Hyundai iLoad (09 on) - Review

The Hyundai iLoad is a great value and well equipped medium van that is a strong alternative to a mid-wheelbase Ford Transit. With a high level of refinement, a comfortable cabin and a smooth yet punchy diesel engine it's little surprise that there's a passenger car version in the shape of the i800 people carrier. Practicality is excellent - two standard pallets easily fit in the back thanks to a load volume of 4.3 cubic metres and twin sliding side doors come as standard. But perhaps the best bit is the five-year/100,000 mile warranty. It's a shame then that the range is limited with only a single wheelbase, roof height and engine available. But for small and medium businesses who run a handful of vehicles, it's ideal.

The iLoad shares much with the i800 people carrier and nowhere is this more evident than in the cabin. Unlike many other vans, it's fully trimmed in carpet or plastic, so there's no exposed metal. The upside is that this gives it a smart, comfortable feel. However, it also means that it can be difficult to keep clean. There's little engine or road noise, making the iLoad great for long distances, helped by the comfortable and supportive seats. The layout of the switches and instruments is also clear and easy to get in with - although it's annoying that the neat looking stereo doesn't have RDS, so needs to be constantly retuned on the move. Storage could be better too. Although the double level door pockets are large and there's a useful slot for a mobile phone next to the gear lever, there's no dash top cubby or anywhere to hold paperwork in place. On the plus side, all models get air conditioning, plus electric windows and mirrors.

The iLoad was developed alongside the i800 people carrier and this shows in the handling. Unlike many alternatives, it's rear-wheel drive, which means great traction with heavy loads. It also results in impressive manoeuvrability with a turning circle of just 5.6 metres. The stiff chassis helps in corners with plenty of composure and good grip, while the steering has impressive feel for a van and doesn't want to self-centre as eagerly as the previous H100 van from Hyundai. There's only one engine available - a 2.5-litre common-rail diesel with 116bhp and plenty of torque, which helps it pull well from low revs. It's refined and smooth while the five-speed gearbox is precise and light, making nipping in out of traffic easy.