Hyundai Automotive South Africa

IS IT A PLANE? IS IT A METEOR? NO, IT’S HYUNDAI’S SUPERVAN

(Johannesburg, South Africa) Business users looking for an affordable full-size panel van powered by a big-hitting turbodiesel can call off the search: Hyundai’s H1 is now available with the company’s acclaimed 2,5-litre common rail engine under the bonnet, priced at just R264 900. Key features of this gifted newcomer to Hyundai’s commercial vehicle fleet are:
• Five-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty with roadside assistance plan.
• Cost-busting 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
• Powerful yet refined powerplant with 120 kW/392 Nm outputs and a five-speed manual transmission.
• Rear-wheel-drive layout with a leaf-sprung axle.
• A total luggage volume of four cubic metres, accessible via a sliding door on both sides, as well as a vast rear double-door.
• A 2.4 metre load length and a 1 100 kilogram carrying capacity.
• Microscopic 11.2 metre turning circle.
• Optional air-conditioning (R10 000), and pre-wired for sound.
• High level of safety with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and seatbelt with pre-tensioners all standard.
• Minimal driver workload thanks to features such as a height-adjustable seat, adjustable steering column, boldly-marked instruments, large glass area, electric windows and generously-proportioned mirrors.
With vans being an important growth segment on the local light commercial vehicle scene thanks to their car-like driving characteristics coupled to a high level of safety and security for the crew and the load being carried, the new H1 turbodiesel panel van is set for success.

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About Hyundai Motor Company
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group which has ranked as the world’s fifth-largest automaker since 2007 and includes more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor, which has six manufacturing bases outside of South Korea, sold approximately 3.6 million vehicles globally in 2010. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 186 countries through some 5,300 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at www.hyundai.com.

About Hyundai Automotive South Africa
Hyundai Automotive South Africa, an entity of the Hyundai Motor Company, was selected as the Global distributor of the Year in 2005 and forms part of the Associated Motor Holdings group locally. Since inception, Hyundai SA has established a network of over 80 dealerships in Southern Africa, including Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana. Hyundai has a wide range of products and have a particularly good name for maintaining high customer service standards. Hyundai is the fastest growing automotive brand in the world, and have developed a strong brand amongst the South African motoring public. Our mission is to grow our brand on a reputation built on integrity; recognisable style, reliability and superior build quality. Further information about Hyundai Automotive South Africa and its products is available at www.hyundai.co.za.

TICKING ALL THE BOXES – AND CARRYING THEM TOO

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has turned their H1 panel van into the ultimate load-lugger with the addition of a turbodiesel derivative to the range, on sale from end-February at a recommended retail price of R264 900, with factory-fitted air-conditioning adding R10 000 to the price. Pricing includes Hyundai’s legendary 5-year/150 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan, as well as a cost-busting 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

With its reputation already established in the popular H1 nine-seater wagon, the 2,5-litre common-rail unit is now available in this capacious carrier. A 91 mm bore and a 96 mm stroke results in smooth operation from idle to redline, while a 16-valve 4-cylinder and all-aluminium construction confirm it to be of a thoroughly modern design. Headline numbers remain unchanged and on a diet of 500 ppm diesel it produces 120 kW at 3 800 revs/min and 392 Nm at 2 000 revs/min.

A drag coefficient of just 0.34 aids fuel efficiency, the steeply raked bonnet and A-pillars giving it an exceptionally aerodynamic profile. In the real world – as opposed to ideal laboratory conditions which are impossible to replicate – users can expect consumption in the region of 8.5 litres/100 km and emissions of 225 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

A total luggage volume of four cubic metres (that’s four thousand litres, or 20 baths filled to the brim) means fewer trips, and fewer trips mean less time and money spent.

But above all, a workhorse needs to be ‘fit for purpose’ and that’s been top of the design agenda:
• It is rear-wheel-driven, so that when fully laden the wheels that are carrying the load are also providing traction, leaving those at the front free to handle steering duties.
• Sliding doors are fitted on either side so no matter where you’re forced to park, loading and unloading can be carried out conveniently and safely. It also means the interior volume can be more completely utilised, and every nook and cranny filled.
• Minimal wheel arch intrusion means a load measuring 1.25 metres in width can lie against the floor. A sill height of just 550 mm makes for easy loading.
• From the hinged rear doors to the reinforced bulkhead separating the cargo from crew (with a glass upper section to add visibility and enabling the load to be monitored) there’s a 2.4 metre load length.
• The load area features a total of eight beefy lashing points, so that cargo can be securely stowed. And when the sun sets the work can go on, thanks to a powerful interior light above the back doors.
• With leaf-spring rear suspension, the H1 panel van is rated to carry 1 100 kilograms and tow up to 1 500 kilograms.
Safety was another design fundamental and thanks to the semi-bonnet layout, there is space for a substantial front crumple zone. In addition, the H1 has a series of reinforced ‘rings’ aligned with the key body pillars and linked with them across the floor and roof, as well as side impact protection beams in the doors. An all-disc braking system with four-channel ABS and electronic control of the fore/aft distribution of hydraulic pressure ensure maximum retardation even when fully laden. Dual airbags and outer front seatbelts equipped with pre-tensioners are fitted.

With its supportive and height-adjustable seat, adjustable steering column, boldly-marked instruments, large glass area and generously proportioned exterior mirrors and electric windows with auto-down for the driver, the workload of the man – or woman – behind the wheel is minimised; keeping fatigue at bay. So too does the benign handling characteristics and confidence-inspiring road holding, with accurate rack and pinion steering. Adding to its driver appeal is a remarkably agile 11,2 metre turning circle.

Thanks to a bench type passenger seat which adjusts separately from the driver’s, a third crew member can be comfortably accommodated. When the middle seat is vacant its backrest can be folded forward to reveal a moulded storage area with additional cup holders. Oddment space is a strong point generally, and dual glove compartments are complemented by upper and lower door pockets on both sides.

The option list is generous and includes central locking, air conditioning, alarm/immobiliser and a sound system (for which the vehicle is pre-wired) to enable owners to spec the vehicle to suit their exact requirements.

The new turbodiesel panel van is the logical combination of two proven entities from the Hyundai stable: the incredibly torquey yet frugal 2,5-litre powerplant and the generously proportioned and user-friendly H-1 body style. For business users this combination will represent a match made in heaven.