8 February 2011
When Hyundai really started gaining traction in our market during the mid - late nineties, their stock and trade was in fleet orientated vehicles. Including one very popular van, the H100.
Hyundai NZ have been itching for a replacement since the Hiace rival was discontinued in 2005, and here it is, introducing the H1.
Where the H100 was a pretty rough and ready answer to Toyota's hugely successful Hiace, the H1 is a much better equipped for giant slaying. At 5125mm long, 1920mm wide, 1930mm high and with a wheelbase of 3200mm the H1 challenges the volumetric stowage area of the market-leading Hiace as well as short wheelbase versions of Ford's Transit and VW's Transporter.
If you're an owner operator perhaps the biggest benefits though are up front. Unlike most vans on the market where you bear down on the steering wheel awkwardly, the H1 has a very SUV or carlike seating position.
The relaxed seating position and generous leg room allows one to really stretch out. It should prove supremely comfortable for those spending long hours on the road.
Additionally - like a car - there's ample of crumple zone ahead of the occupants, there's none of the eerie vulnerability you have sitting so close to the windshield as you have with other vans. It stands to reason this design will be far better of in an accident. Further protection comes by way of twin front airbags (driver and passenger), seatbelt pretensioners on (driver and passenger) four-wheel ABS disc brakes, a locking differential for added grip on slick surfaces and standard electronic stability program (ESP).
This, it has to be said is an exceptional level of safety equipment for a light commercial vehicle. There are creature comforts too with, keyless entry, A/C, alarm/immobiliser, electric windows and mirrors, dual cup holders, a CD player, an auxiliary plug for an MP3 player and a surprisingly nice-sounding (4 speaker) audio system.
For maximum practicality, all variants are fitted with twin slide doors.
Moving up the range, the plush 8-seater coach variant adds a six-speaker audio system, chromatic rear view mirror, synthetic leather upholstery, 3 point seatbelts in all seating positions, rear ISOFIX child restraints, reversing sensors, flush side sliding windows for 2nd row passengers, rear A/C ventilation and even, oh yes. Mood lighting.
Dynamically the Hyundai is at the top of the pack. As good as any of the European products, sufficiently sure-footed on the twistiest of roads yet with a supple ride over bumps, even when unladen.
If only all Hyundai models exhibited ride and handling qualities equally as class-leading.
At slower speeds, we found negotiating underground car parks a breeze thanks to the H1's 11.2m turning circle and easy steering. Power delivery comes by way of a 2.5 litre version of the Santa Fe's common rail diesel engine. It develops 125kW @ 3800 rpm and a massive 392Nm of torque, a considerable benefit over almost every other van in the segment.
Performance is brisk, even entertaining, more importantly though, a full payload should offer little hindrance to this powerhouse. A choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto is available on the cargo van only, a shame an auto option is not yet offered on the passenger variant, though Hyundai NZ is working on getting one shortly. A plethora of factory options are available at a reasonable price including rear barn doors, full steel window replacements and a full steel bulkhead.
It really is hard to find fault with the H1. During our rain-plagued time with the vehicle the biggest disappointment was the lack of a rear wiper. That aside, it's a lot of van for the money.
Best bits
- Engine: Ample power for the application. Better to have too much and not need it, than need it and not have enough though right?
- Price and specification: Weigh up the specification for the recommended retail price and the H1 is heads and shoulders above most. Options are well priced also.
- Safety: Car-like levels of safety, all too often overlooked in this class of vehicle.
Worst bits
- Visibility: Lack of rear wiper limits visibility when wet. Extra care is also needed if the steel window panels are fitted.
- Automatic option: No automatic available on the passenger coach.