Hyundai H1: The Big Easy...

For its size, it's easy to handle, and will haul all the kids, plus the kitchen sink, with ease.

The Korean manufacturer has already built up a good name for itself in this market segment with its H1 bus that has become tremendously popular with families, tour operators and shuttle service companies since its introduction to this country two years ago.

Just like the H1 bus the new Multicab is extremely competitively priced and it offers luxury and safety features that no other manufacturer can match in this segment. What's more it offers the choice between a frugal petrol engine or a punchy turbo-diesel and five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Features that will immediately appeal across the board is its large cargo hold (big enough to accommodate a small motor bike, a couple of bales of horse fodder or all the gear a family of four will need for a week-long trip to the Kgalagadi Game Park), comfortable, air-conditioned six-seat accommodation, impressive towing ability, 4 Star test crash rating and quality finish - but probably most of all its price tags of R279 000 for the petrol model and R339 000 for the diesel-powered H1.

Sweeteners for you

The low sill makes loading and unloading a breeze.

What's more Hyundai also throws in deal-sweeteners such as its five-year/150 000km warranty and roadside assistance plan, as well as a cost-busting five-year/90 000km service plan.

Hyundai reckons the H1 is well positioned to draw buyers discouraged by the cramped cabins, uncomfortable, noisy ride and price tags of double-cabs as well as owners who are considering downsizing from their SUV's and MPV's.

While no vehicle in this segment is destined to blow anybody's socks off with its striking design the H1 is not a bad looker with lots of glass (instead of van-like metal panels), cool 16-inch alloy wheels and attractive headlights that are also chip- crack- and sun-fade resistant.

The living quarters are kitted out with cup holders, remote central locking, auto-locking doors, a child lock on the rear doors, air conditioning, alarm/immobiliser and an audio system that includes a radio with MP3 player, USB and AUX input ports and iPod adaptability. As with other Hyundai passenger vehicles, an iPod adapter cable is also standard equipment.

And there's more, folks...

All the mod-cons, and more.

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To this you can add dual door pockets, twin glove box, a pretty instrument cluster, remote bonnet- and petrol cap releases, a full-size spare wheel that can only be removed via a lowering mechanism from inside the vehicle, a tool kit under the driver's seat and easy passenger access via dual sliding doors.

Load haulers will like its huge upright tailgate and the fact that the vehicle is rated to carry 1100kg and tow up to 1500kg (braked) and 750kg (unbraked).

Further practicality comes in the shape of a reinforced bulkhead separating the cargo from the passengers (with a glass upper section to add visibility and enabling the load to be monitored). The hold has six sturdy lashing points so that cargo can be securely fastened or tied down and a powerful interior light above the back doors.

The H1 also scores well in the safety features department, thanks to its front crumple zone, side impact protection beams in all four doors, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), dual airbags, three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners for the driver and front passenger and those travelling on the outsides of the rear bench. The 2.5 VGTi diesel derivative also has an Electronic Stability Programme.

Good to go

The ride is comfortable, and amazingly quiet for a diesel.

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The 2.4-litre, 16 valve petrol model, armed with a five-speed manual transmission, produces 126kW and 227 Nm and Hyundai says it will get to a top speed of 182km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 17.9 seconds. CO2 emissions are given as 240g/km and fuel consumption of 10.2 litres/100km has been measured in a mixed cycle.

At the Motoring Media launch in Cape Town I took the helm of a 2.5VGTi turbo-diesel and it certainly was quite willing to trot. The manufacturer claims a top speed of 180km/h and says it will take 14.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h. Fuel consumption of 9.7 litres/100km is claimed in a combined cycle of city and open road driving.

The Big Easy...

It's an open and shut case of accessibility.

It has become very much the norm for workhorse-makers to claim car-like ride qualities for their automotive off-spring but in the H1's case this is no idle claim by Hyundai. The H1 is amazingly quiet for a diesel, it holds the road well and even when you feed it lots of takkie it handles with poise. I liked the relatively sharp and positive feel of the vehicle's Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) and its tight turning circle of only 11.2 metres which makes for easy parking, even in tight spots.

Finding a suitable driving position is also a doddle, thanks to its height-adjustable seat and adjustable steering column. Visibility is excellent thanks to acres of glass all round and large outside mirrors. Overall it is a pleasantly easy vehicle to drive, considering its size and space and I won't be surprised to see them on Mum's Taxi school runs in the near future, even although Hyundai SA is restricted to only about 600 this year.

The H1 offers a very appealing blend of family wagon, people hauler and load carrier at prices way below the rest and armed with features that set new standards for this segment in terms of comfort, safety and versatility.

Specifications

2011 Hyundai H1.Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour