Hyundai iLoad Crew Van Review & Road Test

By Matt Brogan  |  January 1st, 2010
      51 Comments
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Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_101

Trade tough, practical and comfortable, iLoad Crew Van covers all bases

Model Tested:

  • 2009 Hyundai iLoad H1 Crew Van; 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; five-speed manual; van – $36,490*

Options Available:

  • Metallic Paint $375; Rear Barn Doors $550; ESC with Traction Control $700

plus.jpg Gutsy turbo-diesel engine; fuel economy; safety; car-like driveability
minus.jpg Centre lap-type seatbelts; fixed centre bulkhead; tailgate clearance

CarAdvice Rating: rating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gif

Words by Matt Brogan Pics by Paul Maric

Hyundai’s i-Series vans have forced a serious re-think on the way we view the humble white van. No longer do we need to endure dull driving dynamics, weak performance and sub-par safety levels because, as I rediscovered this week, this Turkish-built Korean commercial ticks all the boxes expected of a modern work vehicle – and then some.

Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_103

The inoffensive looks of the iLoad Crew Van house a pleasant and comfortable interior with enough space for five adults – or six at a pinch. An easy to drive, easy to manage vehicle Crew Van excels in providing not only a spacious interior, but one offering a satisfying level of standard equipment that includes an MP3 compatible single CD tuner with auxiliary connection, adjustable steering column, air-conditioning, plus a plethora of commodious storage compartments for all those odd-and-ends.

With the engine upfront cabin heat transfer is minimal, an issue often found in older cab-over-engine designs, and despite the large passenger area on offer, heating and cooling remain effective, thanks primarily to the sealed bulkhead between the passenger and cargo compartments.

The passenger compartment boasts twin sliding doors, a real bonus in tight parking situations, and offer pop-out style windows for ventilation and added visibility. The doors also click conveniently in place when open to prevent accidental closing and jammed fingers when parked on an incline. The mechanism is simply released by pulling on the handle as you slide the door shut. Child locks and child seat mounts are also featured.

Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_105

A heavy duty bulkhead separates the crew from the cargo behind while still enabling rearward vision and enough capacity for a full-size pallet. Unfortunately the bulk head is not readily removable being both riveted and bolted in place, compromising the Crew Van’s otherwise excellent versatility.

Up back a large cargo area, measuring 1,585mm (L) x 1,620 (W) x 1,350mm (H) – and 1,260mm between the wheel arches – also features six heavy-duty tie-down hooks and a thick urethane matted floor. A generous 1,130kg payload is also on offer which, coupled to a 2,000kg (braked) towing capacity, makes the Crew Van’s trade-tough carrying capacity extremely competitive against similarly spec’ed rivals. A back-saving loading floor height of 605mm makes life easy when jumping in-and-out while also allowing 190mm of ground clearance for no-nonsense access to rough building sites.

In fact the only real issue I found with Crew Van’s cargo area this week was not in its size or practicality, but in the large top-hinged tailgate that doesn’t open quite high enough to stop you hitting your head. Fortunately more practical barn-type doors are available as a cost option.

Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_104

Under the snub-nose bonnet Crew Van features Hyundai’s gutsy 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Developing a healthy 125kW of power from 3,800rpm, and ballsy 392Nm of torque from a low 2,000rpm, Crew Van manages surprising performance – even when loaded – while still achieving a car-like flexibility around town.

The five-speed manual gearbox, mated to a light clutch, offers an excellent ratio spread with a shorter first gear for getting heavy loads on the move. Fuel economy is outstanding with this week’s return of just 8.6/100km – just 100ml more than the ADR average – surprising even myself given the amount of weight carried while moving heavy farm machinery this week.

Confident disc braking and pliant strut front / multi-link rear suspension make for a settled and comfortable ride, atypical to that of most commercial vans. That said the otherwise tactile steering does become a little light, and road feel slightly nervous, at highway speeds when cornering a heavily loaded rear.

Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_106

In yet another affront to the average white van, Hyundai’s iLoad (and iMax) models offer a very respectable level of safety equipment that have led to ANCAP announcing a four-star rating across the range. Standard safety equipment includes dual-front airbags, anti-whiplash head restraints (in five seating positions) and three-point inertia reel seatbelts in all outboard seating positions. ESC and Traction Control are also available as a cost option (not fitted to our road test vehicle).

Disappointingly the Crew Van’s centre seatbelts are of the lap variety while the front centre passenger also misses out on a headrest.

Hyundai_iLoad_CrewVan_102

If I could add to the Crew Van’s standard equipment list I’d opt for the inclusion of standard cruise control, Hyundai’s Bluetooth enabled head-unit and a redesigned key, as the current one has an annoyingly positioned side lock/unlock button that is too easily activate when turning the ignition or accidentally in your pocket. Steering wheel mounted audio controls might also have been a nice idea.

Otherwise the Crew Van is pretty hard to top. It’s safe, comfortable, affordable, frugal and boasts an impressive five-year/160,000 kilometre warranty, and when it comes to a commercial vehicle, who could ask for anything more?

For more on Hyundai’s i-Series commercial vans, click on this link.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating: rating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gif
How does it Drive: rating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gifrating_half.GIF
How does it Look: rating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gif
How does it Go: rating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gifrating11.gif

Road Test the Rivals:

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Specifications:

  • Engine: 2,497cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
  • Power: 125kW @ 3,800rpm
  • Torque: 392Nm @ 2,000rpm
  • Induction: Common Rail & Turbocharged
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • Driven Wheels: Rear
  • Brakes: Discs with ABS & EBD
  • Top Speed: 180km/h (Claimed)
  • 0-100km/h: 12.0 seconds (Approx.)
  • CO2 Emissions: 225g/km
  • Fuel Consumption: 8.5L/100km (ADR)
  • Fuel Consumption: 8.6L/100km (As Tested)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 75L
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • ANCAP Rating: Four-star
  • Airbags: Dual Front
  • Safety: (Optional ESC with Traction Control)
  • Spare Wheel: Matching
  • Suspension: Strut (F) / Torsion Beam (R)
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,130kg (Max. legal)
  • Cargo Area: 1,585mm (L) x 1,620mm (W) x 1,350mm (H)
  • Tow Capacity: 2,000kg (Braked)
  • Turning Circle: 11.2m
  • Warranty: Five Year / 160,000 kilometre
  • Weight: 2,156kg (Tare)
  • Wheels: Steel 16 x 6.5-inch
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51 Responses to “Hyundai iLoad Crew Van Review & Road Test”
  1. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    I was considering one of these a while back. They represent good value for money and with a rear seat they are functional as a cross trade/ family vehicle. Hyundai should rectify the lap/sash seat belt issue however. There is little excuse for this type of seat belt nowadays.

    I think these vans are well styled ,massively roomy and a better looking vehicle than most of the competitors. Again Hyundai are showing the oposition that they are capable across the spectrum of vehicle classes. I just wish they or KiA would re-release a pregio type van. It was a huge seller in Australia so I am mythed as to why it was pulled.

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Karl
      says:

      The Pregio didn’t meet new emission standards.
      Mind you, they still sell the truck version which has a 2.9ltr CRDI unit, why couldn’t they fit that motor to the pregio?
      I had two pregios, both performed very well.

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
        says:

        I gathered it didn’t meet euro standards but was more mythed as to why they didn’t upgrade the powerplant to meet them. They sold so many of them here as they were massively cheaper than their rip off toyota equivalent. I am seriously considering selling my Navara in March and buying a second hand Pregio for work.

        I don’t trust the Navara out of warranty and the Pregio has had praise from owners. There is a couple f them here in Cairns in yards for 8 -9 grand.

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Kampfer
      says:

      iLoad IS the replacement of Progio. Since the Projio sold well Hyundai told it from KIA and sell it for themself. KIA still selling the light truck version of iLoad (K2700).

  2. Vote -1 Vote +1Baddass
    says:

    Great review Matt. This van is incredible: I thought that by having a rear row of seats that space in the back would be compromised, but that does not seem to be the case. It has a cavernous load area and decent legroom for the rear passengers. Add pleasant styling (for a van) and a gutsy diesel with good fuel economy, and you’ve got a winning package.

  3. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    Oh and Happy New Year to all. May we keep our debates civil in 2010. :)

  4. Wishful thinking……….as long as their is testorene and cars, and boys and there toys on here their will always be banter and issues with people chipping each other about cars. Its like a cult, as most have a certain belief and upbringing where they like red or blue or only support certain cars. I have not been on here a lot as most full of their own blah blah blah and really need to see that to support cars in general and let go of there obsessive followings!

  5. Its a great read on cars on here and up to date issues on them! If one can forget the comments and not go over the top as most on here have certain beliefs and have to have the last say, the last word and think they are correct fully! I say get real and don’t follow one car maker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But be a car enthusiast!

  6. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1Yonny
    says:

    Sounds like a great van. I used to be a self-employed courier many, many years ago, and would have gnawed my own arm off to have had a van like the iLoad. Instead, I had a Mazda E1600 – and anyone who ever had one of those pieces of shit would remember just how terrible they were. Grossly underpowered, dangerous to drive due to extremely poor handling, hot as buggery with the undersize engine thrashing itself to death 3 inches below your bum, and with drum brakes the size of 50 cent pieces. Oh, and the crumple zone in those things were your legs. Thank God for progress.

  7. Vote -1 Vote +1Tony
    says:

    a question my friends…

    why did they make the bulkhead so hard to remove?

    one would think that you would occasionaly buy a 50″ LCD TV or sofa and therefore need to remove the seats and bulkhead???

    or is my thinking faulty?

    you buy a van to move large items… even in the std. people movers you can remove the rear seats

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Robin Graves
      says:

      Maybe due to safety. If you have 1 tonne of gear in the back and have an accident, all that stuff flying into cabin. I’m only guessing – what do the non-crewcab vans have between the load and the driver?

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
        says:

        That is exactly why.

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Tony
          says:

          ok fair enough… but you would think the Koreans would be smart enough to have the barrier on a two sets of mounts… one just behind the driver (for those big loads) and one behind the removeable rear seats

          i’m just saying… if i’m buying a van i wanna move like maybe a motorcycle or a boat or anything long… i don’t wanna be hampered by a bad design which I think this clearly is…

          • It cant be removed due to safety concerns. Firstly, if it was removed and there was an accident then the carmaker would be in trouble due to being unsafe and possible claims against it by people trying to take advantage of it. Secondly, if you want to move a motor bike, then “simply” get a van with no rear seats appropriate for what you want to do. Its not correct to lug around big items with no protection – more so with rear passengers in place! The bulkhead needs to be fixed in place with “no chance” of it being removed.

          • Vote -1 Vote +1Safety First
            says:

            You mean like the “Milford Safety Barrier”(Sorry for using brand name) you see used in wagons and such that pass the Government safety laws and is mandatory for Telstra and Police wagons etc… That can be possitioned either behind the rear seats or behind the front seats and is rated to even assist the vehicles in Roll Over protection…. Can be done easilly and with the clear screen can even keep Aircon air in…

  8. Vote -1 Vote +1stifler
    says:

    i praise this van for its sole purpose, to haul people and stuff…its got great space, no denying that, but the dash styling is too hard to swallow, its so standard and boring….”the 80′s rang and said it wants its style back!”
    i just wish it could have a better dash to make this van pleasing to me.
    why cant they just whack the dash of the i30 in this van…mmmmm that would be a better looking van.
    but then again people buy this for its sole purpose,to haul. if they can improve the interior for both iload and imax….tarago better watch out.

  9. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    The interior is certainly no more dated than my current model Navara. Funnily enough a passenger type interior isn’t really a grea tidea in a commercial vehicle. Just look in mine to see why. We are dirty dusty ferals us tradesmen and it is better to have a no fuss area that is easy to wipe down. Hard plastics and all.

    When you look at the price of this vehicle against it direct competitiors it is very good value and given Hyundai’s attitude to service you could buy worse. they are popular up here in Cairns. The passenger version is even used as a taxi.

  10. Vote -1 Vote +1Tony
    says:

    the interior is fine

    it looks the same as the Kia Carnival… you guys just want a commericial vehicle to have the same ambience as an Audi…

  11. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1bob
    says:

    Why anyone would buy a HiAce when this fabulous van is available is beyond me. The HiAce is utter rubbish compared to this!

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Dlr1
      says:

      Q :Why anyone would buy a HiAce when this fabulous van is available is beyond me.

      A: Size. Still no LWB version

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
        says:

        How many cubic metres is the iload then??
        The Hiace is 6m3 from memory.
        These look at least the same size as a Hiace.

        CA,
        is the quoted cargo height of 1350mm correct???
        These things would have to be higher than that….
        Or is the height quoted only to the window height???

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
          says:

          Size doesn’t alter the fact that Toyota have put a totally arrogant price on what is essentially an ugly looking box. In the 3 seat configuration they are 6 m3 v’s 5.2 m3 so not much in it.

          Does toyota do a configuration like this one? Sorry but I know which one I’d buy even if it meant sacrificing a little room. I have been to another forum with owners comments on this vehicle and there are two minor quibbles. No cruise control as a factory option and no wiper on the rear window. Everything else is overwhelmingly positive.

          Economy around town with the auto trans is approx 8ltrs per 100km’s. These owners are quoting that figure as loaded full of trade equipment. Also mentioned was “best” ride in class. Several posters were ex-hiace owners and reckon the hiace is a slug by comparison.

          Hyundai have done it again.

          • Vote -1 Vote +1Kampfer
            says:

            In asia countries this set up (2 row seats with a fixed barrier) is very popular. It’s available in every van in the markets including Hiace.

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Dlr1
          says:

          Yes, the 1.35m height is correct. While cubic capacity is similar to the current hiace due to the iLoads wider body, the cargo length is half a metre shorter @ 2375mm. Goodbye sheets of 8×4 ply. The iLoad is essentially the same size as the old SWB Hiace SBV or the SWB T4 or T5 VWs (all of which have LWB models available)

          oh… and the iLoad has leaf springs @ the rear. Something the other front engined vans dont.

  12. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    Correction. It was actually this website so I can provide the link. As I understand it the issues I mentioned may have been resolved. Infact the photo shows a rear wiper. Shows Hyundai have been listening. The non-removable nulkhead is done that way to comply with ADR.

    Here is the link . You will notice how many of the people have become Hyundai converts. There are a couple of people mentioning some mechanical issues but I have yet to hear a bad word on reliablilty in Hyundai post excel. So I’ll take it with a grain of salt.

    http://www.caradvice.com.au/10.....dai-iload/

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
      says:

      I reckon I may have answered my own question on with Pregio is no longer available. I’d hedge a bet Hyundai pressured their sister company when they were about to launch this van.

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
        says:

        Pregio was a much smaller van and it was apparently canned due to poor emissions.

        Pregio had a big downfall vs the Hiace due to load space.
        Ive heard people were told to change their van from the pregio, or lose courier contracts due to minumum cartage size implied.

        I aso wouldnt be calling the iload any better looking than the Hiace.
        both are “essentially an ugly looking box”, but they are for purpose, not street cred

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
          says:

          The emissions part has been covered Andrew. You should read other posts before commenting then you’d see this. Not all vans are used as courier vans and the Pregio is massively popular with tradesman even today. Largely due to the fact that nothing goes wrong with it and it murders the toyota on price

          You are in the minority in believing the Hiace looks as good as the Hyundai. Go read that link. I don’t see any hiace’s with mag wheels yet people in that link are doing so to their iload. It is more like the old bedford and reading comments about comfort compared to the hiace I am not surprised people are suing them as family/slash trade vehicles.

          There seems to be a genral sense of excitement in that link not usually associated with vans. I can only go on my own experience however and when I first saw the hyundai I recall clearly thinking how good it looked. But that’s just me. I certainly have never felt that way about the hiace or any recent toyota for that matter.

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Dlr1
          says:

          Pregios were only 100mm short of a LWB Hiace and 200m longer than the old SWB Hiace. They were however completely gutless and no where near as reliable as any of the Jap vans. Sad but true. They sold well because at one point in 03 or 04 you could have one on road for about $21K in NSW. around 10K less than a hiace.

  13. Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
    says:

    Firstly yes, I have seen Hiaces with mag wheels. Not that it gives it any more street cred.

    Pregio was purchased because of it was a damn cheap diesel van. They were being bought by the truck loads before they had even been out long enough to have been tried and tested, so the only real reason is price.
    Diesel van, shyte loads cheaper than Hiace = plenty of sales

    Oh and iload looks great???
    Sorry but I still cant get excited about a van.
    I can appreciate them for their intended purpose, but wouldnt go so far as to rave on their looks on Forums or whatever.
    For me its still just another “Plain Jane” van just like the Hiace and Vito etc

    I mean you really arent getting excited over this from a styling point of view are you???

  14. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    What if I did? Would that offend your biased view of Korean cars? Plenty of Pregios were sold on word of mouth from owners about reliability. I know this to be fact first hand as I know people that own them.

    Plenty of iLoad will be sold on safety, performance ,price, comfort and value for money. Please don’t tell me all the people giving it rave reviews are hyundai employees. The numerous postings in that link say it all. There are ex-Hiace owners in there who could no longer live with the gutless performance, lesser ride quality and ever climbing price.

    To seriously answer your question on styling, I am a tiler and a van is a logical progression from my D40 Navara. I am getting older and climbing into the back of a ute no longer stacks up. So I am looking at a replacement. On style alone the Hyundai wins hands down to me. I suspect there will be more private buyers of this vehicle than the hiace for all the afforementioned reasons. Based on that link the majority in there rate the iLoad as better to look at.

    As it has a more swept front than the brick that is hiace it is more pleasing to my eye. Whilst I might agree that the Falcon or Commodore look better I can’t put a ton in the boot. Nor racking for that matter.

    Only badge snobs could look at the hiace as worth paying so much more for than the hyundai. Hiace is a rip off. Just like so many of toyota’s vehicles nowadays.

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
      says:

      Are you listening to what Im saying???

      Im not knocking the iloads value or ability, just the notion of hotting up what is esentially a vehicle built solely for purpose…..a van.
      If I say the iload to me is no better or worse looking than the Hiace, how is that biased??
      I agree Hiace is a rip off. I dont know how my opinion on styling makes you think I dont care for its other attributes

      I agree on the Navara being too high etc, another reason why I find the 4X4 utes difficult work vehicles unless towing a work trailer. Prob a sensible choice the iload, and if I were you and had decided on a van, I would certainly be heading Hyundais way and thumbing my nose at the Hiace just like yourself

      Why do I have a biased view on Korean cars???
      The second car in our driveway used to be a Hyundai. Whilst to my surprise it was incredibly reliable, just boring as bat shyte, and IMO the current models whilst much better, arent the best. (im talking passenger vehicles)

      You are up cairns way right??
      Plenty of work on??

  15. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    Work was disasterous last year. I have a job to start Tuesday and then nothing. It will take another 6 months for Cairns to fire up again.

    As far as styling goes on their passenger range I believe currently only mazda are fulfilling the style quota across their range. Mitsubishi’s new front end is aweful. Toyota are the bland winners for the past 15 years.

    I quite like KIA’s new styling direction, and there are new Hyundai products on the way that are above the style of many of their competitors. ix35 for eg. I also think the Holden Cruze is not a bad effort.

    To be perfectly honest I don’t think many cars are what I would call stylish at the moment. Certainly nothing built here. If I think style and price I don’t get a real start until Aston Martin comes to mind or Audi’s new exotic. I am fussy I guess. But, I still think for a 35k work bus the iLoad is the pick of the bunch at the moment.

    I’m not sure how long ago you owned your Hyundai but other than the suspension issue in the excel 15 years ago, buyers are very happy. Infact they are second only to lexus in the USA for customer satisfaction. So they don’t deserve the dumbed down crap that a lot of our media dish them up.

    • Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
      says:

      Well pretty quiet then hey???
      Thats sucks.
      Im in south east QLD. Into christmas it started dying off, but this year looks like it will start off pretty strong.
      Hopefully it doesnt run out of puff half way through the year.

      Agree with your styling takes, but I actually like Mistubishis new styling, BUT….. I like the styling on the Lancer, but for some reason I dont like the Lancer-ish front end on the outlander…

      Currently the only Kia I like is the Cerato. For mine its possibly the best styled all round vehicle in the small car battle.
      The Cruze looks tidy, but Im not a fan of the rear end. Curves are in at the moment, which makes the Cruze a little dated looking, but yes, its still a decent effort

      Dont like the local styling???
      I reckon the G6E is the best styled vehicle in OZ, and on an international level I reckon it would stack up well too.
      The VE’s look tidy in the upper spec too, bar the rear end. Tail lights being too high ruin it for me, but once again, overall, still a decently styled vehicle

      But at the end of the day, Yes, Cant beat the Aston

      • Vote -1 Vote +1Baddass
        says:

        I agree with the comments on the Cerato and ugly rear end of the Cruze (especially tail lights). I still can’t fathom how Mitsubishi thought tacking on the Lancer front end could make it look sporty. For a start, the Lancer front end was made for the Lancer, not the tall Outlander, which means the face is droopy and looks ridiculous. Evo is the only good looking Lancer out now.

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Andrew M
          says:

          I dont agree totally on the Lancer front.

          Sure Evo looks great, but even VRX looks great IMO.
          Everything about the VRX is styled very well from the right choice of wheels to the carbon fibre look a like intrior trim

        • Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
          says:

          Mitsubishi have a habit of doing this. Who can forget the Butt ugly Magna with the Lancer headlights? I think this contributed to the death of the 380 as much as the media did. People had already stopped buying local Mitsus.

  16. Vote -1 Vote +1PW
    says:

    For anyone who has commented and not driven one, you will be shocked, my colleague who was in the car trade 10 years ago had to be dragged kicking and screaming to drive the iLoad and would not contemplate it for our fleet, Hiace or VW that was the decision.

    After 30 minutes, the change was remarkable, the order was placed and the about turn amazing, you can get 3 iLoads for the price of 2 Hiaces of similar spec and by geebies they are a better vehicle by far, you would not believe they come outta Turkey, I firmly believed they were Korean, the quality is top notch.

    They seem to have the solidity of vans of yore without the human safety barriers, ie, nothing at the front to protect your legs.

    They are a real wake up call for anyone contemplating a van or people mover.

    If you are considering a van, drive one and you will be surprised, my tip is the Diesel, the petrol needs to be a V6 to get close to the Diesels performance.

  17. Vote -1 Vote +1Blake
    says:

    THE reason they pulled the pregio van is because over seas there was no great demand for it. here in australia it sold very well but where so small in the scheme of things world wide. the ended up putting another sportage building line in its place

  18. Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    The iLoad is going to be popular as fuel skyrockets again this year due to demand in a surging Asian economy.

  19. Vote -1 Vote +1Jake
    says:

    Hyundai is growing so fast, I can’t think of myself their agressive attacks in the U.S. Awesome. Like Korean economy did snc WWII, Hyundai’s booming economic growing in automobile industry will never stop. 4 god sakes, look at Genesis w 4/2 doors. No one thought Hyundai could makes those kind of cars. They will beat Honda in like 5 yrs.

  20. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    Honda’s CEO went one further.

    “Hyundai is awesome,” said Honda Motor Company Chief Executive Takanobu Ito in an interview with The Associated Press this week. “They are undoubtedly a threat because their products are cheap, and the quality is improving.” Nissan Motor Company Senior Vice President agrees with this statement as he compared Hyundai to Samsung Electronics Company which has grown to rival Sony.

  21. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1Callous Aussie
    says:

    For anyone that doubts what I said about toyota being concerned here’s the “quote”.

    Reuters
    Automotive News / January 10, 2006 – 3:00 pm

    DETROIT — Toyota Motor Corp. claims to be afraid of a lot of things: complacency, competition, and success itself.

    But in the United States, rival Hyundai Motor Co. may well be at the top of Toyota’s list.

    “We’re worried about them,” Yukitoshi Funo, chairman of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., told reporters in Detroit this week.

    “Our main competitors here are essentially Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Hyundai, but Hyundai is the one we are very carefully watching,” he said on the sidelines of the North American International Auto Show here.

    South Korea’s top automaker, until recently a target of jokes about broken-down parts, has dramatically raised its profile on the world stage with a benchmark study by research firm J.D. Power showing an improvement in quality to match the best Japanese brands.

    Hyundai now sells far more cars than Volkswagen AG, Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru in the United States. It expects sales to rise more than 10 percent this year to over 500,000 units, in an overall market that it reckons will shrink.

    In 2005, Hyundai’s sales fell 7.7 percent to 418,615 units, giving it a market share of 2.5 percent.

    “The quality story is resonating,” Bob Cosmai, chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, told Reuters at the Detroit show. “We’re broadening the depth of our product line, and it’s a great value story. When I joined the company at the end of 1990 we sold 90,000 cars, so we’re making our presence really known.”

    Unveiling the remodeled Santa Fe SUV at the show, Cosmai said its popular model would be priced “thousands of dollars” below a comparably equipped Toyota Highlander with six airbags, electronic stability control and other advanced safety features.

    As Cosmai admits, Hyundai’s path to success has been modeled closely on Toyota’s strategy of striving for top quality and competitive prices, and appealing to a broad range of customers with wide-ranging cars.

    That’s what worries Toyota most.

    “Honda and Nissan are also formidable rivals, but they have a distinct business approach and profile from us,” Toyota’s Funo said. “Hyundai, meanwhile, is essentially doing what we’re doing.”

    But Funo added that Toyota would not and could not compete with Hyundai on prices, and would instead focus on building its brand and value.

    “Our costs aren’t as low as Hyundai’s. We don’t want to compete on their terms,” he said.

    His Hyundai counterpart, meanwhile, seemed to be adopting Toyota’s characteristic modesty when asked how the South Korean company stacked up.

    “I’m not sure anyone’s a big threat to Toyota right now,” Cosmai said.

    “They’re a very successful company,” he said, adding that Hyundai benchmarked much of its processes and design characteristics around Toyota. “We have a long way to go.”

  22. +3 Vote -1 Vote +1Matt J
    says:

    Has Lorry Load a light clutch?

  23. -1 Vote -1 Vote +1GoHyundai
    says:

    But Funo added that Toyota would not and could not compete with Hyundai on prices, and would instead focus on building its brand and value.

    >>>“Our costs aren’t as low as Hyundai’s. We don’t want to compete on their terms,” he said.

    hahahahaha ok…

  24. +1 Vote -1 Vote +1CrustyTheClown
    says:

    Lorry load?

    Click!!

    Gee i am glad i passed on this Turkey built vehicle

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