Which Hyundai H-1 is better: diesel or petrol?
Hyundai’s H-1 bus is an often-overlooked competitor in the large people-carrier segment, but this shortage of market recognition doesn’t detract from its appeal at all. In passenger-carrying format, the Hyundai H-1 can be had with either a petrol- or a diesel powerplant. Which one is better for the job?
The Hyundai H-1 bus range opens with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a slightly less-comprehensive trim level. Meanwhile, the very well-equipped range-topper features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. But, while the two engines have almost identical peak power outputs, their torque curves change the picture quite dramatically. First, let’s look at the important statistics, before we decide which one is better.
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Engine Type |
2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol |
2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel |
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Power/Torque |
126 kW/224 Nm |
125 kW/441 Nm |
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Performance Data * |
0-100 km/h in 17.1s, 178 km/h |
0-100 km/h in 14.4s, 180 km/h |
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Fuel Consumption * |
10.2 ℓ/100 km |
9.8 ℓ/100 km |
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Price ** |
R 580 500 |
R 718 500 |
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures for performance and average fuel consumption.
** Prices were accurate at the time of writing, but may change without prior notice.
Related: Hyundai H-1 vs Volkswagen Kombi vs Ford Tourneo Custom – which one has the lowest running costs?
Which engine is right for you?
At face value, the 2.4 petrol H-1’s much lower pricetag makes it a more-attractive option for value-conscious buyers. That (almost) R 140 000 difference gap to the range-topping 2.5VGTi does seem very enticing indeed, but before opting for the petrol version, it’s worth considering a few other factors.
For one thing, the diesel’s “Elite” trim level elevates the H-1’s equipment levels somewhat, with automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, an airbag upgrade from two to four, and stability control being exclusive to the high-spec derivative. From a safety equipment point of view, this makes the Elite diesel the best choice, especially when used as a family car.
Related: The top 5 features that makes a Hyundai H-1 stand out from the crowd.
But, in all fairness, it’s not like the petrol “Executive” is exactly spartan, either – rear parking sensors, a colour touchscreen infotainment system, leather seat upholstery, cruise control, alloy wheels, and auto-on/off headlights feature even on the more-basic derivative. Whether the diesel Elite’s added equipment justifies its higher pricetag is thus debatable, except when seen in the context of transporting a family as safely as possible.
The 2.5VGTi Elite has three major tricks up its sleeve, though. Its automatic gearbox makes the big bus a lot easier to drive, the pile of extra torque hands it a decided performance advantage, and it’s likely to use a fair bit less fuel in normal use as well. The diesel’s claimed fuel consumption of 9.8 ℓ/100 km isn’t that much better than the petrol’s claimed figure of 10.2 ℓ/100 km, but there’s no doubt that, comparatively, the torquier diesel will drink a lot less when it’s carrying a full load.
Related: Hyundai H-1 test drive – be sure to check these features out!
The Verdict
Considering its performance, efficiency, safety, and specification advantages, it becomes a lot easier to make a case for the turbodiesel over the petrol H-1. Yes, it is a lot more expensive to opt for diesel power in your H-1, but it’s so much better at everything else that, budget permitting, the 2.5VGTi Elite bus simply makes the most sense – especially if it frequently has to work with a full complement of passengers and luggage.
Related: Just hop on the bus, Gus! We reviewed the Hyundai H-1 2.5VGTi Elite and rated it very highly.
