For small and large businesses alike, cost-cutting is very much a focus in today’s financial climate – and in the form of the new iLoad, Hyundai has the answer. On sale now, the rear-wheel drive medium panel van offers an incredible specification, as well as one of the best payloads and cargo areas in its class. Built in Korea, the iLoad has been designed with input from Hyundai’s European design and research centre in Ruesselsheim, Germany, meaning it is focused on European needs and tastes.

 

As well as functionality, the iLoad offers style and refinement. Unlike many vans, luxury equipment and a high level of standard specification mean no unpleasant compromises for the driver – despite the promise of low running costs. Priced at £13,595 (excluding VAT and On The Road costs), the iLoad Comfort is equipped with double rear and twin side-loading doors and a full-size steel bulkhead as standard. Its overall payload is 1062kg, while a load length of 2375mm, width of 1620mm and height of 1350mm allow enough space to comfortably accommodate two standard pallets.

 

The overall load volume for the iLoad is 4.3 cubic metres. As well as the standard panel van, a six-seat double cab model is offered as a special-order option, while both models can be ordered with ESP if required. What’s more, the iLoad is backed up by Hyundai’s famous five-year warranty, which also covers the vehicle against mechanical defects for up to 100,000 miles – taking yet another load off the user’s mind!

 

Gone are the days when van drivers would settle for a vehicle that was slow, noisy and frustrating to drive – meaning that a modern, fuel-efficient diesel engine is considered essential in today’s market. Luckily, the iLoad delivers. Under the bonnet lives a thoroughly up-to-date 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine similar to that found in Hyundai’s much-lauded i800 people carrier. With 116PS (114bhp) channelled through a five-speed manual gearbox the iLoad delivers car-like performance, yet with 343Nm (253lb ft) of torque available between just 1,750 and 2,500rpm, it’s more than up to the job of hauling heavy loads - up to the max payload of 1062kg. Another of the iLoad’s advantages is its rear-wheel-drive layout.

 

Most small to medium rivals have a front wheel-drive configuration, yet to benefit from the best levels of traction with a load on board, it makes sense to have the driven wheels directly beneath the weight rather than trying to pull it along from the front. There are benefits too for manoeuvrability – with no driveshafts getting in the way of the front wheels, the iLoad has a tight turning circle of just 5.6 metres – a real bonus for drivers who need to thread into small spaces. The layout also helps with safety, as the iLoad’s dynamically-developed, reinforced chassis offers excellent levels of stiffness and results in predictable, reassuring roadholding - no matter what 9 the load. Ventilated disc brakes front and rear also add reassurance for the driver.

 

Other safety features include twin airbags for the driver and passenger – unusual in this class – as well as a full-size steel bulkhead as standard, heightadjustable seatbelts with pre-tensioners, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and the option of ESP.

 

You might not expect a van to be luxurious but Hyundai has a reputation for providing more for your money, and iLoad drivers won’t be left wanting when it comes to kit and comfort. The standard equipment list puts many more expensive rivals to shame, with air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, a CD stereo with aux-in connectivity, height adjustable steering column, twin airbags, heightadjustable driver’s seat and seatbelts, twin side loading doors, a full-sized, glazed steel bulkhead and masses of cabin storage all included in the £13,595 price (excluding VAT and OTR costs).

 

The impressive list of standard equipment is backed up by an equally comprehensive list of options, designed to make life easier on the road. For starters, iLoad customers can choose a six-seater double cab option for £2,000, making the van ideal to carry workers as well as tools. Hyundai’s touch-screen Smartnav™ (provided by Trafficmaster) is available at £508.70, including three years’ worth of routes and vehicle tracking, while other options include ESP (£450) privacy glass for the sliding side doors on crew van models (£134.78), extra dark rear door glass (£100.00) or a vinyl cover for the rear door glazing to block visibility completely into the load area, priced at £95.65. All prices exclude VAT. Four colours are available – Ceramic White, Sleek Silver Metallic, Space Black Mica and Blue Sapphire Mica. Metallic and Mica colours are a £340 option.