Hyundai iLoad: good value workhorse

No mistaking the iLoad: bold grille, headlamps

Hyundai iLoad road test Review: Mark Bursa

Hyundai iLoad 2.5CRDi Comfort

What is it?

The Koreans are back for another tilt at the panel van market – with the Hyundai iLoad. A few years ago, Hyundai offered the H100. It was an old-school forward-control descendant of the Mitsubishi L300. But iLoad is all Hyundai’s own work – still rear-wheel drive, but with the engine ahead of the driver. Its closest rival is the Toyota Hiace. But the Hyundai iLoad is cheaper. And the iLoad comes with a high level of standard specification.

What’s hot?

• Rear-drive makes for a very sturdy van – payload more than 1 tonne
• It looks distinctive: bold grille and headlamps, uniquely styled side profile
• Good road manners: steering responsive; suspension above competent
• Low-revving Hyundai diesel gives plenty of torque
• …and RWD means very tight steering lock of just 5.6m – great for the city
• Cab is roomy and driving position is excellent
• There’s height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering column…
• …spec is good, with plenty of storage and even a an iPod socket
• High basic spec includes twin side doors, full-height bulkhead with window
• Plus aircon, twin airbags, electric windows and mirrors

What’s not?

• Build quality is good, but a little crude in places – for example…
• The load restraint eyes aren’t flush with the floor
• …so they can obstruct loading flat-bottomed items…
• …or the fiddly removable pins to allow 180 degree rear door opening
• Korean grey plastic finish looks dated; and no remote locking
• Bulkhead intrusion: hinders loading large items through side doors
• There’s only one body style and one wheelbase…

What you need to Know

Business Van Manager Road Test Rating

A welcome return to the van market for Hyundai. The iLoad is unusual – there aren’t many rear-drive vans in this part of the market these days – but it does make for a sturdy, manoeuvrable load-lugger. It’s a bit crude, but the Hyundai iLoad is well-built, and the price is keen. Of course, the warranty package is exceptional. Against big-sellers like Transit or Trafic, it might come up short – but in price terms it’s really competing with the likes of Transit Connect or Caddy – and it’s a much more industrial van than either of those. Definitely worth a look – you might be pleasantly surprised. If you’re still not convinced, always consider Hyundai’s long warranties: five years and 100,000 miles.

Options: Six-seater double-cab, £2000; Trafficmaster Smartnav, £509; ESP, £450; Privacy glass on side doors for crew-cab version, £135; Extra-dark glazing on rear doors, £100; Metallic paint, £340