Seven years after it was last in the commercial vehicle arena, Hyundai has made a return.
The iLoad is a CV version of the firm’s i800 eight-seat MPV launched last summer and is powered by a 114PS 2.5-litre diesel engine.
The model line-up has been kept simple: it comes in two specifications and as either a standard van or crew cab, the latter a £2000 step up that adds a three-seat bench in the second row, reducing load volume from 4.3 to 2.5 cubic metres.
We’ve tried the straightforward panel van in the higher Comfort spec. For the extra £600 over the Classic you get air conditioning, electric mirrors and a passenger airbag, adding to the auxiliary input socket, full-height bulkhead, driver’s airbag and twin sliding side doors already standard.
ESP anti-skid control is, though, on the options list at £450, along with items such extra dark rear glass at £100 or a £96 vinyl cover for the rear glazing that protects loads from prying eyes.
The iLoad is very manoeuvrable with good visibility and a decent turning circle.
However, there is a pay-off as it’s smaller than its main rivals. The 4.3cu/m load volume is a whole cubic metre shy of the short-wheelbase Vauxhall Vivaro and 1.5 away from a SWB VW Transporter, while load length, width and height are also considerably adrift of the VW and Vauxhall. According to Hyundai, however, the iLoad will slot in two conventional Euro pallets.
The iLoad is an attractive, very well-priced alternative to the established LCV brands, and Hyundai hopes it will attract small- and medium-sized fleets to a badge that, after seven years, can now offer a commercial vehicle to back up its rapidly-improving car range.
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