Maruti Suzuki Swift Vs Hyundai i20: Comparing Variants Under Rs 10 Lakh for the Performance Enthusiast

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20, and see what their performance is like, and why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai i20 – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

While the i20 is a premium hatchback (a segment above Maruti Swift), the Swift has endeared performance enthusiasts through the years because it is a great car to drive. But will they stand scrutiny? Let’s find out.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts crave fast cars that offer exhilarating acceleration, agile handling, and seamless power delivery. They seek top speeds and the thrill of control over challenging terrains.

These connoisseurs focus on powerful engines with higher BHP and torque, precise transmission systems, and robust handling features like stability at high speeds, or braking performance.

Ground clearance and minimal body roll further add to the experience, allowing them to conquer the roads with panache.

Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 have become favorites among performance enthusiasts. With teambhp.com praising Swift’s agility and responsive engines, and autocarindia.com lauding i20’s stable handling and feature-rich offerings, both models stand tall.

Swift’s nimble handling and zippy acceleration match the desire for sportiness, while i20 offers balanced performance with good top speed and stability.

Swift’s lightweight construction ensures minimal body roll and provides a delightful driving experience. Meanwhile, i20 caters to a broader audience by balancing performance and comfort, without compromising on speed or handling.

With various engine options and transmission systems, both cars provide ample choices for customization. Their striking exterior design and quality finish add a luxurious touch to the thrilling performance.

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 11 August 2023
ZXI Plus	₹ 829,000
ZXI Plus DT	₹ 843,000
ZXI Plus DT AGS	₹ 898,000

For Hyundai i20, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 11 August 2023
Sportz DT	₹ 823,000
Sportz IVT	₹ 911,000
Asta Opt DT	₹ 992,000

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus

With 4 cylinders and a top speed of 140 km/h, this variant stands out for agility, stability, and linear power delivery. It appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a controlled, spirited drive.

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus DT

Similar to the ZXI Plus but with additional features, this variant offers the same dynamic performance, making it a strong contender for performance enthusiasts.

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus DT AGS

This version provides an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) option, offering convenience without compromising performance.

Hyundai i20 Sportz DT

With an acceleration of 5.83 seconds (0-60 km/h), this variant focuses on balanced performance with moderate agility and stability.

Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT

This variant offers Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a better acceleration time of 5.30 seconds, enhancing driving pleasure.

Hyundai i20 Asta Opt DT

Equipped with alloy wheels and a premium audio system, it provides a blend of aesthetics and performance, making it appealing for enthusiasts.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 for Performance Enthusiasts

Among the shortlisted variants, Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus emerges as the best option for a performance enthusiast. With its swift 14-second acceleration (0-60 km/h), 88.5 BHP power, 113 Nm torque, and FWD drive type, it offers a thrilling experience.

The engine responsiveness is quick, and high-speed stability ensures a confident drive. Its agile handling and linear power delivery resonate with the desires of a performance lover. Moreover, it provides a blend of aesthetics and functionality without breaking the bank.

The Top 3 choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus
2. Hyundai i20 Asta Opt DT
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus DT AGS

Attribute	Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus	Hyundai i20 Asta Opt DT	Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus DT AGS
# of cylinders	4	4	4
Acceleration (0-60 km/h)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Agility	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine – displacement (cc)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Top Speed (km/h)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	No	No	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Swift ZXI Plus excels in agility, has quick engine responsiveness, and high-speed stability.
• The i20 Asta Opt DT balances performance with luxury features. 
• Swift ZXI Plus DT AGS provides an automatic transmission option without sacrificing the thrill of driving. 

These three variants stand out for their performance attributes, encompassing everything from acceleration to top speed. Together, they offer a wide range of choices catering to different aspects of a performance enthusiast’s desires.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered