Pic Salaphezulu Masindane

By Amanda Mfuphi

We recently drove the updated version of the best-selling minibus in South Africa, being the updated Hyundai H1. It is easy to understand how this minibus is one of the firm favorites in its segment of the market. Our test H1 was the top end spec 2.5 Elite Bus automatic transmission.

Exterior

The Hyundai H1 has kept its shape for the most part but it does have immediately visible exterior improvements. The update that particularly stood out for us was the new chrome grille. We found the chrome grille to be more assertive than its predecessor and also give the vehicle a more luxurious look. The other exterior updates are the integrated LED headlights of the H1 which extend out of the chrome grille. Additionally, the Hyundai H1 comes with multiple impressive standard features that add to the looks of the H1, these include fog lamps, park distance control, door lamps and rear combination lamps. The H1 Elite Bus comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and decent-looking alloy wheels.

Interior

The inside of the updated H1 has a new dashboard multimedia system, which includes a touchscreen infotainment system and a multifunctional steering wheel which gives the driver access to the entertainment and connected phone. The seats of the H1 are nothing to ride home about but they are comfortable and offer sufficient support. The cabin is very spacious and can comfortably sit 9 individuals. As if the cabin was not spacious enough, the boot space of the H1 is also equally huge and comes at about 851 litres, and this is with all the seats up! The cabin also gives passengers and the driver great visibility of what is happening outside and thus making it a perfect companion for those trips to Kruger for animal spotting. The seats of the H1 also recline for those long road trips to ensure the rear passengers are comfortable.

Our updated H1 also came with safety features such as front airbags, auto locking doors, rear camera parking assistance, with displays on the rear-view mirror and an Electric Stability Programme (ESP) – which helps detect a loss in traction and improves stability when driving. The H1 also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, sunglasses case, on-board navigation system, double glovebox and dual door pockets. The Hyundai H1 can certainly accommodate a big family and any relatives or friends that might want to tag along for good times.

The drive

Our test H1 was the 2.5 litre turbocharged diesel engine with 125 kW of power and 1392 Nm of torque. The H1 was an enjoyable drive for us and we took it on a shotleft to Harties. We found that the ride of the H1 was smooth and planted on the road despite its size and elevated stance. The H1 also proved to be comfortable and a spacious ride for all the passengers for our young day trip to Harties. The 125 kW of power also came to the party on the drive as the engine was more than capable of lunging the big sized vehicle on the road. We were also happy with the fuel consumption of the H1 as we managed to get to about 9.5l / 100km on highway.

Price

H1 Bus 2.4 litre Petrol Engine 9 seater – from R514,900.
H1 Bus 2.5 litre Diesel Engine 9 seater – from R639,900.

The Hyundai H1 has a 5 Year / 150 000 km Manufacturer’s Mechanical Warranty and a 5 Year / 150 000 km Manufacturer’s Paint Warranty. There is also a 5 year / 150 000 km Roadside Assistance Plan and a 5 year / 90 000 km Service Plan available.