Hyundai H1
The Hyundai H1 is a 9-seater bus that has built up an impressive following in South Africa since 2009. The H1 has been refreshed just a few times in the past decade but essentially it is very much the same vehicle that has been such a success here in the family-bus segment. It is also available as a panel van with three seats up front, and as a multi-cab, which has seating for 6 and offers a huge load area.
The H1 bus's most-favoured engine is a 2,5-litre turbo-diesel , which is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with a 2,4-litre petrol engine and manual transmission, but this is a far less popular choice than the turbo-diesel automatic.
The 2,4-litre petrol bus is only available in Executive trim and costs R557 500, while the more-expensive diesel comes in more-lavish Elite trim and costs R690 500.
Accessorising your H1
The H1 is a subtly-smart van with a no-nonsense appearance, although Hyundai has recently given the Elite version some eye-catching trim items, such as a particularly attractive set of alloy wheels.
Nevertheless, the H1 responds well to a few well-chosen visual accessories and Hyundai offers a range of these that mainly have practical applications as well. Many of them focus on the so-called lifestyle aspect of the vehicle, with an emphasis on weekend activities.
Our Top 5 Hyundai H1 accessories
1. 4-bar Roof Rack System
Hyundai offers roof racks in both 2-bar and 4-bar configurations, and our favourite is the 4-bar system, which enables the H1 to carry a host of lifestyle equipment on the roof. The 4-bar rack system is not cheap, costsing over R6 000, but we feel is it is well worth the money.
2. Pro Ride bicycle carrier
3. This is a high-quality tow bar with an extremely rugged mounting system
We recommend going the manufacturer-approved route for a tow bar, as this is a very safety-critical item. The price of the Hyundai-approved tow bar is just over R6 000.
4. Nudge Bar
This another high-quality item, finished in high quality stainless steel, and mounted neatly beneath the lower section of the bumper, while offering protection to the plastic bumper and substantial grille.
5. Alarm upgrade
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