Hyundai iLoad road test
by Stephen Walker
23rd February, 2014
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and iMax diesel models
23rd October, 2012
An essential component of the nation's supply chain is the humble delivery
van.
This segment of the market is as competitive as any area of the market with numerous manufacturer's vying for your
business.
Hyundai's van, the iLoad, is ranked as the nation's second best-selling van with sales of 3,974 units during the year
2013 (for a credible 25.6% segment share) following the Toyota Hi-Ace.
Test Car particulars
The test unit, in traditional white, was a Hyundai iLoad van equipped with a diesel engine and an automatic
transmission.
Prices*
The iLoad is priced from $30,990* for the 2.4 litre petrol with manual transmission.
The diesel van is priced from $36,190* for the manual and $38,690* for the automatic. The diesel models come with
electronic stability control and traction control.
Metallic/Mica paint, when ordered, is optional at $695*.
Variants
In addition to the diesel van a petrol-fuelled van with manual transmission is available.
A 'crew van' with second row seating and windows in the sliding doors is an interesting variant. It comes with diesel
power only, with a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
Driving the iLoad diesel/auto van
Vision is always a problem with a panel van, as it is with a truck. Each driver needs to adjust the external rear view
mirrors for their best view. On the iLoad those electrically adjustable mirrors are a suitable size and offer a good
coverage of what is behind. The one thing no van driver wants is to gamble with a lane change. Correct use of the
mirrors, together with an element of patience so as to eliminate any last moment surprises can provide a relatively
stress-free working environment on busy streets and in loading docks.
Empty vans have a unique 'drone'. In the Hyundai that means the volume of the radio or compact disc needs to be
somewhat louder than usual if you're to enjoy the soothing effects of music! At around 50 to 60 it is reasonable, but you
won't hear your favourite music at 80 km/h.
Entry and egress is very good with the iLoad. There is a grab handle and a step, both of which are well positioned for
the average sized adult. The elevated driving position is good and this makes for a nice environment to work within.
The seating is suitable rather than rewarding. Following each drive I felt quite OK but I do feel work vehicles would
be enhanced if lumbar support was provided for the driver's seat at least.
Driving dynamics seemed to be suitable for a load carrier. The steering is light, whilst the handling and braking
seemed to provide safety.
Unfortunately, cruise control is not fitted to the iLoad. Same for a navigation system.
The payload for the iLoad diesel/auto van is 1,098kg. I never had a load on board during any of my drives.
Living with iLoad diesel/auto van
Life in 'the saddle' is always going to be important for any delivery driver. It's an aspect that managers need to
consider, too. Their employees and contractors need an appropriate work place as does anyone else.
In that regard I drove the iLoad for several hours on numerous occasions in Melbourne's south-east suburbs. Covering
328 kilometres in total on urban streets, highways and, even, 20 minutes on a freeway at 100 km/h.
In keeping with the delivery driver atmosphere I managed one meal 'on the run' whilst enjoying some late evening water
views as the iLoad became a temporary lunch room. Whilst taking a longer spell than probably every delivery driver in the
nation I must add that you do need to ensure your drink is secure before you drive over errant 'speed bumps' as you
rightfully seek a scenic parking spot for your 'down time'.
Two reasonably-sized door pockets, two glove boxes and a tray in the back of the fold down centre seatback offer handy
resources for a busy driver to keep personal and business related material separated and within easy reach.
A grey trim is standard and this is far more attractive than the traditional black that is far too often the only
choice these days. The air conditioning worked well for us, despite the massive empty space in the 'boot'.
Specifications
The diesel iLoad has a 2.5 litre four-cylinder diesel engine upfront which drives the rear wheels. Power is 125kW at
3,600rpm and maximum torque is 441Nm at 2,000-2,250rpm.
The automatic transmission is a five-speed unit.
Braking is by disc brakes at each wheel.
The suspension is MacPherson Struts and coils at the front and leaf springs at the rear.
Five 16" steel wheels are standard.
Power assisted rack and pinion steering is standard. Turning circle is 11.22 metres (minimum).
Safety (iLoad diesel van)
Two airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are
included as standard fitment. ESC & TCS are worthy features too, having been promoted from the options list to the
standard specification.
ANCAP rate the Hyundai iLoad with four stars for its crash worthiness.
A reversing camera is not fitted, but in my opinion it should be!
Fuel and emissions
The factory indicate the fuel consumption rating is 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
Perhaps the urban cycle rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres is a more relevant figure for a commercial van.
The fuel tank capacity is 75 litres, which provides a good range - a valued attribute for delivery work.
Connectivity/Infotainment
Standard: MP3/WMA/CD player, AM/FM tuner, Aux and USB audio input with iPod® compatibility and steering wheel audio
controls.
Dimensions (iLoad diesel/auto van)
Length: 5,125 mm
Width: 1,920 mm
Height: 1,935 mm
Wheelbase: 3,200 mm
Kerb weight: 2,062 kg (approx).
Towing (iLoad diesel/auto van)
A braked trailer weighing up 1,500 kg is OK for the iLoad diesel/auto van with suitable towing equipment.
The Load Area
The all important load area has the following numbers:
Load area length: 2,375 mm
Load area width: 1,620 mm
Load area height: 1,350 mm
Width between wheel arches: 1,260 mm
Payload: 1,098 kg
Cargo area capacity: 4,426 litres (VDA).
There are ten tie-down hooks in the cargo area of the iLoad van.
Accessories
A 60kg rated cargo barrier, sliding door windows, rubber cargo mat, wooden floor, tow bar, rear bumper variations and
racks are available. An important option is a reversing camera - it is essential for tight city and suburban parking
spaces and busy loading docks.
A swing tailgate is optional for diesel models.
After Sales
All new Hyundai vans have a five-year, 160,000km warranty - the same as Hyundai passenger cars (of course some
conditions apply).
Capped price servicing applies for the first three scheduled services, currently $349 (conditions apply).
Conclusion
Delivery vans are essential for the well being of the country. At one time or another, a delivery van will go to
almost every property in the nation. The drivers require an efficient workplace to enhance their efficiency.
The Hyundai is neat environment for the driver with excellent entry/egress and thoughtful positioning of door pockets
and a centre tray located in the middle seatback. But it is time for a reversing camera to be standard in a vehicle of
this size. Likewise, lumbar support and cruise control are appreciated attributes with drivers who are 'in the saddle' for
hours on end so it would be good to see these features come along in the near future.
All told, the Hyundai iLoad van makes a worthy acquisition for deliveries and for fit-out for specialised uses with
tradies. The smooth ride and powerful diesel will always be welcome by drivers. Now that ESC and TCS are standard with
the diesel van, owners can be comforted by the fact that their driver has technology on their side to improve the safety
aspects of their important role in the nation's day-to-day activities.
Be assured, the Hyundai iLoad is a very competitive van and it is has a worthy place in the nation's vehicular
workforce.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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