Hyundai Iload News

Has it really been 40.5 years since Hyundai entered the Australian market?Bankrolled by the Western Australian tycoon, Alan Bond, who also helped this country win the America’s Cup yacht race in 1983, ‘Bond Motor Sales’ quietly launched the X1-series Excel in February, 1986.This was an Italian-designed front-wheel drive small car from Korea about the size of a Toyota Corolla but the price of a Toyota Yaris, with a name that even the importer could not pronounce correctly, as early adverts on YouTube prove. “Say Hi to Hyundai!”With just 1786 registrations in that first year, sales were slow to start with. But the severe economic recession heading into the 1990s that “Australia had to have” fuelled demand to the point that, 10 years later in 1996, the Excel was number three overall, behind the Holden VS Commodore and Ford EF/EL Falcon.But it wasn’t just down to one model.Soon to be free of Bond and with a firmer financial footing due to a new importer, Hyundai rapidly expanded with the mid-sized Sonata (from 1989), Scoupe (from 1990) and Lantra (from 1991, and later badged Elantra). The latter also brought greater independence from ‘technology partner’ (read: engine supplier) Mitsubishi, ushering the brand’s first in-house powertrain.From the “Drive-away, no more to pay” mentality that quickly became a rod on Hyundai’s back when they finally went beyond mere cheapness, to the hugely popular X3 (1994-2000) Excel’s alleged propensity to lose steering control due to bad welding, big hurdles certainly lay ahead for Hyundai.However, it came good eventually.So good, in fact, that today Hyundai has outgrown Mitsubishi by several multiples, while one model ranks as the best car of the 2020s so far, period.Which one? Read on!Inspired by the contemporary VW Polo, the Getz was the first time Hyundai introduced an internationally focused model built to beat the world’s best.For the price, it was certainly compelling, with crisp (and now timeless) styling, rorty engines, agile handling and great packaging. A giant leap from the charmless LC Accent range.The Getz heralded Hyundai’s outward-looking philosophy, bringing with it a new maturity.Prior to the i30, Hyundai’s answer to the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda 3 was the XD Elantra hatchback.Coarse, uncomfortable and cheap are words to describe the interior, suspension, powertrain and styling of the 2000’s XD series.In contrast, the German-developed i30 was created to run with the best from Europe. The resulting taut styling, strong architecture and ergonomic packaging elevated the Hyundai to new heights for the brand.The CW wagon was uniquely appealing in its practicality and aesthetics, while all local models benefited from Australian road tuning.Subsequent generations continued the class act, leading to the hot-hatch redefining i30N a decade on.The Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito have long slogged it out for world’s-best mid-sized van honours, but their lofty pricing and often-exxy running costs won’t suit all budgets.Here’s where the Korean/German co-developed TQ iLoad really stepped up.Unveiled in 2007, it adopted best-van engineering practices in its short-bonnet front-engined/rear-drive layout, rigid platform construction, advanced crumple zones and car-like yet work-orientated cabin presentation, and all within a big and boxy carryall.The masterstroke, of course, was pricing that substantially undercut the A-league Euros. The iLoad democratised the modern van, fair and square. Just like today’s Staria continues to do.The most impressive new model released this decade (so far)?Easy, that would be the Ioniq 5. With breathtaking ambition and drive, the Hyundai EV punches so far above its weight on so many fronts that, privately, most rival carmakers must surely look at it with equal parts reverence and fear.What’s not to love?There’s the retro-futuristic design that defies sizing categorisation like it defies time; the E-GMP 800-volt architecture that provides a rock-solid base for cutting-edge EV tech that, until recently, was reserved for $250K-plus Porsches; a minimalist yet thoughtfully-executed interior offering the luxury of space, ambience and exquisite detailing; and a rapid, refined and rewarding driving experience that is as relaxing in the standard versions as it is rabidly rousing in the uniquely unhinged 5N.Five years on, still one of the world’s best EVs.The fifth iteration of Hyundai’s three-row mid-to-large SUV is a breath of fresh air to look at, sit inside, drive and live with.Unusually easy and relaxing to use, its square-edged styling affords excellent vision, perfect practicality and a source of endless debate, while the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and sophisticated drivetrain provide pleasing performance as well as parsimony.A bold and brash statement in an all-too-often boring segment. And such great value. A great example of a single car that do everything, and with poise and panache to boot.The S Coupe, or Scoupe, was clearly created to be an affordable and fun sporty runabout.But the vague handling, sloppy gear shift and unrefined powertrain were leagues behind Japan’s coupes of the era from Toyota, Honda and Nissan.The problem stemmed with the platform – underneath the sleek silhouette was the humdrum, cheapo Excel econo-hatch. Great for keeping costs down. Terrible for finesse. And the unruly turbo version that followed was downright terrifying on wet roads.At least Hyundai listened, because the next-gen Coupe benefitted from a dynamic once-over by Porsche, and it showed.Can half a million Australians be wrong? Perhaps not, but the last, ‘90s-blobject Excel was an enigma.Big for its price and positioning, as well as powerful and reliable, it even became the best-selling car in Australia for a month in mid-1996.But it was crude to drive and ride in, and early examples suffered from sub-par quality in places where it really shouldn’t – namely the front-end structure that, due to insufficient welding, could lead to total steering loss. Oh dear. Remember, this was the era of sophisticated superminis like the Toyota Starlet and Echo, Nissan Micra and VW Polo.And how many generations of Aussies have had to endure Excels being driven with the rear fog light trying its best to sear off your retina?The early 2000s were the C-segment hatchback halcyon days.This was the era of the quality-defining VW Golf Mk4 and dynamics-redefining Ford Mk1 Focus, while the Toyota Corolla, Holden Astra, Honda Civic, Peugeot 307, Mazda 3 and Renault Megane all brought something individual to the small-car party.Yet the third-generation Elantra only brought noise, vibration and harshness to the fore. It looked, felt and drove like an economy car designed for American rental agencies.Thankfully, the i30 was waiting in the wings to fix all that.

Right now, new-car sales are booming, buyers have to wait months and even years for specific model or grade choices in some instances, and nobody is really wheeling and dealing like they used to pre-pandemic.

After nine months of trading, Australia's new car sales shows no signs of lifting by the end of the year.Overall, the market has dropped 7.9 per cent to 8111,464 to the end of September, with Toyota (154,515, -6.3%) once again the dominant player in the A

Hyundai Australia has introduced its facelifted iLoad van and iMax people-mover ranges, which are highlighted by a restyled front end and increased equipment levels.

It’s official: Australians now buy more SUVs than passenger cars, or at least they did in February.

Citroen Automobiles Australia has confirmed its light-commercial vehicle range will expand mid-year with the anticipated arrival of the next-generation Dispatch mid-size van.

Three extra seats have invaded the Renault Trafic load area but the Crew cargo area still measures four cubic meters.

As June 30 approaches, things get frantic in the new-car sales business. Brands and dealers feel the pressure and deals come thick and fast — some are better than others.Some car "brokers" make ridiculous claims about saving up to 25 per cent on a new-car price. Best be sceptical as there just has to be a catch — old build plates, unpopular model or colour, old stock etc. Best to deal with the makers direct, as the deals are sharp enough.Market leader Toyota has drive-away pricing on some popular models. The Corolla Ascent manual starts at $20,990, saving about $2500 on full freight. The auto is $2000 more.The Yaris Ascent auto starts at $17,990 drive-away, while the Camry is at a lossmaking $26,990 including prestige paint that usually adds about $500.Toyota is adding extras for no cost on some HiLux variants, for example the tow and stow pack worth $1300.Mazda is taking the drive-away pricing route on some models, starting with the Mazda2 at $16,990 drive-away for the manual. But it also promotes unspecified end of financial year "bonuses" on others. The Mazda6 gains a safety pack at no extra cost.Nissan finance is doing 1 per cent interest on its more popular models and there is drive-away pricing on less favoured badges. The Micra, soon to depart Australia, is the best buying at $12,990 drive-away for the manual, about $2700 off.Mitsubishi is doing free auto upgrades on several models.Hyundai has a mix of incentives. These include drive-away pricing on Accent Active manual hatch at $14,990 — about $3500 off (and just $1000 for an auto). It still has the i30 Active auto at $19,990, roughly $7000 off.There is five years' free servicing on some Hyundais and, on others, free third-party, registration and stamp duty (but not dealer delivery). ABN holders get a $1500 factory bonus on iLoad.Kia's run-out Cerato is $19,990 drive-away, plus free auto plus a $1000 gift card — making it the cheapest small car with auto in Australia. It's about $6000 off full price.In addition, all Kias have an unbeatable seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty.Holden's Step Up Sale has range of incentives, among them drive-away pricing, free auto and three years' free servicing.Holden is doing three years' free servicing on its SUVs, free auto and three years free servicing on the Colorado and Ute and free auto on Commodore. The Spark LS manual at $14,990 drive-away is just $1000 above its RRP.Ford's range is variously boosted by drive-away pricing, cash bonuses of $500, $1000 or $2000 dependent on the model, tech packs on some of the commercial vehicles (Ranger) and auto on some cars.Drive-away pricing is a given or should be at this time of year. If you can't get it, shop other brands.

The Hyundai iLoad van and iMax eight-seat shuttle get more fuel-efficient diesel engines and a new six-speed manual transmission.Petrol model prices remain unchanged, starting at $29,990 for the iLoad and $37,290 for the iMax. The diesels start at $34,990 for the iLoad and $39,990 for the iMax.The new engines are 2.5-litre CRDi turbo diesels with either a wastegate turbo or a variable geometry turbo mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.In iLoad configuration this delivers 8.0 L/100km, a 6 per cent reduction in fuel consumption; while the uprated 2.5-litre CRDi turbo diesel engine and five-speed automatic transmission combination achieve 8.8L/100km, an 8 per cent improvement. The iMax minibus uses a tad more.In the manual, the diesel engine's peak torque now starts earlier in the rev range from 1500 rpm through to 2500 rpm. Peak power is either 100kW (wastegate) or 125kW for the variable geometry turbo engine on automatic models. This unit generates some 441Nm of torque.Hyundai design and manufacture their own transmissions in-house.The new six-speed manual gearbox utilises multi-cone synchronisers for improved shift quality, and includes a button-operated reverse gear lock-out to provide further ease of operation. The short stroke of the transmission ensures a quick and accurate shift action to further enhance the economy of the driveline.The iLoad can handle up to two pallets with ease within its 4.3 cubic metre capacity, while offering seating for three or up to six in crew van configuration. For moving people plus their lifestyle accessories and luggage, iMax is a class leader. With flexible eight-seat capacity, plus plenty of stowage space behind the third row and a well thought out, comfortable and well-appointed interior including dual-zone air conditioning, to ensure occupants travel in space and comfort. 

South Korea's hard working machine picked off the HiAce for the first time, ending the year with 6610 sales, 576 ahead of the Toyota. While Hyundai's hauler performed well, other commercial vehicles struggled, with sales of most utes, vans and trucks slipping in 2011.  Reflecting economic insecurity hitting Australian businesses, VFACTS figures show the demand for workhorses stalled and, in some cases, went backwards last year.  Only 4x4 utes and medium duty trucks recorded growth in the 2011 calendar year and even those gains were mild.  Van sales suffered in 2011, dipping 8.6 per cent. Utes put in a mixed performance, with 4x2 utes finishing 11.6 per cent down for the year while 4x4 utes finished 6.3 per cent up.  The Falcon and Commodore-based utes lost more sales during the year, with the Ford shedding 25.1 per cent of its sales, while the Holden ute  lost 16.8 per cent.  Ford sold a monthly average of just 560 utes to Holden's 790, with both  hitting historical lows. Totoya's Hilux was the best selling 4x2 ute with 12,399 which was 17.9 per cent down on 2010. The Hilux also took out the 4x4 class with 23,725 sales for the year, but the Nissan Navara wasn't far off with 20,162 sales.  The light duty truck class (3500kg to 7500kg) was down 5 per cent for 2011. Isuzu dominated the segment with its N Series rig and its 3320 sales.  The medium duty class, rigs that rate between 7500kg and 10,000kg, actually grew in 2011, even if it did so by just 6.6 per cent. Isuzu wiped the floor in this division with combined N Series and F Series sales of 2509, well ahead of Hino with 1508 sales of 300 and 500  Series models. The heavy duty segment was down 2 per cent for the year, with Kenworth a  clear leader with 1766 sales, which represented a 15 per cent decline on 2010.