Hyundai revamps iMax, iLoad van line-up

HYUNDAI Motor Company Australian (HMCA) has updated its two-model van range, the iMax people mover and the iLoad light-commercial van, with new looks and upgraded specification.

A new black bar grille now sits front and centre on both models, which is surrounded by a chrome lip trim and flanked by redesigned, automatic headlights. iMax models also gain a new front bumper with integrated foglights.

The steering column for both iMax and iLoad now also feature a telescoping function in addition to height adjustment, while other interior upgrades extend to a new-look instrument cluster with trip computer, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and fresh cloth upholstery.

Hyundai’s people-mover line-up has also been consolidated with the removal of the six-speed manual iMax, replaced by a new five-speed automatic version, dubbed Active, that slices $300 from the price of entry, at $43,990 before on-roads.

Powered by the same 2.5-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine, the iMax Active develops 125kW of power at 3600rpm and maximum 441Nm of torque from 2000-2250rpm, while fuel economy is rated at 8.8 litres per 100km.

In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the iMax Active also features four airbags, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric folding mirrors with integrated side indicators and a six-speaker sound system – the latter two being new additions to Hyundai’s people mover.

Topping the new iMax range is the $48,490 Elite variant that has the same powertrain as the Active but adds more luxury with the inclusion of a beige leather interior, a two-tone dashboard, 17-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare wheel, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, chrome bar grille inserts, heated front pews, a cooled driver’s seat and a dual sunroof.

Meanwhile, the iLoad range – which also uses the same 2.5-litre CRDi diesel engine – will kick off at $38,790 with the six-speed manual in liftback body style, moving up to $39,340 for the twin swing version, $40,790 for the crew van liftback and $41,340 for the crew van twin swing.

Opting for the five-speed automatic version of each iLoad will add $3000 to the asking price but also net buyers cruise control, while standard gear extends to four airbags, 16-inch steel wheels, a reversing camera on liftback versions, Bluetooth connectivity, front power windows and cruise control on automatic-equipped vehicles.

Both models are available with metallic paint for an additional $695 and qualify for Hyundai’s lifetime service plan pricing.

For the first four months of the year, Hyundai’s iMax people mover has dropped 55.9 per cent in sales ,from 435 to 192 new registrations, placing it well off the pace of sub-$60,000 people-mover market leaders such as the Kia Carnival (1962), Honda Odyssey (653) and LDV G10 Wagon (284).

Hyundai’s iLoad has dropped 33.7 per cent in sales so far in 2018, with 1413 sales to the end of April, enough for second place in the mid-size van segment behind the Toyota Hiace van (2043).

2018 Hyundai iMax pricing*

Active (a)	$43,990
Elite (a)	$48,490

2018 Hyundai iLoad pricing*

Van liftback	$38,790
Van liftback (a)	$41,790
Van twin swing	$39,340
Van twin swing (a)	$42,340
Crew van liftback	$40,790
Crew van liftback (a)	$43,790
Crew van twin swing	$41,340
Crew van twin swing (a)	$44,340

*Excludes on-road costs