Compare performance (90 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (18,600 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai i20 or Dacia Sandero?
In the ever-competitive compact hatchback segment, the Dacia Sandero and Hyundai i20 are two prominent players that offer an enticing balance of practicality, performance, and affordability. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two models, focusing on their technical specifications, innovations, and overall value propositions for potential buyers.
The Dacia Sandero, with its bold styling and spacious interior, measures 4088 mm in length, 1848 mm in width, and 1499 mm in height, making it a compact yet roomy hatchback. In contrast, the Hyundai i20 is slightly smaller, measuring 4075 mm in length and 1775 mm in width, with a height of 1455 mm. This difference in dimensions gives the Sandero a more substantial road presence, while the i20's dimensions lend it a nimble handling characteristic.
Under the hood, both vehicles offer a range of engine options catering to different driving preferences. The Dacia Sandero is available with petrol and LPG engines, producing up to 110 hp. Its power delivery is accompanied by torque figures ranging from 95 to 200 Nm, depending on the configuration. It also provides options for manual and CVT automatic transmissions, allowing for a tailored driving experience.
The Hyundai i20, meanwhile, comes equipped with either a petrol engine or an advanced petrol MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) system, delivering up to 100 hp. The engine choices are coupled with a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering a blend of efficiency and responsiveness. Torque figures range from 113 Nm for the base engine to 200 Nm for the top variant, ensuring capable acceleration across the board.
When it comes to performance, the Sandero boasts a commendable 0-100 km/h acceleration time as low as 10 seconds. This impressive figure is complemented by a top speed of up to 183 km/h. Similarly, the i20 offers competitive performance with acceleration times ranging from 11.1 to 12.1 seconds. The max speeds for the i20 reach up to 183 km/h as well, indicating that both cars deliver a thrilling drive.
In terms of fuel efficiency, both models demonstrate commendable figures. The Sandero sees consumption figures ranging from 5.2 to 6.5 L/100 km, while the i20's MHEV variant can achieve as low as 5.1 L/100 km. This makes both cars practical for daily commuting and long-distance travel, with the added benefit of lower running costs.
Inside, the Dacia Sandero prioritizes space and comfort, featuring a trunk capacity of 328 liters which can easily accommodate the demands of families or daily errands. The cabin is equipped with essential tech, including smartphone connectivity options, but it is known for a more utilitarian approach rather than luxurious embellishments.
On the other hand, the Hyundai i20 shines in its interior layout, offering a more modern design with quality materials and user-friendly technology. With a notably larger trunk capacity of 352 liters, it also provides ample storage. The i20 features advanced tech packages, including a digital instrument cluster and a high-quality infotainment system, enhancing the driving experience and providing a more upscale feel.
Both vehicles come equipped with essential safety features. The Dacia Sandero has earned a respectable safety rating and includes features such as electronic stability control and multiple airbags. The Hyundai i20 has advantages thanks to its inclusion of cutting-edge safety technology, such as advanced driver-assistance systems, to enhance safety on the road.
Choosing between the Dacia Sandero and the Hyundai i20 boils down to personal preferences and requirements. The Sandero offers a more rugged, practical option with superior power potential in certain variants, while the i20 excels with its modern technology features and refined interior design. Each model stands out in its unique way, making them worthy contenders in the hatchback segment.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Dacia Sandero is considerably cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Hyundai i20 costs 18,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,638 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Sandero uses 5.3 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Hyundai i20 with 5.7 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Sandero offers markedly more power – delivering 122 HP compared to 90 HP. That’s roughly 32 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Sandero is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 9.7 s, while the Hyundai i20 takes 11.5 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Dacia Sandero delivers slightly more torque with 200 Nm compared to 172 Nm. That’s about 28 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is barely lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,145 kg. The difference is around 45 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Dacia Sandero offers very slightly more boot space – 372 L compared to 352 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.
When it comes to payload, the Hyundai i20 carries marginally more – 465 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 29 kg.
The Dacia Sandero is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Hyundai i20 is a cheeky small car that mixes smart styling with sensible practicality, feeling more polished and roomy than you might expect for the money. It’s an easy car to live with, offering engaging handling, a comfy cabin and useful equipment that make daily commutes and weekend errands notably less dull.
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The Dacia Sandero is the everyman's hatchback — unpretentious, practical and brilliantly affordable, with sensible space and straightforward charm where it matters most. It won't wow in the premium lane, but for buyers who want honest, dependable transport without showroom theatrics, the Sandero is a clever, no‑nonsense pick that keeps running costs low and grin levels high.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
18,600 - 24,000 £
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Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.7 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
128 - 129 g/km
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co2
111 - 131 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,145 - 1,170 kg
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Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
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Trunk capacity
352 L
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Trunk capacity
372 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,775 mm
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Width
1,853 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
455 - 465 kg
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Payload
385 - 436 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
90 HP
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Power HP
67 - 122 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.5 - 12.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
172 Nm
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Torque
95 - 200 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
66 kW
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Power kW
49 - 90 kW
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Engine capacity
998 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025
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Model Year
2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
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Brand
Hyundai
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Brand
Dacia
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España