People-carrier with pace, space and grace

The engine has tons of low-down grunt and accelerates easily, even from cruising speeds.

There has been a strong demand from the market place for an oil-burning version of the H-1 and Hyundai's response in the shape of a strong-pulling 2.5-litre common-rail, DOHC 16-valve engine will be welcomed with open arms and eager chequebooks.

The engine has tons of low-down grunt and accelerates easily, even from cruising speeds, with 120kW and a muscular 392 Nm to help it on its way.

The hefty torque pull becomes noticeable from as low down as 2000 rpm, although there is a slight hesitation at kick-off.

Great for tour-guides

The five-speed auto-shift is an absolute pleasure. It's smooth and quick and will make the lives of operators such as driver-guides (for which this vehicle is perfectly suitable) an absolute pleasure.

Along with a group of motoring scribes, I drove the new diesel on stretches of motorway and through busy Jozi traffic at its local launch and we couldn't help but be impressed.

It cruised absolutely at ease at legal speed limits and seemed quite capable of the manufacturer's claimed maximum speed of 182 km/h, even with a full load on board.

The travelling quarters have an upmarket quality feel thanks to comfortable leather seats.click to enlarge

Hyundai claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 10,1 litres per 100 kilometres which is excellent for a vehicle of this type.

The big Hyundai is spacious (adjustable seats, easy entry and exit, more than enough space for heads, bums and legs) and the ride is seriously smooth with no irritating road, wind or engine noise intrusions.

Leather as standard, for an upmarket feel

The travelling quarters have an upmarket quality feel thanks to comfortable leather seats (the only vehicle in this class that offers leather as standard), the ambience created by a snazzy sound system (radio/CD/MP3, four speakers and two tweeters) and good air conditioning which can even be adjusted by rear seat passengers.

A great ambience is created by a snazzy sound system (radio/CD/MP3, four speakers and two tweeters) and good air conditioning.click to enlarge

Cup-holders, cabin lights, reading lights, plus lights in the cargo section, electric windows, adjustable seats, lots of storage spaces, height adjustable steering column and a remote fuel flap are other nice to haves.

Two outstanding features of the new H-1 are sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, and Park Assist for scratch and bump-free parking in tight spots.

Attractive alloys wheels (including a full-size spare wheel, which lives under the cargo floor), tinted windows and a high-lift tailgate add further pleasant touches to this classy Korean.

It is also a perfect match for larger families and for owners who like to tow boats, trailers, caravans and the like.

The all-round visibility is good, which makes it well suited to scenic trips and game drives. Even with eight big chaps aboard there was no feeling of being too tightly squashed in or not being able to see out.

Nine up, if you like

Although it will accommodate nine occupants, I think it's perfectly suited for a driver and four passengers, plus a good load of suitcases and golf bags, enough for a fairly long trip.

As a matter of interest, the H1 has more luggage space than just about anything else in this class.

Security comes in the shape of central locking, child lock on rear doors, transponder immobiliser and remote keyless entry with alarm.

But the real beauty of the H-1 is that it's not only a highly capable worker - whether it is used by hotels and tour operators or as a staff or small group transporter - but it is also a perfect match for larger families and for owners who like to tow boats, trailers, caravans and the like.

Peace in a package

In addition to its competitive price tag of R359 900, the further not insignificant appeal of the new diesel is wrapped-up in a peace-of-mind package that includes a five-year/150 000 km factory warranty, a five-year/100 000 km service plan, a five-year/100 000 km paint warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.

The Hyundai people-mover also got nods of approval for its safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags, crumple zones, side protection beams, adjustable seatbelts and headrests, as well as anti-submarining seats.

Security comes in the shape of central locking, child lock on rear doors, transponder immobiliser and remote keyless entry with alarm.

A challenger becoming a major player

In a highly-competitive market segment this new Hyundai diesel with all its special features, appealing price tag, service plan and warranties, would be my choice ahead of the Vito, Quantum, Kombi, Mazda and others.

Sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle are a great feature, and there's enough space for a Tiger and some friends.

Hyundai has built up a substantial market in Africa, with more than one million vehicles sold, and the brand is strong in South Africa with a growing dealership network, which already stands at 87.

As an indication of its high market esteem it has been honoured by SAVRALA for the last four years with a third overall in 2006 and 2007, a second overall in 2008 and the top honours in 2009 - the first imported vehicle to achieve this.

Hyundai is growing from its position of ‘challenger' in many vehicle segments in South Africa to that of major player and with products such as this new H-1 diesel this comes as no surprise.

Specifications