Hyundai Refreshes H-1

Hyundai’s volume-selling H-1 recently had its face lifted, and Hyundai’s thrown in some more convenience features to seal the deal, and to steal some sales from the other big names in this segment. Some of the H-1’s biggest competitors come from the stables of Volkswagen (Kombi/Caravelle), Ford (Tourneo Custom), and Mercedes-Benz (V-Class / Vito).

On the inside, all H-1’s are seeing a slightly more modern and glammed-up centre stack, and on the exterior, design changes are subtle, and noticeable only when ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics are placed side-by-side. New alloy wheels have been added, but the rear remains unchanged.

At the launch in Cape Town, media only had access to the H-1 2.5 Diesel 9-Seater Bus, with an automatic gearbox. (Only the Petrol Bus has a manual transmission). We took a lovely drive to Malmesbury and back via Wellington/Stellenbosch, and cruised comfortably along at the legal limit of 120km/hour. The cabin is nice and quiet and the ride is a refined one. At one point we looked at the speedometer and noticed we were going much faster, and immediately employed Cruise Control, which is new in this model. The unchanged 2.5 VGTi 125 kW / 441 Nm turbodiesel engine is not particularly feisty, but gets the job done. However, the bus was empty, so it will be a different story when it’s fully loaded with people and their holiday luggage, and not at sea level. We will have to put one to the test in Gauteng to see how it fares.

The new H-1 Diesel Bus also gains a leather steering wheel and gear knob, Bluetooth,full automatic air-conditioning and side airbags. ESP is also new, and so is jam-protection and Auto Down for the driver’s window. The new H-1 Diesel Bus gets a practical cooling glove box, to keep road-trip snacks and drinks at the right temperature. The exterior mirrors now fold electrically. Other necessary convenience features include Rear Park Assist, to keep that wide behind in check.

Spacewise, Hyundai says the H-1 Diesel / Petrol Bus seats 9 people, but realistically 8 adults will probably be more comfortable. The third row of seats boasts great legroom, and then there’s still so much space to spare in the boot. This makes it the ideal Hotel/Guest House shuttle. The H-1 isn’t the most elegant or characterful bus in town, but it sure is practical.

The latest H-1 Petrol Bus also gets the new alloys, leather steering wheel and knob, foldable key, Bluetooth and the coolable glove box.

The H-1 Multicab AT Diesel gains the new alloys, Cruise Control, the foldable key and Bluetooth. The H-1 P/Van AT Diesel only gets Cruise Control and the foldable key. For a full list of specifications, please go to www.hyundai.co.za

Pricing:
H-1 2.5 Diesel 9-Seater Bus AT	: R 579 90
H-1 2.4 Petrol 9-Seater Bus MT	: R 482 900
H-1 2.5 Diesel 6-Seater Multicab	: R 492 900
H-1 2.5 Diesel 3-Seater P/van	: R 441 900