium feel.
If Swift is playful, i20 is assertive — both leaving a lasting impression.
The inside of the Swift is still easy to use and offers everything a driver needs. In higher trims, you'll find a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a coloured Multifunction Instrument Dashboard and extras like cruise control, a touchscreen, a wireless charger, and AC for the rear. It's both functional and user-friendly, and meant for everyday life.
The i20's interior is a cut above what you'd expect in this class. A big touchscreen display, digital cluster, a sunroof, premium upholstery, and various connected features make it a luxury vehicle. With its neatly finished interior and modern features, the i20 has an advantage over other hatchbacks.
The Swift has a 1.2L Z12E petrol engine, delivering 80.46 bhp and 111.7 Nm torque. It also offers a CNG variant. The CNG engine variant offers a maximum power of 68.79 bhp and a maximum torque of 101.8 Nm. The engine is peppy, especially in city traffic. You can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, making it flexible for enthusiasts and convenience seekers. Under the hood, the i20 houses a 1197 cc 1.2L petrol engine. However, it's mated to a CVT (IVT) in automatic trims, offering smoother gear shifts.
While Swift focuses on peppy, responsive performance, the i20 prioritises refined performance. If you like spirited driving, Swift excels. If smooth cruising is your style, the i20 delivers.
The Swift measures 3860 mm in length, 1735 mm in width, and 1520 mm in height. Its boot space is 265 litres. It's compact, easy to park, and ideal for urban use.
The i20 is slightly longer and wider, measuring around 3995 mm in length and 1775 mm in width. It also offers a larger boot space of 311 litres. This makes it more spacious overall, suiting those who want more room inside the cabin and in the boot for travel or family use. The height is 1505 mm, which is slightly shorter.
One thing the Swift is known for is fuel economy. In terms of mileage, manual models deliver up to 24.8 km/l, while the AMT models offer 25.75 km/l. The CNG variant offers a mileage of 32.85 km/kg. You'll find it's one of the most economical hatchbacks in the country. The i20 manages slightly less fuel efficiency, roughly 16 km/l for the manual to 20 km/l for the IVT automatic variant, depending on how you use it.
When it comes to price, both hatchbacks are cost-effective. The Swift comes in a price range of ₹7.06 lakhs to 1₹0.33 lakhs for its five broad variants. The i20 comes in a price range of ₹8.75 lakhs to ₹12.86 lakhs for its seven broad variants. While the i20 may seem more expensive, some of its high-end amenities justify the cost.
Both the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 are champions in their own space. Swift attracts drivers who prefer an enjoyable city companion with top reliability and easy-to-run engines. Those who value more space and advanced features will most likely want an i20. It ensures enjoyable rides, a modern look, and easy-to-use tech. The Swift promises value, and the i20 sets new standards for premium hatchbacks. Whatever you pick, you are driving not just a car but an icon.
Follow us on Google News