Hyundai releases Series II iMax and iLoad
Higher level of safety, tech and pricing for Korean car-maker's versatile people-mover and vanHyundai has released upgraded 'Series II' versions of its iMax people-mover and iLoad commercial van, bringing design tweaks, more technology, more safety equipment and higher prices across the board.
Now standard in all iMax and iLoad models are driver and outboard front passenger side (thorax) airbags to go with their existing dual front airbags. However, only iMax and diesel-powered iLoad models offer electronic stability/traction control.
Series II iMax eight-seat and iLoad Liftback three-seat models (not six-seat iLoad Crew Van variants or those with twin swinging rear doors) also now come standard with a reversing camera, in addition to the iMax's four-sensor rear parking aid.
Vision from the new reversing camera is displayed via a new 7.0-inch touch-screen audio system with a range of connectivity options including Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google Now (Android) voice activation, plus Bluetooth, USB, AUX, MP3 and iPod connectivity.
Voice activation is accessible via a button on the touch-screen audio unit and enables the user to dictate commands for making phone calls, playing music, composing text messages, accessing calendar information, setting reminders and more.
The new infotainment system is the centrepiece of a redesigned central multimedia/HVAC stack that's now standard on all models, which also receive blue switchgear illumination, a new instrument cluster design and a 12-volt power outlet located below the centre console.
iMax models add a new 'premium' steering wheel and gear shifter, plus climate-control front air-conditioning (middle- and third-row passengers still get manual climate controls and roof-mounted outlets).
Cruise control is now standard for diesel automatic variants of both the iMax and iLoad, while exterior design upgrades for all models include new bumpers, a deeper colour-coded grille, revised tailgate garnish, relocated radio aerial (now at the rear) and, for the iMax Series II, new 16-inch alloy wheels and foglights.
The iMax continues to be available in three eight-seat configurations, while nine iLoad variants continue, including three-seat Van and six-seat Crew Van layouts, both with either liftback or twin swinging rear doors.
Both the van and people-mover come with the choice of carryover 127kW/224Nm Theta II 2.4-litre petrol (MPi) or 2.5-litre turbo-diesel (CRDi) four-cylinder engines (100kW/343Nm manual, 125kW/441Nm auto).
Diesels command a premium of about $6000, but there is no base iMax petrol manual and no base iLoad petrol auto, which costs $3000 extra in other variants.
Pricing is up to $2000 higher, with the iMax 2.4 MPi four-speed auto now costing $39,990 plus on-road costs (up $1700) and the iMax 2.5 CRDi six-speed manual and five-speed auto now a respective $43,490 and $46,490 (up $2000).
All iLoad prices are also up, by $1000 at base level for the iLoad 2.4 MPi Liftback Van manual (now $31,990) and $1500 for diesel and Crew Van models.
Metallic paint is $695 extra and prices for each 15,000km or 12-month service are capped at $289 ($399 for the 60,000km/48-month service) for petrol models, and $349 ($499 for the 60,000km/48-month service) for diesels.
Like all Hyundai models, both vans are covered by a five-year/unlimited-km warranty, 12 months of free roadside assist, a free 1500km first service and navigation updates.
“Although supply-constrained, the iMax and its iLoad sibling continually have been strong performers in Australia,” said HMCA Chief Operating Officer, Scott Grant.
“Indeed, in October both variants claimed runner-up segment shares in their respective People-Mover and Van/CC 2.5-3.5t market segments.
“Thanks to their impressive new array of premium high-tech features and with increased local supply now guaranteed, we’re confident our new iMax and iLoad Series II variants will be even more popular with Australian buyers.”
2016 Hyundai iMax/iLoad pricing (plus ORCs):
iMax 2.4 MPi auto — $39,990
iMax 2.5 CRDi manual — $43,490
iMax 2.5 CRDi auto — $46,490
iLoad 2.4 MPi Liftback Van manual — $31,990
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Liftback Van manual — $37,990
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Liftback Van auto — $40,990
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Twin Swing Van manual — $38,540
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Twin Swing Van auto — $41,540
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Liftback Crew Van manual — $39,990
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Liftback Crew Van auto — $42,990
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Twin Swing Crew Van manual — $40,540
iLoad 2.5 CRDi Twin Swing Crew Van auto — $43,540
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