2008 Hyundai iLoad Review
April 30, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Hyundai H1 iLoad Review & Road Test
Sure to prove popular with those who have nothing to prove.
Models Tested:
- 2008 Hyundai H1 iLoad Cargo Van 2.4l petrol five speed manual – $29,990 (RRP)
- 2008 Hyundai H1 iLoad Crew Van 2.5l turbo diesel automatic – $38,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $350; Twin Swing Tail Gate $550; Locking Differential $700; Nudge Bar $650; Tow Bar with Ball & Harness $550; Rhino Full Technicians Roof Rack System $1,260; Air Conditioning Curtain $185; Cargo Barrier $495
Diesel Engine a winner, Loads of Room, Built Tough & Simple
Petrol Engine too weak, Exposed Wiring Loom on Barn Doors
CarAdvice Rating: 
(Petrol)
CarAdvice Rating: (Diesel)
- by Matt Brogan
When you think of heading out to buy your next work van, the choices are rather astonishing. It would seem there’s a never ending array of wheel bases, roof heights and engine combinations to choose from, all of which soon enough start adding up to only one thing – a rather large bill.
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone offered you a dependable, basic work vehicle which was not only cheap to purchase, but cheap to run, cheap to service and offered a warranty second to none? Now, someone has.
Hyundai have made a big impact on the large van sector this year with the introduction of their all new, Turkish built iLoad commercial and iMax passenger orientated van series.
iLoad Cargo Van in ‘Crystal White’
Determined to offer the value associated with the brand whilst losing none of the durable and, dare I say it, unbreakable reliability this sector of vehicles requires, the i-Series vans are sure to prove popular among those who have nothing to prove.
All too often now the trades vehicle is either an over priced Euro offering that spends too much time in the shop, or a small car based utility that’s more show pony than work horse. The iLoad on the other hand is neither of these things and instead promises to fill the gap with modest, reliable transport for just about any application.
The first of our contenders is the petrol powered Cargo Van. It’s well built, easy to drive, surprisingly manoeuvrable, and although a little more gutless than its diesel cousin, is nonetheless fluid to drive and very stable, even at highway speeds.
The 2.4 litre DOHC four cylinder petrol develops 129kW @ 6,000rpm but lacks the ability to rev quickly with only 228Nm available from 4,200 revs. The result is an engine that is challenged when confronted with any considerable payload and struggles to perform well in traffic or on the open road, especially if hills are involved.
Sitting rather high in the semi-bonneted front the engine has one saving grace in that it drives the rear wheels giving a very positive feel through corners. The five speed manual offers a good spread of cogs and is rather light to use with a decent clutch helping things along considerably.
ADR fuel consumption tests claim 10.1 litres / 100km (combined), though in a week of driving – mainly around town and mainly unloaded – I found this very hard to believe. Our tests managed mid 12s and I’d dare say this would be even higher with a little weight on board.
iLoad Crew Van in ‘Sleek Silver’
The middle (or third) seat offers only a lap type seat belt and is perhaps wide enough only for a skinny apprentice thanks to the floor mounted centre hand brake and is more useful with the tray flipped down offering small work area and two additional cup holders to those already offered in the dash. If you need to carry the team, Crew Van is definitely the pick of the pair.
A decent spread of creature comforts are offered as standard including remote central locking, AM/FM audio with single CD, power steering, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, front and rear mud flaps and tilt adjustable steering. I’d like to have seen cruise control fitted, even as an option, and perhaps the inclusion of bluetooth given the vehicle’s application.
Twin sliding side doors and optional rear barn doors (lift type standard) offer easy access to the cargo area which offers 2375mm long x 1620mm wide (1260 between the arches) x 1350mm high dimensions over a leaf sprung rear end giving a maximum 1055kg payload.
The barn doors’ exposed wiring looms for the rear demister could pose an issue with objects catching them on entry/egress but are far easier to utilise than the giant lift gate and require far less parking space to open. Were it mine I’d be taping those wires down to avoid catching.
iLoad is available in petrol manual or diesel manual / auto.
Ten tie down points, a thick moulded rubber floor mat and enclosed side panels provide a spacious, usable area which could easily be fitted out with shelving or racks to suit almost any trade use imaginable. Courier drivers will appreciate the 11.2 metre turning circle and dual side access too.
Crew Van on the other hand offers a little more flexibility should your work crew involve more than one other bloke and / or you have a family to consider on the weekends. With an extra row of seating offering three additional seats, cargo space is of course compromised, but the ability to carry the troops means added flexibility.
Powered by a 2.5 litre turbo diesel developing 125kW @ 3,800rpm and a very hearty 392Nm from just 2,000rpm the common rail DOHC unit offers brilliant driving dynamics and superb flowing performance, far beyond that expected from a commercial orientated set-up. The fuel economy offered is also excellent coming in at 8.5 litres / 100km for the manual and 9.6 litres for the auto.
It is also a far better option not only for the benefits offered in terms of drivability and fuel economy, but for the flexibility to carry some extra weight. The CRDi engine offers 500kg greater towing capacity (up to 2,000kg – braked) and an extra 69kg payload, taking the total to 1,076kg.
Having driven both the manual and automatic diesel i-Series vans now, I’d have to say my pick is the manual variant. The auto tends to be indecisive on kick-down, often selecting two cogs back when one would have done, especially at 100km/h. It’s an otherwise smooth an easy transmission, but the manual is, for this application, a far better choice given the spread of gears offered.
At the end of the day the iLoad is sure to become a popular alternative for trade and courier buyers not only for the price tag, but because it’s simple, tough, well built and most importantly durable.
With Hyundai’s ever growing reputation for well priced, good quality products, and the iLoad van series’ combination of value and size, this new comer is an absolute winner.
- iLoad Petrol Specifications:
- Engine: 2359cc four-cylinder
- Power: 129kW @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 228Nm @ 4,200 rpm
- Transmission: Five Speed Manual
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Wheels: Steel 16″ x 6.5″
- Warranty: Five Years/160,000kms
- Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 10.1 l (M)
- Weight: 2,950kg (Gross)/1,943 (Tare)
- Towing Capacity: 1,500kg (Braked)
- Safety: ABS, EBD, Dual Front Airbag
- iLoad Diesel Specifications:
- Engine: 2497cc four-cylinder
- Power: 125kW @ 3,800 rpm
- Torque: 392Nm @ 2,000 rpm
- Transmission: Five Speed Auto
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Wheels: Steel 16″ x 6.5″
- Warranty: Five Years/160,000kms
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 8.5 l (M)/9.6 l (A)
- Weight: 3,230kg (Gross)/2,156 (Tare)
- Towing Capacity: 2,000kg (Braked)
- Safety: ABS, EBD, Dual Front Airbags
Print it: 
Wow! I really enjoyed reading your comments here particularly from Ka – thanks heaps for sharing your knowledge and prac experience on iLoad. Though, I also welcome FO and other’s comments here.
I’m just about to purchase a van for parcel-courier work as an owner-driver (a newbie on this game he, he any tips?)and I could not decide whether to go HiAce or iLoad Diesel – after 2 weeks of consideration I think I’m 95% sure it’s iLoad now. :-)
I checked out iLoad this morning (too early and the staff we’re ready yet) and I was was impressed by iLoad euro-styling and finish – got to go back and test drive it this afternoon.
G2G
ps- i know Hiace is mechanically and structurally better but for what i need iLoad wins.
Ka Says:
May 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Another thing, I will have to fill it up with diesel tomorrow. 75l X $1.83= $136.50. OOUUUCH!!!!
I filled up too.
Falcon x 95L of LPG, must have been bugger all left in either tank?
Here is the crusher, $54.05!! NOT OUCH! God Bless LPG!
Seeya in ~700km’s time
Cheers
F-0
The Falcon fuel-economy is getting better as she frees up [over 4200km already]
Trip Computer [dont try that in your lorry-load!] says 14.5L average, still not as good as the XH11 Ute but dealer claims a bit better will follow, and can get the LPG tuned more towards economy and less towards BHP, suits me fine.
Want to be around 7c per km.
Cheers
F-0
Frugal One, did you buy a run-out BF E-gas Ute? (I didn’t read the entire blog) I’m surprised because at the start of the year, every post you made about new Falcon said “FordOZ is doomed”. Did you end up with bench seat/column shift like you wanted?
700kms @ 90L is 12.9L/100kms. I’d be quite happy with that from LPG considering the price difference.
Watto_Cobra -
Yes a run out BFMk2, one of the last built, March 08′!
Ford are going to find it tough with the Falcon, fuel prices are going to make life difficult, this is my 3rd Falcon Ute, people may think i like them, i actually do, till somebody builds something better for less.
Oh yes, practice what you preach, BenchSeat and mono LPG.
Its less than 700km, i am to scared to run it right down, computer says low 14’s as in 14.2L/100km.
Its cheap to run whatever it is, i will have a proper figure after its run in.
Cheers
F-0
My old EB I use for a work hack is using 15-17L/100kms. Not bad considering it’s done over 340,000 very hard kilometres (I’m often towing heavy loads down rough dirt roads).
Keep us posted on your economy.
G2G: Well, drove it home, beautiful, just like taking Elle McPherson home to show to mom! I MADE a right decision, this is what van have to be, not just work horse, but beautiful to look at and comfy to sit and drive, not squashy like the HiAce and anyway, I am buying it for courier work not thinking about resale-imagine if all you think of resale-then BEFORE you marry Elle McPherson you start thinking how am I going to divorce her?
To G2G: If you are in WA a John Hughes have a driveaway price for the Diesel Auto (with single back door) $36480. Mine its a demo, have barn door, and I install 2 windows ($350 each cost price) Nudge Bar $895 Parktronic $565. And rubber matt, all for driveaway $40000 (incl. stamp duty etc etc).
G2G try Australia Post Parcel Contractor, you start early maybe 5Am but you (well me anyway) finish early, on Mondays I am home by 2,Tues, Wed, by 11 Thurs by 9 Fri by 10.30., not incl Xmas of course, and the pay is good, almost $70G Gross, if you work for others, like AustralianairExpress for example, they pay you $65G a year, you start approx 6 until 5!! 250Km a day, I have a SET RUN, which is only 50-60Km a day. Messenger Post (AustPos) also 10 hours aday with 300KM a day. Good luck. Its a hard work, but then at 56 years old I look at it like exercising and got paid for it. Good Luck with courier job and welcome to the iLoad Van Club.
Thanks Ka,I appreciate your reply.
Ohh iLOAD Van Club? Is there one? Are you the founder? He, he he…and no not WA, I’m NSW based.
BTW, KA can you please send me your email address to G2GTransport@iprimus.com.au as I have some questions to ask regarding Austpost contracting. Sorry to be fresh. I hope you don’t mind.
i’ve owned my 08 iload for over 2 months now,went for the diesel manual,does everything i need it to do…after owning merc sprinters,vito’s[ the iload is deffinatly quicker than the vito] ,renault master’s ,vw’s etc in europe,i have to say the iload is the best of the bunch,drives like a car ,much more pleasent to drive than the toyota that has limited cabin space.
i for one would not have seen myself driving a korean van 12 months ago,but with the 5 year /160k warranty that comes with the van it’s a bullet proof deal.
who gives a shit if the 3rd seat is not full size..my dog hasn’t complained about it yet
….lol.
build quality/reliability has improved dramatically for hyundai over the last few years…this is 2008….not 1988…[just a reminder for people still wearing blinkers]
Bdog. you are a champion! I drove mine a week now, it does drive like a car, smooth, very quick too! I tried to find something wrong with it, but cant! I am taking another contract with Australia Post on 1 September and decided will take another delivery of my second iLoad, the hardest decision would be manual or auto (as the other is for my son who I will employ) and you are right, hiAce has a good brand name but you feel like you are sitting in a gas chamber meanwhile with iLoad you feel like you are sitting on a good quality, expensive ‘car’ just look at those big bulging front lights!
Just came back from a Hyundai dealer this fine Saturday morning, a friend of mine, the airconditioning man just bought one iLoad CREW Diesel manual, with rubber mat, cruise control (additional), 12 months license for $36800 driveaway.
saw one at Adelaide mtr show had to have one. driven toyo and mazda for ages,now converted love my iload crew van.bought the diesel 5 speed great van for wife and 3 kids all in teens lots of room,also wife bought i30 diesel 5 speed we bouth do lots of klm as we live out of city and clock up about 1200km each a week. and now saving $$$$ on fuel bill cheers
Good one Ray! i30 is a fantastic car! 4.7L/100!!! I have been trying to look for a second van, thinking a Vito maybe (they have on special a ‘lease’ system), but again, an iLoad is still the best choice, so a second iLoad is on order.
ff
Hi
Have been driving the 2.5 lit deisel Iload since 14/may/08
and loving it, it’s quick,quiet,economical and a head turner.
I get between 8 to 10.5 lit per 100 km out of it depending on the conditions.
go Hyundai!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve been watching this thread a while now…I have had a 109 Vito since Feb 05 and has 167000km and has not missed a beat. I’ve had a need for a 2nd van and looked at the Hyundai I-Load Crew and Hiace. Even tried to find a Fiat dealer with a Scudo to look at and no one in Vic had one !!!!
Ended up buying a Vito 111 5 seater crew van (so I can use it as a second car – with the kids)…it has a new seat that folds forward so I can fit more in. The dealer I purchased it from invited me to an MB drive day at sandown and it won me over….The things we did in vito’s and sprinters you would never get away with in any other van….Yeah I paid a little more than a hyundai and a touch more than a vw, but the esp system (load sensing)and the other safety features won me…..especially when my kids are in it!! I guess that why the ambo’s and now aussie post (saw a new sprinter on Monday) drive mb’s (albeit Sprinter!) Oh and good warranty
Dear Jimmyj: IF I have the mean and the cash, I would buy the Vito of course, especially as its with the kids, but after looking around, a 2006 Vito 109Ex Long with 35000KM cost $35000 and by the time you put stamp duty…it will be $36000, so a brand new auto iLoad I can get for the same price. Ambulance: They got money for it. Australia Post they have OUR money to buy it for! As they will add an extra 5cents on postage soon, which will buy LOTS of Sprinter!!! Talking about warranty, I dont think MB/Toyota et al can beat Hyundai 5 Year Warranty!
Fr: That’s what I experienced when driving it! Head turner and it LOKKS soooo expensive!
Ka…understand and I had to stretch to get into the Vito, but that’s what I valued. Resale was also a big thing as I to looked at used and receiced a rippa deal on my other vito – which I have kept for as a second van for my business (I import fibres which are basically teddy bear stuffing!!!!) The extra long vito seems biiger than the hyundai (as did the hiace and lwb transporter)
It also helped with the 111 giving you a choice of manual or auto. before the 109 was manual only, 115/120 auto only.
Don’t get me wrong, I looked at the Hyundai – I have had a Hyundai car, but it was the safety that shone through.
Vito is now standard with cruise and an esp system for my box trailer which was a suprise…also standard.
I hear from a good source that Hyundai are brining a bigger van in?? Not sure how big, would suspect it would be a longer wheel base of the iload?
I load is certainly a challenger, and well specked. It will be quicker than most vans on the road with the exeption of a Vito 120 (bullet).
FO question the resell value of the iload, what about the ute. I think when it comes to a vehicle you will drive all day then comfort and safety should be high up. Ka you did well and it probably shows you have owned a few vans in the past, sometimes you need that experience to decide whats important to ‘you’. Diesel is always more desirable for commercial vehicles… I purchased a Vito 115 (48k, very close to an iload. For now very happy with my purchase, but certainly respect the iload. Next generation of iload will be even better.
Just wanted to add my two bob’s worth to the conversation.
I’ve driven both the petrol version I-Load and diesel powered automatic Hi-Ace(SLWB) in the last two months. I started with the I-Load and ran up 6000km on the clock, before recently switching over to the Toyota which is now sitting at 1500km. Both are very comfy vans with good room but I do have to say I’m more comfortable and happy with the Toyota.
The I-Load is smooth on the roads and does ride very much like a car but as stated, the power off the mark or when required is lacking when loaded. The centre seat is a bit frustrating and with six to eight drink holders scattered around the cab, one would think some of that space could have been utilised more effectively.
On the subject of fuel economy, I was impressed with the I-Load as I was getting 650+kms to the tank at approx 66L per fill. Granted, a lot of that was freeway driving, when you take into account typical motorway conditions in Brisbane atm during peak hour and I’m heading to and from the Gold Coast daily.
All in all, I was happy with the drivability and comfort factor of the Hyundai as I’m just as content with the Toyota. To be honest, I don’t understand the relevance to a low clearance height on the Toyota or the fact it is “boxy” because one’s cosmetic rather than purely functional and the clearance is more related to how you’re driving for the most part, at least that’s how I see it.
I think a lot a people will be happy with the Hyundai options simply due to the delays in getting access to Toyota orders. My company was lucky we got ours earlier than expected (but still months later than forecast) but we are still using the Hyundai rental van until such time as our contracted vehicles are supplied.
Have been doing some research on this van but i can’t seem to find any details on wether the rear seat in the Crewman version will fold away allowing more space if needed. Otherwise all seems well.
At this stage my price for the crew is $32000 not bad for a new van i think..
I do not think they fold away …
Have you seen the cargo barrier in it ?
It will take some time to take it out first.
For anyone interested.. I’m a sparky and own 2 Hiace SBV’s. They have been very reliable, 430K with only shocks and alternators needing replacement.. even original clutch. Test drove the iLoad diesel manual yesterday and found it an excellent performer. I pefer the SBV style van rather than sitting on top of the front wheels. iLoad has heaps of grunt, good seating position, pedal layout good. Disappointed there is no cruise control, not even as an option. Would also prefer plastic flooring like hiace as very easy to clean, but hey, seems like a very good vehicle
Hi KA,
just wondering how your van has been coming along?
Anyone know if cruise control is available? And66 says it isn’t but someone above mentioned it was..
THANKS
l have had my i load for 6 months now . and it has spend most of its time back at the dealers . where there still trying to find a rattle . ( very pissed off ) wish l had got a vw now .
marty , whats been going on with your iload?
hi Drew the rattle is coming from in behind the dash on drivers side at 2500rpm to 3500rpm . It’s a metal on metal sound ? Hyundai has pulled all of the dash out to try and find it . So now l have a new van with a damaged dash ( not happy )There next move is to replace the hole drive train ? l belive the noise is in the body .l would just like a new van now, 6 months is to long f##### over it .
any other issues with iLoads ?
Thinking of getting one and just want to know how good they are ? thanks
Hi all
Did loads of research on the web and drove ALL of the competition but decided the iload was the best for me. The local dealer (Maroochydore) hoped to have petrol 5 speed in a week with 14 test drives already booked. I had driven a auto diesel when they were first released and was VERY impressed.
‘course an auto diesel was $39500 drive away so bugger that!
I found an 08 plate diesel auto demo in Sydney at Truscotts for $30990 drive away. Bit scary buying at a distance but my 02 vito with 300,000 ks was falling apart with rust and repairs valued at more than the trade in value!!!!!!!!
I bought it,flew down and drove it back to the Sunshine Coast. Filled up at Gosford and made it to Brisbane on ONE tank. 66.25 Ltr for 840klm. Fucking excellent!!!
First impressions are good. body is tight, no rattles, great HVAC and stereo. Empty van is noisy but not bad when at speed. Hi beams great but low beams a bit short. My wife came down with me(mainly for a bit of Sydney shopping and ended up driving 450 klm of the trip back, she loved it!)
I install TV antennas and will soon be setting the van up with ladder racks and the rest of the gear from the vito.
More to follow but for now i’m happy
Hi Chris,
did you consider the later model Vito (2004+) ?
it is possible to get 2005-2006 Vito for $30k price range.
How is iLoad compare with Vito ?
Have just purchased a new manual turbo diesal iload for work and have been impressed with the feedback from this forum.I wasnt sure which one to buy.Went and looked at the Vito but it would have been 40000+ and the iload is 36000 with ladder rack tow bar and on the road.
wondering how expensive is to service iLoad ?
Hi there, after looking at iload, vito 111 and peugeot/citroen vans, i bought a new vito 111 manual. While the test drive was impressive, the real world use is not as good. Underpowered it is and performance/economy is badly affected with a bit of weight. Also, it has very low gearing. It revs at about 2400 RPM @ 110 kmh. Not good enough, especially for a 6 spd manual bred on the autobahn. Around town economy is OK, 9-10 l/100k, but on the hwy trips, struggling to better 9 l/100k, easy cruising. Hopefully it will get better as it now has only abt 4000kms on the odo. When i test drove the iload, they REALLY impressed me. I’m not sure why i didn’t buy one. It was near impossible to get an iload with ESP though, and i suppoose the safety and dynamics won out in the end. Didnt consider the VWs, as i had bad experiences with them (fwd cv joints etc). But the iloads are a damn good workvan, and definely the best value.
Last saturday I purchased a iLoad. It will be deliverd i two weeks. My current 2006 HiAce has only done 160000 kms but I have had a lot of problems with the transmision. The quality of Toyota is wastly overestimated. You can not fit a standard pallet between the wheel arches in a HiAce which is a big minus.
Hi all,
My intro:
I work for a small freight company as a couier, on a wage and car provided. I am looking at buying my own van and going the owner driver route. As I’m on a fairly low income at present it’s been a stuggle to save for a new van, but I’ve finally got there.
What I drive/driven:
New HiAce man, diesel – 3 weeks ago til current
2006 Bravo man, deisel – 2006 til the above
2004 Ford RTV auto LPG – 2004 til the above(the worst car ever built)
1998 Econovan man, LPG/ULP – 2002 til above
What i’d like to know is:
Can an iLoad owner or someone in the know tell me what the servicing cost are for this van.(If it’s anywhere near the Fords, they can keep it)
I’d just like to add that the Hiace is horrible if your getting in and out of the vehicle allot, you have to hike your rump over the wheel arch with the only footing right up the nose near the accelerator peddle. It’s noisy and cramped to. The old Econovan was better to live with and my mates old Priegio was too. Hiace, what a waste of $38,800. I wouldn’t buy one…
Lorry load…
lol
I have just purchased a new Iload and was very impressed when I drove it home, but when I parked in driveway I notice little dents in the panels I took it straight back and they told me that they were manufacture dents which happens when they spot weld panel. I dont think this is good enough can any else tell me if they have had the same problem and what was done about Thanks