Hyundai iLoad Series II 2016: Review

Refreshed iLoad adds more safety and tech... for a price

Hyundai's recently released iLoad Series II brings modest design tweaks, more technology and a higher list price to the range. The addition of side airbags, a new infotainment array and a reversing camera increase the list price of the diesel model on test by $1500, but with the best after-sales program in the business, the iLoad range is still one of the best-value light commercial vans on the market. The 2016 Hyundai iLoad line-up is priced from $31,990 (plus on-road costs).

When you've been on the market for the best part of a decade, it's understandable that a little change will help maintain a model's appeal.

For the Hyundai iLoad Series II those changes are small – and a little expensive. New for 2016 is the inclusion of a refreshed infotainment array, side airbags (joining the dual front airbags offered previously) and a reversing camera for liftback models. The updates add between $1000-1500 to the list price of iLoad petrol and diesel models respectively, the former now priced from $31,990 (plus on-road costs).

Arguably they're changes that may improve the iLoad's sales performance. As the second-best selling van in its segment, the iLoad managed 955 sales to the end of February. It was pipped by the Toyota HiAce with 1055 sales during the same period. The gap to third place, currently held by the Renault Trafic, is huge; the French model selling just 259 units in the first two months of 2016. The segment's disproportionate sales mix is dominated by Hyundai and Toyota, the remaining seven entrants barely getting a look-in.

The iLoad on test is fitted with a direct-injected 2.5-litre four-cylinder variable geometry turbo-diesel making 125kW/441Nm – one of the most powerful engines in its class. Drive is via the rear wheels and a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai says the iLoad is good for 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle in this configuration, and on test we came close, at 9.6L. That number should allow almost 800km range from the iLoad's 75-litre fuel tank.

It's also a pretty brisk mover. Previously trucksales.com.au run the iLoad down the quarter mile with a 16.7sec time and terminal speed of 130.8km/h.

You can check out the video
here.

Of course the iLoad isn't all about performance, at least not from the perspective of speed. This is a load lugger first and foremost, and on that front, it performs very well. The load bay is accessed via twin all-steel sliding doors on each side and a windowed liftgate (with wiper/washer and demister) at the rear. Barn doors are available optionally ($550) allowing forklift access and reducing the distance between the iLoad and the car behind considerably.

Hyundai claims a cargo area of 4.4 cubic metres for the iLoad. The load bay is fitted with a heavy-duty rubber mat (which incidentally keeps road noise at a low 73dBA at 80km/h) and 10 very sturdy tie-down points. A timber floor can be optioned for $440. Our test model was also equipped with a mesh bulkhead – a must-have for driver and occupant protection in our view. The load floor height measures 590mm from the ground and payload is rated at 1098kg in the configuration tested.

If additional hauling is required, the iLoad can be optioned with roof racks and a 1500kg (braked) tow kit.

The iLoad's cabin is easily accessed via wide-opening doors, a forward step and sturdy grab handles on the A pillar. The seat is adjustable and well placed in relation to the primary controls, though we note that the steering wheel only offers tilt adjustment. The seat is comfortable and quite supportive, while the outboard seatbelts are adjustable for shoulder height. Unfortunately, the iLoad's middle seating position is secured only by a lap belt and therefore not recommended for the carriage of passengers.

Storage is handy with a folding centre tray, deep-set door pockets and bottle holders and a twin-lid glovebox. There's a small storage tray on the top of the dashboard and a fold-out cupholder in the centre stack. The centre stack is topped with a new HVAC array and 7.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment centre, the latter now including voice to text, Siri Eyes Free (iPhone) and Google Now (Android) voice control, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming), USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio connectivity and the aforementioned reversing camera.

The reversing camera adds to the iLoad's decent outward vision, the large wing mirrors and generous windscreen a clear benefit to inner-city manoeuvring.

On the subject of manoeuvring, we found the iLoad's 11.2m turning circle to be terrific in tight spots. The hydraulically-assisted steering is well assisted, too, but at freeway speeds is solid enough to maintain a steady course. Unlike some in this segment, the iLoad is further equipped with traction and stability control, contributing to a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

The iLoad's strut (front) / leaf (rear) suspension is well composed and surprisingly comfortable considering its commercial focus. The rear isn't as harsh as we expected, but settles further with a little weight in the rear, obviously. We sampled the iLoad with 400kg of payload and found no diminishment of performance or any evidence of 'sag' over the rear axle.

Braking performance is likewise confident with all-disc anti-lock brakes (300mm twin-piston front / 324mm single-piston rear) and electronic brake-force distribution. The pedal stroke is descent and the pedal placement in relation to the throttle close enough to eliminate calf strain through repetitive use – something we can't say of the Ford Transit. The park brake is mechanical and fitted on the floor between the front seats.

Cornering is competent and the ride settled. We appreciate the inclusion of cruise control for highway trips. There is no trip computer as such (only a dual odometer set-up) and note the indicators are oddly quiet. Headlight performance is excellent, though we found it necessary to dim the centre screen independently of the cabin illumination. The iLoad is also equipped with self-locking doors, and power windows and mirrors.

It's a small thing, but we also appreciate the new flip key. The old iLoad key had its remote button on the side of the key and was easy to accidentally depress when putting the key in your pocket. We can't help but wonder how many tradies and couriers have inadvertently left their iLoads unlocked as a result.

We also note that the Hyundai iLoad comes with the best after-sales program in the business. Combining a generous five-year/160,000km warranty with complimentary roadside assistance (extended with each service for a maximum of seven years' cover), a three-year/45,000km capped-price servicing plan and 12-month/15,000km service intervals the iLoad is well covered to say the least.

With a full model change not expected for another couple of years, the improvements to the iLoad are nothing if not worthwhile. They might add a little to the model's price, but the inclusions are worth the outlay – especially to those who make their livelihood behind the wheel.

2016 Hyundai iLoad Series II pricing and specifications:

Price: $40,990 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel

Output: 125kW/441Nm

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)

CO2: 232g/km (ADR Combined)

Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP

What we liked:

>> Practical load space

>> Strong, efficient engine

>> Generous after-sales support

Not so much:

>> Modest price increase

>> Centre seat lap belt only

>> No steering reach adjustment

Also consider:

>> Ford Transit Custom (from $47,680 plus ORCs)

>> Renault Trafic (from $34,490 plus ORCs)

>> Toyota HiAce (from $32,990 plus ORCs)

Hyundai iLoad Series II 2016: Review

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