Hyundai H1 Multicab
South Africa is ahead of the world in a few respects. As I have said in the recent past, we own more bakkies than just about any other nation. We love their versatility. Drive one or two people about and then movie stuff. Big stuff. If the stuff gets even bigger, the solution has always been simple, upgrade to an even bigger bakkie. If the number of people grows, a double cab upgrade solves most of that issue. For four people anyhow.
The other thing that we excel at down here is crime. Of which theft from an open bakkie is not an insignificant issue. We solve that of course by adding a canopy to our venerable workhorses. Of course even a colour coded canopy, with its low height, has you crawling in and out on your knees. Only providing protection from the least determined of casual affirmative shoppers. So if you have more than four people, say six, and a host of partially valuable, but messy or dangerous stuff, your options have been limited to say the least. The Hyundai Multicab solves most of this issue. Seating six and with a properly divided off rear, it gets the job done. The only question left on our minds really is how well and at what value.
Six people are seated in comfort. Well five of them anyway, the sixth needs to be either a small child or a heroin emaciated anorexic 70’s model. That one goes on a seat between the driver and the front passenger. Quite frankly, that seat works better folded forward as a cup holder and useful receptacle bin for those in front. The rear seats are comfortable and work for the long of leg and tall of torso. Big and spacious. And they get a sliding door both sides for versatility. Up front air con is included as is an entertainment system with iPod connectivity but curiously no RDS on the radio, once again for Hyundai. No Bluetooth either, not even as an option. Aftermarket is the only way to solve that one. As for the point of the thing, the load bin. Conveniently split side opening rear access, allows one to reverse right up to loading bays. The 1,585 m bay should fit most of the toys we like to bring along. The six tie downs should help get it there. Clever work-lights in the rear should keep things lit at night. But the greatest feature, is the glass and steel partition to the main cab. Relatively sound insulating, protecting you from the thrum and rattle associated with lugging things in a van, and properly partitioned off in terms of smell and safety. Rearward visibility is also maxed out because of the glass. A good solution.
After a short stint of long distance cruising followed by a coastal off road trip, it felt competent and reliable. Off-road with the simple four wheel drive system and diff lock, it never disappointed. City driving was ok, with PDC fitted, my only let down really was the fact that there was almost no-where to hide a laptop or togbag out of sight. Under the seats, wasn’t a real option as even a compact laptop bag was left partially exposed, and there was almost no space behind the backseat for anything.
As tested in 2.5 VGTi diesel form, the van was surprisingly agile, with a compliant yet somehow flat cornering suspension that was reassuringly agile. While not as sporty a setup as say the VW Caravelle, it is a far more cost effective and versatile option than the Volksie. Relative to the Merc Vito, it is not quite as luxurious in the Mercedes’ higher specs, but trumps them absolutely on the value arena. At R339,900 for the diesel, or R279,900 for the similarly thirsty petrol derivative, the 5 year 90 000km serviced planned Hyundai’s represent some unique value.
It stands alone in its unique take on the van/people carrier category and is well worth a look if you are in the market for something with this kind of versatility. It certainly deserves a close examination.