Hyundai is proud of the fact that its 2009 iMax people mover and iLoad cargo van have just obtained four stars out of five for occupant protection in the latest crash testing carried out by ANCAP (the Australian New Car Assessment Program). Only two, more expensive, German vans managed to equal the efforts of the Hyundais, no vehicle received the full five stars.

Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution are standard on both the iLoad and the iMax. Electronic stability control is standard on the iMax but optional on the iLoad. On the downside, the Hyundais only achieved one star out of four for pedestrian safety.

Both the iMax people mover and the iLoad van have a semi-bonneted body, that shape being the best compromise between crash safety and interior volume. Hyundai iMax is capable of carrying eight adults in reasonable comfort, unlike, sleeker family people movers that cater for a mix of adults and children, typically four of the former and three of the little folk.

The first two rows of seats can slide backwards and forwards to provide numerous combinations of legroom. When the back seats aren't in use the centre-row seats receive a huge amount of limo-like space.

Access to the rearmost seats through the sliding doors is easy. However, as is often the way on imported vehicles the smaller of the folding seat sections is on the wrong side for Australia, meaning a fair bit of muscle power is needed to fold/unfold the larger side of the seat.

 

Even with a full complement of eight passengers, there a surprising amount of space in the rear of the iMax for luggage, partly thanks to a boot that’s deeper than average for its type.

This big Hyundai people mover comes with two four-cylinder engine choices: 2.4-litre petrol or 2.5-litre common-rail turbo-diesel. Our test vehicle had the turbo-diesel. With its big-torque characteristics the 2.5-litre four-cylinder CRDi diesel is likely to be the engine of choice for most buyers. Transmission was by a five-speed automatic with tiptronic-type overrides in our test car, it works nicely in conjunction with the engine characteristics.

Standard features include air conditioning with dual-zones and additional controls in the rear, and MP3-compatible CD player with auxiliary input jack.

On the road the 2009 Hyundai iMax rides well and is generally stable, though it can be affected by strong side winds and by the backwash of air from big trucks. It’s not on its own in this as the van shape is inevitably going to be more prone to aerodynamic disturbance than that of a low-slung sedan.

One jarring note was a fair bit of noise inside on bumpy roads as the front doors moved within their frames. A disappointing feature of an otherwise competent vehicle that’s built to a high standard.

 

Though the emphasis is on comfort, handling isn’t too bad for this class. There's good turn-in and the iMax tracks nicely around corners providing you don’t tackle them at silly speeds. More importantly in the real world, the Hyundai iMax is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight conditions thanks to a tight turning circle.

Hyundai’s generous warranties apply with the iMax covered for five years or unlimited kilometres, a real load off the mind in the family-raising years. Owners also get free roadside assistance for one year.