BMW 1 Series vs Hyundai i20
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW 1 Series starts from $57,600 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai i20 opens at $38,500. That makes the Hyundai i20 the more affordable entry point by $19,100.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,360 and $42,350 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 1 Series features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai i20 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 1 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Hyundai i20. The Hyundai i20 counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 1 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Hyundai i20 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The BMW 1 Series uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Hyundai i20 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 275Nm, paired to a manual driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Hyundai i20 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai i20 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 1 Series measures 4,361mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 286mm longer than the Hyundai i20 at 4,075mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 1 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the BMW 1 Series and 310L in the Hyundai i20, giving the BMW 1 Series a 70L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.5m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the BMW 1 Series and $1,967/year for the Hyundai i20. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the BMW 1 Series.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (BMW 1 Series) vs $1,967 (Hyundai i20). The BMW 1 Series saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 1 Series) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i20). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 1 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i20 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai i20 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW 1 Series will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 1 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 1 Series and Hyundai i20?
The Hyundai i20 is the cheapest at $38,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 1 Series by $19,100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 1 Series uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 1 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 1 Series has the largest boot at 380L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 1 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai i20 makes the most power at 150kW. The Hyundai i20 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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