- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
1.5DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
81kW, 240Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 5.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, 200000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
4/5 star (2011)
What load-lugging vehicle should I buy?
The dilemma
Adrian is a mountain biker who spends most weekends travelling with his bike. He wants to trade up to a van so he can stow his bike more easily and securely, and gain a space for shelter, changing, resting, etc. Would Hyundai’s iLoad be a good choice?
The budget
About $25,000
The shortlist
The iLoad is a nicely executed, no-nonsense van that will do what Adrian is asking for but it’s by no means the only worthy choice in this budget range.
In the mid-sized van realm, it’s possible to dial up either more space and driving sophistication, or sharper value and resale/ownership.
With the iLoad occupying a nice kind of middle ground, though, we’re going to look further afield to contenders that offer a more fundamental point of difference. In doing so, we can help Adrian answer a couple of questions. One, how much van does he really need? And, two, does it need to be a commercial vehicle?
2008-on Hyundai iLoad, from $8200*
This Hyundai’s cargo area isn’t the biggest in its class but it’s more than big enough for this job.
It’s a surefooted, respectably cosseting drive with a perky and reasonably frugal 2.5-litre diesel option. Models in this price range typically have some of Hyundai’s five-year factory warranty left to run, on top of a lifetime fixed-price servicing plan.
But stability control was initially optional, and then only mandatory for diesels. A reversing camera and side airbags only arrived in 2016, and getting this kind of vintage will be tough for $25k.
While it’s roomy and drives well, Volkswagen’s Transporter and other Euros are roomier still and drive even better. While it’s decent value, other options are cheaper (LDV G10) or offer more compelling long-term dollars-and-cents prospects (Toyota Hiace). Pragmatically presented, and now a decade old, it’s no oil-painting.
Read Drive’s Hyundai iLoad reviews:
2014-on Kia Carnival, from $26,300*
This Kia isn’t a commercial van but it does give you a vast, box-like space with all of its back seats stowed away.
More pertinently, it’s a fundamentally superior package to an iLoad with a more sophisticated cabin, presentation and driving qualities. It’s safer (stability control, curtain bags and reversing camera are mandatory) and Kia’s factory warranty is longer (seven years).
With tidy 2015 base S models now starting to pop up for this money, it doesn’t even demand a premium.
Diesel models, however, aren’t quite there yet, and the standard-issue 3.3-litre petrol V6 is both peakier and thirstier.
Where the Hyundai’s load space is of the hose-out variety, this one’s is trimmed and will need protection. Kia’s fixed-price servicing deal has a use-by date (seven years/105,000km).
Read Drive’s Kia Carnival reviews:
First drive: Kia Carnival
Road test: Kia Carnival Platinum diesel
2016 Drive Car of the Year: Best People Mover
2013-on Renault Kangoo Maxi, from $10,200*
This Renault might be this group’s smallest car but it’s the easiest to manoeuvre in tight spaces and its 1.5-litre diesel engine is the most economical by far (4.7L/100km versus 7.6-9.6L for the Hyundai depending on year/variant and 11.6L/100km for the Kia). It’s cheaper to buy than its rivals here, with good 2016 models within reach at this budget.
Yes, it has a smaller load space than a good mid-sized van but there’s still plenty enough for this scenario. Crew models add a handy flat-folding rear bench.
But while all Maxis have stability control and, from 2016, side airbags (previously optional), you’ll need to hope for an optioned example to get a reversing camera.
It has this group’s shortest warranty/fixed-price servicing deals (three years for both) and the Crew is a manual-only deal.
Read Drive’s Renault Kangoo reviews:
News: Renault revamps Kangoo
New-car review: Renault Kangoo Crew
2018 Drive Commercial Car of the Year: Best Small Van
Drive recommends
The Carnival is clearly the best car here and, while not as roomy as a dedicated load-lugger in the back, sufficiently so for Adrian. Whether that’s enough to make up for it having the wrong engine (for this money) and least hardy load space is the question.
Choosing which car takes silver is tough. The iLoad is more capable load-lugger, has the stronger diesel engine and more solid ownership incentives.
If this battle were about lugging pallets day in, day out, these assets would give it the edge.
Here, though, it’s hard not to feel that the Renault will still carry Adrian and his bike (or bikes) without a sweat while being easier to live with during the week. Superior safety, economy and value seal the deal.
* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.