Freshly launched! The New Hyundai H1

By Colin Windell

 

Despite the reported drop off-in incoming tourist numbers, there is still a strong market for the small bus ideally suited to tour operators, hotels, guest lodges and, in fact, any business that needs to transport people.

In the market segment where luxury means things that are really necessary and cost per kilometre are vital, the Hyundai H1 has established itself as the solution – and now it gets a new face along with practical upgrades.

The whole nose section of the H1 has been redesigned, giving the 9-seater bus, and its panel van sibling, a modern look that fits in with the styling of the passenger car and SUV range of the Korean manufacturer, and it comes without an increase in price.

New 17-inch alloy wheels are added to the 2.5 turbo-diesel derivative of the H1 range, while the addition of an infotainment centre with a large touch-screen enhances the list of interior luxury and comfort features in both 9-seater derivatives.

A steering wheel that can now adjusts for reach as well as height makes the driving position in the H1 even more comfortable, also in the panel van. The panel van will still be equipped with 16-inch steel wheel rims.

Rear camera as parking assistance, with display in the rear-view mirror, has also been added as a luxury feature in the range-topping H1 2.5 turbo-diesel bus.

Projection-style headlights have also been added to improve night-driving capability.

Other key features include:

• Bluetooth connectivity for the infotainment's sound system with multifunction controls on the steering wheel;
• Cruise control with controls on the steering wheel;
• A full automatic air conditioner with climate control;
• Glove box cooling;
• A side air bag;
• Power folding mirrors; and
• An Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

The H1 9-Bus has long been one of the most popular vehicles in the Hyundai line-up, with applications as a family vehicle as well as commercial use for businesses that require a car for transporting a number of people in luxurious comfort and safety.

"The H1 has never really aged since we launched it in 2009, but the new make-over has really given it a modern look and a bold exterior that will attract many more buyers in this segment,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

"The fact we have sold 14 424 H1 buses and 2 272 panel vans since the 2009 launch, proves the popularity of the car."

The 6-seater Multicab derivative has been discontinued from the range, however, individual orders with deposits for this practical derivative will still be considered.

The refreshed H1 Bus is still available two engines: A 2 359 cc petrol engine, delivering its 126 kW maximum power and 224 Nm maximum torque through a 5-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels and a 2 497 cc turbo-charged diesel engine that delivers 125 kW maximum power and 441 Nm maximum torque.

The 2,5-litre turbo-diesel uses a 5-speed automatic gearbox and is also driven through the rear wheels.

Whatever the role, a genuine ability to carry eight people and their luggage over long distances (or nine if the seat between the driver and front passenger is deployed) is the H1 Bus's key strength – it is not an MPV and does not suffer from minimal luggage space once the rearmost seats are in use.

The H1 series is equipped with McPherson type strut with gas shock absorbers for its front suspension, and for the H1 9-seater Bus a rigid axle 5-link rear suspension with oil-filled shock absorbers ensures a comfortable ride.

Dual leaf springs are used as rear suspension for the Panel Van, giving it a rating to carry 1 100 kg and tow up to 1 500 kg.

The prices of the H1 range are:

H1 2.4 Executive Bus (petrol, manual transmission)                 R499 900

H1 2.5 Elite Bus (turbodiesel, automatic transmission)             R629 900

H1 2.5 Panel Van (turbodiesel, automatic transmission)           R459 900

Pricing includes Hyundai's 5-year/150 000 km warranty, with an additional 2 years/50 000 km manufacturer's powertrain warranty, as well as a 5-year/150 000 km roadside assistance plan and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.