The history of the term `station wagon' goes back to where else but the U.S. These were literally large cars and small trucks used to convey train passengers to and from the railway station. They were generally cheaper models and often appeared unfinished as the timber framework were left exposed to cut down on cost. One sheet of metal on the inside of the timber frame cost less than adding an extra sheet to the outside for aesthetic purposes. In time the term became common to describe what we now now as station wagons, or what the Europeans call estates. The reality is though the modern station wagons are small vehicles and bear little resemblance to the station wagons of the 1920s and 30s. The term station wagon was invented in the 1920's to replace the less exotic term. `depot hack'.

Contemporary use of the term `station wagon' dictates the iMax is a people mover, but the reality is the vehicle is designed to fulfill the role of those timber-framed vehicles all those years ago. The iMax was launched in early 2008 with the entry-level 2.4 petrol auto and a manual 2.5 CRDi diesel. By late in 2008 Hyundai realised an auto diesel would enhance diesel sales and a five speed Selectronic auto was added to the stable. Then in July 2009 it was announced iMax had received a four star ANCAP safety rating.

While the iMax is generally well-equipped, it does have some shortcomings, which reflect the price. There's no reversing camera, no steering wheel mounted controls and no cruise control. Also, the massive rear door is not only big, but heavy, and it's an adults-only job to drag it down after removing luggage. But the positives outweigh the negatives: There's a huge 850 litres of luggage space.

The auto transmission lever pokes out from the dash meaning front seat passengers can easily walk through to the second row of pews as the opening is extra large between the seats. Since the iMax would also make ideal transport for large families, this is important. The second row of seats are 60/40 split and slide forward allowing easy access to the third row of seating, also a roomy triple header. Both sides of the iMax are fitted with long sliding doors, so in this way iMax offers great flexibility for passengers, and safety with options to enter from either side, important when entering or alighting in busy traffic areas such as school zones or airport drop-off or pick-up zones.

The driver and passenger seats are comfortable and offer a high viewing platform similar to a large four wheel drive. Both the driver and passenger seats have a vanity mirror which is illuminated from a light in the roof when opened. There's no reach adjustment to the steering wheel, just a tilt adjustment, but the driver does have a height adjustable seat. The iMax is a large vehicle, but does not drive or feel like one. The controls are well located, but it is a reach to audio controls: as we said there are no remote controls on the steering wheel.

Safety technology includes driver and passenger airbags and ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and auto door unlocking on impact. The iMax also has three point retractable seat belts for all eight occupants. The diesel iMax variants also get standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and traction control. In our view ESP should be standard on all vehicles, and in particular those that carry numbers of passengers and have a higher centre of gravity such as four wheel drives, SUVs and people movers. Petrol iMax does not have ESP.