HYUNDAI has taken the Australian van market by storm since it launched the mid-sized iLoad in early 2008.

The company wasted little time in pinching sales from established segment rivals, and by 2011 the iLoad had dethroned the venerable Toyota HiAce as the top-selling van in the country.

After a week of driving a diesel variant, it’s easy to see why so many tradies and delivery drivers have opted for this impressively car-like Korean contender. It’s gutsy, practical and tough, and features a class-leading warranty to boot.

Not without its faults, the iLoad is an exceedingly assured debut from Hyundai in the commercial market.