Hyundai’s background in passenger cars and the iLoad’s close association with the i800 people carrier is clearly evident in the approach to this van’s cabin. Unlike most of its rivals, the iLoad has a fully carpeted cab and it also fully trimmed, so there are no bare metal surfaces. This helps considerably when it comes to quelling noise form the engine, wind and road, which are all pleasingly absent and make the iLoad one of the most hushed, refined vans in its sector.
The comfort offered by the iLoad is also much more reminiscent of a passenger car than most vans as it has height adjustment for both the driver’s and passenger seats. Coupled to height adjustment for the steering wheel, it’s easy to find the right driving position in the iLoad. It’s just as easy to stay comfy in the Hyundai thanks to the generously padded driver’s seat that has a high back and base cushion that supports the driver’s thighs rather than stopping short as in some of the iLoad’s competitors.
All of the carpeting and trim may make the iLoad a little more labour intensive to keep clean than some more utilitarian rivals, but it’s worth the effort as the Hyundai looks good from the driver’s seat. The dash is well designed, placing the gear lever high on the centre console, while the main dash binnacle places all of the major instruments in clear line of sight for the driver. All of the heater and stereo controls are logically displayed and large rotary dials for the ventilation controls make it easy to operate them even with gloves on.
All-round vision is good in the iLoad and it comes with glazed rear door panels, which help when reversing, though they do also compromise security in the load area. There are plenty of storage bins, cubbies and boxes spread around the Hyundai’s cab, though there isn’t one large enough to hold a two litre drinks bottle, which may be a minor gripe for some users.
There’s extra storage for drinks if you fold down the centre passenger seat, which then also provides a small tray. This is a better use for this seat as it’s quite narrow and uncomfortable for a third front occupant.
Storage in the back of the iLoad is not a problem. It offers up a 4.3 cubic metre load capacity and can hold up to 1062kg. Loads are held in place by six lashing hooks, though Hyundai does not provide any floor protection, so you need to be careful when sliding weightier items in and out of the iLoad. However, there are flat sides with panelling to half height and a steel bulkhead to protect front occupants.
Twin sliding side doors add to the iLoad’s practicality and generous specification, while the symmetrical rear doors open to 90-degrees and 180-degreees to offer excellent access to the load bay. A load sill height of just 533mm also means the Hyundai has one of the lowest floors in the business for easy loading and unloading.