Hyundai’s designers have re-worked the nose of the H100 to give it a new look that incorporates charcoal-finish headlights.

Korean automotive giant, Hyundai, continues to grow in popularity in South Africa and around the world thanks to its latest cutting-edge designs and technologies – especially in the passenger car segment.

On the commercial side of things, however, the company hasn’t really brought many models to local showrooms, since its tried and tested H100 pick-up, as well as H1 range of vans, continue to rack up sales faster than the company can bring them in. The company has, however, given its old-faithful bakkie a decent once-over a little under a year ago, which has brought it in line with more of what the market expects from its LCV segment.

Hyundai’s designers have reworked the nose of the H100 to give it a new look that incorporates charcoal-finish headlights, as well as a nose panel between the headlights that tilts open to give convenient access to the engine coolant and window washer reservoirs.

Furthermore, a new front bumper with a wide, upward lifted black insert also gives the H100 a friendly smiley face, while the exterior rear view mirrors have also been made larger to offer a more panoramic rear view, which is useful when parking or reversing in tight spaces.

While an air-conditioner remains optional equipment in this model, the cabin of the H100 is still as comfortable and roomy as it was when launched nearly a decade ago. The H100 can still carry up to 1,3 tons of cargo and its new 2,6-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivers 58kW of power at 3 800rpm and 167N.m of torque at 2 200rpm.

Hyundai’s popularity in the LCV segment

Hyundai claims that this diesel engine boasts exceptional reliability and durability, which is one of the reasons for the popularity of the H100 Bakkie. Nevertheless if the H100 won’t cut it for your business needs, Hyundai also offers its new H1 bus as a Panel Van to ensure you can move a massive amount of freight without having to worry about covering it up with tarps if you operate in wet or dusty conditions.

The latest addition to the H1 Panel Van range is a 2,5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel variant that offers 120kW of power and a mammoth 392N.m of torque, which is amongst the best in its class. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it can carry up to 1 100kg, while the rear space can accommodate items up to 2,4m in length. The H1’s high roof and easy-to-swing rear doors also make it a breeze to load and unload.

The H1 Panel Van is fitted with dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution to assist in keeping driver, co-driver and cargo safe. More than two years since its launch its good to see that the H1 remains one of the best vehicles in its class and that Hyundai’s doing its best to keep its prices at a realistic level.

Prices for the Hyundai H100 pick-up start at R191 900, while the H1 Panel Van with a diesel engine will set you back R344 900. All models come with warranty of five years or 150 000km.