Since being released in Australia in February 2008, Hyundai Motor Company Australia's iLoad commercial van range and iMax people mover have proven to be a huge sales success; buyers enjoying comfort, style and practicality at an affordable price.

ANCAP's Program manager, Michael Case, congratulated Hyundai on achieving a 4-star rating for the iLoad and iMax range.

"ANCAP is pleased to announce that both the iMax and iLoad have been awarded a 4-star safety rating by ANCAP," Mr Case said. "Hyundai has taken the decision to actively raise the safety bar for its fleet and has been working with ANCAP in a bid to ensure safety is built in and the vehicles incorporate the latest safety features."

Now iMax and iLoad owners have even more of a reason for giving themselves a pat on the back for having made the right choice. In recent ANCAP tests, both vehicles (from March 2009-build onwards) scored a four-star occupant safety rating.

"We're tremendously proud of the result," said Hyundai's Director of Sales and Marketing Kevin McCann. "While we've always known that our semi-bonneted design - with more 'real estate' to engineer in crumple zones - affords occupants much greater protection than is possible with straight forward control (cab-over) style vans, it's great to see our conviction vindicated by ANCAP's rigorous and independent test regimes."

Customer feedback suggests that there are a number of reasons for the popularity of the two vehicles. "People like the fact that they get all the power and torque they want from the 2.5 litre Common Rail Direct injection turbo Diesel, while not missing out on fuel efficiency," McCann explains. "And the 2.4 litre petrol engine is also very frugal - something that's very important nowadays. Other reasons for ownership pleasure and satisfaction include the payload capacity - up to 1132kg - and our five year warranty."

The award-winning Hyundai iMax and iLoad are extremely well-specified for the price (from $29,990^ for the iLoad and $36,990^ for the iMax), with ABS and EBD standard across the range, dual front airbags, keyless entry, alarm, height-adjustable seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seat passengers, tilt steering, air conditioning, rear wiper, auxiliary input for both iPod® and MP3 players, sliding doors on both sides to maximise ease of cargo or passenger access and optional locking differential for use on muddy building sites.

The iLoad van and crew van run a leaf spring rear suspension more suited to commercial loads, whereas the iMax shuttle has a five-link coil spring arrangement that offers a more comfortable ride for those in the rearmost seats.

It's in the attention to detail that the vehicles shine. Built to purpose, the iLoad for example comes as both a three-seat van and six-seat crew van workhorse aimed at both trade and logistics customers. Optional twin-swing rear doors mean it will accept two fully-loaded pallets straight from a forklift - no need for manual handling, with its associated operator downtime and labour. While the doors swing out to more than 90° in default configuration, the removal of a simple hinge pin sees them swinging through more than 180° for maximum load space access. iLoads powered by the 392 Nm CRDi turbo Diesel can be optioned up with ESP Stability Control (ESP) incorporating Traction Control System (TCS).

Another feature is the centre seat backrest, which can tilt forward when not in use to form a wide armrest with inbuilt cup holders and open-topped centre storage compartment, or tilt back into the cargo area to form a handy stool for tradespeople who need to do a bit of work in the shelter of the van. There are ten sturdy floor-mounted tie-down eyes in the iLoad van, and six in the crew van, ensuring peace of mind when securing the load during transit. This is a vehicle where the needs of the commercial buyer have been researched and analysed before manufacturing even started. Delivery Magazine recognised this by awarding the iLoad CRDi range the title of 'Best Van of the Year' 2009 (the iLoad CRDi 6 seat crew van was given the honour of 'Best Medium Van' 2008). Totting up a total of over 3,500 sales since launch makes it runner-up in Australian van sales.

Likewise, the eight-seater iMax (in CRDi configuration currently Australia's 'Best People Mover' as voted by Australia's seven State and Territory-based motoring clubs) completely fulfils the needs of transit operators in the tourism, entertainment, corporate and commercial sectors, as well as providing the ideal transport for large families who also require reasonable luggage space.

Boasting all the features of the iLoad and significantly more affordable than many European and Japanese entrants in the sector, the Hyundai iMax shuttle demonstrates Hyundai's burgeoning emergence as a global player. With two comfortable bucket seats up front and two rows of seats in the rear - each accommodating three adults in total comfort, with copious legroom - there's still some 850 litres of luggage space; evidence that yet again, this is a design thought out from the ground up. The middle seating row features 60:40 split/fold capability and also slides forwards or backwards, tailoring occupant needs as required. A two-tone interior trim, six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone ducted air conditioning with six individually controllable overhead vents to optimise individual ambient temperature, creates true car-like interior ambience. ESP Stability control (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS) are standard on models with the high output CRDi (turbo Diesel) engine. Significantly, the iMax has sold over 1,200 variants since launch.

A range of Genuine Hyundai Accessories is available for customers to ensure their iLoad or iMax is tailored to their needs. The range includes Bluetooth® Phone Kit, Tailored Carpet and Rubber Floor Mats to protect the interior, Alloy Nudge Bar, Roof Racks to carry snow boards, surf boards and bikes, Full Technician Kit, Front & Reverse Park Assist, Courier's Wooden Floor (iLoad) and Rubber Cargo Mat (iLoad). All Genuine Hyundai Accessories are covered by Hyundai's Australian first 5 year Accessory warranty with unlimited kilometres.

"The Hyundai iLoad is currently 2nd in the light commercial segment, achieving an outstanding 13% market share in only 18 months," said Kevin McCann. "This can be attributed to the range offering outstanding value for money and now, with the release of the four-star ANCAP safety rating, buyers have all the more reason to say "i's for me!" Make no mistake, its one tough range!"

SPECIFICATIONS AND MANUFACTURER'S LIST PRICES AT A GLANCE

Hyundai iLoad 2.4 litre petrol powertrain
Peak power: 129 kW @ 6,000 rpm
Peak torque: 228 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel consumption*: 10.1 L/100 km (manual)
CO2 emissions: 238 g/km (manual)
Towing capacity: 1,500 kg (braked); 750 kg (unbraked)

Hyundai iLoad 2.5 litre CRDi turbo Diesel powertrain
Peak power: 125 kW @ 3,800 rpm
Peak torque: 392 NM @2,000 to 2,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed Selectronic automatic
Fuel consumption*: 8.5 L/100 km (manual); 9.6 L/100 km (auto)
CO2 emissions: 225 g/km (manual); 253 g/km (auto)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (braked manual); 1,500 kg (braked auto); 750 kg (unbraked manual & auto)

Hyundai iMax 2.4 litre petrol powertrain
Peak power: 129 kW @ 6,000 rpm
Peak torque: 228 Nm @ 4,200rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel consumption*: 10.6 L/100 km (auto)
CO2 emissions: 250 g/km (auto)
Towing capacity: 1,500kg (braked); 750kg (unbraked)

Hyundai iMax 2.5 litre CRDi turbo Diesel powertrain
Peak power: 125kW @ 3,800rpm
Peak torque: 392Nm @ 2,000 to 2,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed Selectronic automatic
Fuel consumption*: 8.5 L/100 km (manual); 9.8 L/100 km (auto)
CO2 emissions: 225 g/km (manual); 259 g/km (auto)
Towing capacity: 2,000 kg (braked); 750 kg (unbraked)

^Note: Manufacturer's List Price (inclusive of GST, excludes Dealer delivery and statutory charges). The Hyundai iLoad and iMax have seen no price change since launching in Australia.

*Source: ADR 81/02 static laboratory combined average city & highway cycle test. Fuel consumption will vary depending on a combination of driving habits and the condition of the vehicle.

For further information:

Ben Hershman,
Senior Manager Product Communications and Public Relations
t: 02 8873 6000
m: 0401 989 707
e: ben_hershman@hyundai.com.au

Stephen Howard,
Media Specialist
t: 02 8873 6026
m: 0401 990 135
e: stephen_howard@hyundai.com.au

Hyundai Motor Company Australia
Established in 1967, the Hyundai Automotive Group is the world's fifth largest and fastest growing major automotive manufacturer. Hyundai Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd (HMCA) was established on October 1st, 2003 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company. The award-winning range of Hyundai vehicles continues to set segment and industry benchmarks in value, quality and safety, with innovations such as ESP Stability Program and Australia's first five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres.
2008 marks Hyundai Motor Company Australia's entrance into the Light Commercial Vehicle market in Australia.

For more information visit: www.hyundai.com.au