At the public unveiling of its first van designed for Europe, Hyundai has released more details on specifications for the H350 large panel van, including weights, dimensions and driveline options. However, the South Korean manufacturer remained quiet on pricing and the exact timings of arrival into dealerships in the UK.
Style
Visually, the H350 seems to have modelled itself on two of the dominant forces in the sector. The hexagonal grille and rhombus headlights are similar to the Transit, while the details on the load area resemble that of the Sprinter. However close the resemblance; the designers have made a good job of developing a smart and solid look for the H350.
Loading and Safety
It will be available as a minibus, chassis cab or panel van, and will be built in monocoque form using high strength steel. Safety is provided by all round disc brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (or ESP/ESC), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and more.
Rather surprisingly, only two variants will be offered with the H350 panel van, a lot less than the seven or eight that many of the other manufacturers offer. Both are rated at 3.5 tonnes (the maximum allowed on a conventional car licence and without the need for extra operator legislation), and offer payloads of between 1,336 and 1,365kg on the short wheelbase, and 1,233 and 1,262kg on the long.
In terms of dimensions, the load box of both variants measures 1955mm high by 1795mm wide, and 1380mm between the wheelarches. The difference is the length; the short wheelbase offers 3100mm of load length, while the long wheelbase offers 3780mm.
Driveline
Hyundai’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel unit, which also features in the iLoad, occupies the engine bay and comes with a choice of two gutsy outputs. The entry-level 148bhp provides a broad range of torque, peaking at 373Nm between 1,350 and 2,750rpm, while the 168bhp model peaks at 422Nm between 1,500 and 2750rpm.
The H350 will be, interestingly, rear wheel drive like the Sprinter, which explains the bemusing amount of payload, while only a 6-speed manual will initially be available.
Availability
The H350 will hit European showrooms next year, whilst we in the UK are expected to have to wait at least an extra 12 months. There has been no word on pricing, but we anticipate it should be fairly competitive.
