Proton S16 vs Hyundai i30 Sedan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
Proton S16
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
80kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Hyundai i30 Sedan
From $29,000
Sedan
Petrol
SmartStream G2.0 MPi
110kW
6.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
474L
Proton S16: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
Hyundai i30 Sedan: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and warranty.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that the Proton S16 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Proton S16 uses a Petrol producing 80kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 5 speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan responds with a SmartStream G2.0 MPi making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a smartstream ivt (intelligent variable transmission) driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 80kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Proton S16 measures 4,278mm long on a 2,465mm wheelbase, 432mm shorter than the Hyundai i30 Sedan at 4,710mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai i30 Sedan generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
5.3m to 10.8m
Based on 5.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 cars1 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 $1,767/year for the Proton S16 and $1,739/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Proton S16) vs $1,739 (Hyundai i30 Sedan). The Hyundai i30 Sedan saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Proton S16 if: You or prefer Proton's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai i30 Sedan takes 2 of 2 key spec categories. The Hyundai i30 Sedan will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Proton S16 and Hyundai i30 Sedan?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan is the cheapest at $29,000 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Proton S16 and Hyundai i30 Sedan carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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