Why hasn't Hyundai updated the I-Max/I-Load/Starex/I800 yet?

"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada) 08/25/2016 at 17:29 • Filed to: RANT

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Seriously. An updated version would sell like hotcakes across the world, and Hyundai could get in on the ever expanding North American van market too. But no. It’s just, there. For those who are in a market where these are sold, when was the last time you thought of it? Exactly.

Look at that interior. By 2007 Hyundai standards, it was fine. Hell, by 2008 van standards, it was fine. Compare it to the Transit of the time.

Or the Sprinter

and it’s fine, perfectly fine. But let’s take a look at the new Transit’s interior.

Or the new ProAce, which is probably it’s closest competitor.

They’re miles ahead. It’s insane how Hyundai can get away with selling an almost 10 year old van today. And unlike the Express, it isn’t the last of it’s bunch. The Express/Savana exists as the last V8 BOF American van. But the Hyundai is unibody. It’s got a four cylinder. It’s not special. It’s not the last of it’s kind. It sells like shit, because it’s outdated, and shit. It’s a relic of 2007 Hyundai/Kia, when shit like the Magentis (ugh) was still being made.

Hyundai, please. I love you, but for the love of god introduce a new van or just pull out. It’s getting a little bit pathetic.

Here’s hoping with the new Santa Cruz coming, we’ll see more serious commercial vehicles from Hyundai/Kia. It’s one area they’re sorely lacking in.

For Sweden > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:35

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How does one update perfection?

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:35

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Well to be honest it didn’t even sell all too well in 2007 here in the Netherlands(it’s called H300 here). Its predecessor the H200 on the other hand also wasn’t changed much during its (long-ish) production run, but managed to sell much better for a longer period of time.

RT > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:37

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The i800 is pretty weak and only exists to cart around 8 people.

Hyundai/Kia still haven’t made many light commercial vehicles yet, but you’ve got to give them credit in the mini-truck market.

Well, actually they’re still pretty dated and not even sold here.

But they’re called the Hyundai Porter and Kia Bongo, so they get a free pass because silly name, in honour of the Berlingo or something.

not for canada - australian in disguise > RT 08/25/2016 at 17:41

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I’m quite a fan of the Bongo and Porter. And unlike the I800, they actually have been updated somewhat since they were introduced.

Still pretty spartan, but what do you really expect for a small truck? And it actually is in line with it’s competition, see the current Fuso Canter.

RT > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:46

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They’re good enough to do their job after all, plus they have a noticeable cool-factor. I guess it’s unfair to call them dated, it’s more like a Land Rover Defender effect - which makes a lot more sense.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:46

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But who would even buy one over a Mercedes V-Class, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic/Fiat Talento, VW T6, Toyota Proace/Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Jumpy, Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit? IIRC the Hyundai still has some sort of Mitsubishi dna in it.

Klaus Schmoll > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:47

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Nope. The 2008 Transit interiour isn’t as bad as that Hyundai thing. It had a shitload of cupholders, some small, some big, some of them even cooled, just something for everything, whereas the Hyundai doesn’t seem to have at least one. That’s what van people care about.

I had a Transit of that gen as a rental once when I moved. I loooooooved that thing. Great stereo for a commercial vehicle too.

not for canada - australian in disguise > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem 08/25/2016 at 17:47

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Cheap people. The updated Hyundai would probably end up being the best value for money out of all of them.

Chinny Raccoon > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 17:58

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We looked at one briefly, but Hyundai really aren’t interested in selling them in the UK, none available to test drive and long lead times with very few options. Smaller inside than the competition due to the RWD setup.

The Hyundai isn’t any cheaper than the Renault/Citroen and their related models. The dealer network isn’t set up for commercials like the Ford/Mercedes van specialists.

Bought one of the last previous generation Renault Trafics as a factory order. The local Renault dealer is very good and we have Masters so a matching fleet is nice.

Probenja > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/25/2016 at 18:40

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Maybe it’s not selling well in Europe, but here in Chile it’s fucking everywhere, it might be the country that sells the best after Korea, even the police uses them:

Why you may ask? It’s cheap, reliable, and there are lots of parts, even though this gen doesn’t share anything with the Mitsubishi van.

They did release a bigger version called H350 which has a better interior and i’m guessing that is where the i800 (H1 here) will go.

And the Hyundai Van is much smaller than a Sprinter/Transit/Ram, etc... it’s more the size of a Toyota HiAce or Nissan NV350 but without the cab over look.