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As timings go the launch of Hyundai's iLoad could have
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been better, what with the economy in meltdown and the cost of running a business now greater than a banker's bonus.
However, the Korean company believes its mediumsized panel van (and crewcab) has enough up its sleeve to grab a slice of this competitive sector, thanks to a couple of key selling points that are targeted at those who want to buy a light CV on a budget and enjoy minimal ongoing costs.
First, there's the price an attention-grabbing £13,595 for the Comfort package and £12995 for the Classic, which deletes air-con, passenger airbag and one-touch window operation. Second, there's the warranty an ownershipfriendly five-year/unlimited miles arrangement.
Combine these with an impressive level of standard equipment electric windows and door mirrors, air-con, full steel bulkhead, twin side loading doors and CD/radio and it all starts to look very tempting on paper.
However, those who make their buying decision solely on price and warranty may question this when at the roadside. So let's take a closer look.
Powered by a 2.5-litre common-rail diesel, which produces 114hp and 343Nm of torque and driving the rear wheels (a rarity in this class), the iLoad comes in one size (overall length 5,125mm) and weighs in at 3,230kg GVW.
Hyundai is initially targeting small to medium-sized businesses, with predicted sales of 300 for the first year, but it is eyeing up the fleet market in the long term.
The vans will be serviced through its existing network of 140 dealers.
Productivity
For a van that wears its cost on its sleeve, does the iLoad make financial sense on the CM fuel run?
For the laden trip, we recorded 35.3mpg, which matched up well to the competition, beating all except the MercedesBenz Vito's 38.7mpg. Unladen, we saw consumption improve to 37.3mpg, giving it a middleranking spot in the class.
In terms of carrying ability, the iLoad has a payload of I,059kg and a load volume of 5.4m3, while getting it in is conducted via standard twin side and rear-opening doors.
However, when it comes to the side doors, there are two issues that lay bare the iLoad's MPV roots and reduce its loading effectiveness.
There's a severe intrusion from the curvature of the bulkhead, which hinders admission for the loader as well as the upright stacking of cargo. This is compounded by the limited side door travel, which doesn't completely clear the aperture when fully opened.
Inside, you get 10 tie-down points along the floor to secure the load, but no optional floor covering to absorb the knocks when out in the field.
Furthermore, there's no remote central locking, not even as an option, and that's unforgiveable on a vehicle that's going to be constantly loaded and unloaded.
Having the rear doors glazed, particularly with privacy glass or a vinyl covering listed as options, won't go down too well for operators looking for maximum load security.
On the downtime front, the servicing intervals of 10,000 compare poorly with those of many of its rivals, which, in some cases, touch 20,000 miles,
Cab comfort It may take its styling cues from an MPV but the iLoad's interior does enough to compete successfully with its commercial rivals, providing an accommodating and practical work area.
Driver access is good on the whole, but despite the benefit of a multi-adjustable seat and steering wheel to help get comfortable, the iLoad's forward vision is less than panoramic.This is due to the short. angled windscreen, which makes it hard to judge the front of the vehicle.
The interior itself is awash with black plastic, but the overall design of the dash and clarity of instrumentation are strong and combine well with the driving position.
Secondary controls are also easy to identify thanks to a well-planned central console, although the passenger seating arrangement is a mixed bag.
While the window seat is generous in proportion, its individual styling limits the space for a separate central seat, which is little more than a bench, and suffers from reduced leg room due to the transmission intrusion.
That said, it's adequate o""ver shorter distances and includes a folding back rest that incorporates a working surface and two cup-holders when flat.
This utility function is complemented by split-level door bins, which are practical in design; a further two retracting cupholders in the central dash; and a couple of small cabbies.
We were also impressed with the overall dimensions, which made cross-cab access easy, while the standard of fit and finish throughout gave no cause for concern, contributing to the low interior noise when on the move and making the load a comfortable place to be.
On the road
There was a certain curiosity in discovering how the iLoad drove, given its new-kid-on-the-block status. Would Hyundai get it right competing with the might of Germany and France oh, and Britain in a European market?
After careful assessment we can say the new challenger impressed. While no boundaries were pushed, it did everything without complaint and in a composed manner.
One of the key elements was the engine, which provided an impressive degree of torque from low revs, building up progressively towards the redline. Its ability was backed by a smoothness in operation that made working the unit all the more gratifying, particularly when travelling over a variety of road types. Mated to a well spaced five-speeder that's short in throw, if a little notehy, it allows decent progress with a full load on board.
Elsewhere, the steering has a decent degree of weighting to it, which works well at higher speeds, although its vagueness in slower corners keeps you disconnected from the action below.
This was also a consequence of the suspension. With its compliant nature there wasn't a particularly dynamic feel to the road holding the soft suspension inducing understeer when pushed.
Yet ultimately the Hyundai gipped well without any hidden surprises, although we would have preferred stronger ultimate braking, possibly with the addition of EBD to help distribute the force, as the iLoad did lack some bite in the emergency stopping test. •