Hyundai first introduced their 9-seater H1 Bus about nine years ago, and it was an immediate sales success. The Bus was followed by the H1 Panel Van, which with its voluminous carrying capacity and car-like drive also captured a fair slice of the segment, whilst the six-seater H1 Multicab has been discontinued, but can be imported on special order. It must be said, however, that the H1 has not really aged since its launch, however, Hyundai decided to give it a more modern make-over with a number of new features, with the improvements designed to ensure that the “people carrier” entrenches its position as the leader of its segment.

Externally the whole nose section of the H1 has been redesigned, giving the nine-seater bus, and its panel van sibling, a modern look that fits in with the styling of the passenger car and SUV range of the Korean manufacturer, and it comes without an increase in price. The upgraded models feature; a new front grille and bumper design, new 17-inch alloy wheels and it has a full sized spare. The Panel Van however, retains its 16-inch steel wheel rims and wheel covers.

Moving inside, the addition of an infotainment center with a large touch-screen enhances the list of interior luxury and comfort features in both nine-seater derivatives. The steering wheel is now adjustable for reach as well as height, which makes the driving position in both the H1 Bus and Panel Van even more comfortable. Also new is the rear-view camera with the display in the rear-view mirror in the range-topping H1 2.5 Turbo diesel Elite Bus, while projection-style headlights have also been added to illuminate the road ahead more effectively, and add to the good looks of the new front-end of the H1 Bus.

Existing features that make the H1 2.5 Turbo diesel bus an ideal family or touring vehicle include; height adjustable steering column, Bluetooth connectivity for the infotainment's sound system with multi-function controls on the steering wheel, cruise control with controls on the steering wheel, fully automatic air conditioner with climate control, electric windows and mirrors and a large cubby hole with cooling from the air-conditioner.

The improved dash set up has a three dimensional cluster in front of the driver, which is easy to read through the top of the multi-function steering wheel, whilea trip computer is integrated into the cluster, providing useful information to the driver. The H1 Bus accommodates eight people and their luggage very comfortably over long distances, but it will seat nine in a 3+3+3 configuration if the seat between the driver and front passenger is deployed and there’s still ample luggage space, even with rear last row seats in place. Despite the higher off the road stance than a car, climbing into the vehicle is an easy exercise, and once seated, all round visibility is good. The seats are comfortable with an ideal stiffness, with the adjustments for height, and backrest incline being much appreciated, especially on long journeys. Both rows of rear seats offer generous leg, head and shoulder room.

Storage for oddments are available in the dual glove compartments, dual door pockets in the two front doors, a roof-mounted sunglass holder and map pockets at the back of both front seats.

Several new convenience features have been added to the top of the range H-1 Bus 2.5 litre Turbo-diesel and these include; a Bluetooth connectivity for the sound system with multifunction controls on the steering wheel, cruise control with controls on the height adjustable steering wheel, fully automatic air conditioner with climate control, and a leather steering wheel and gear knob covers.

Safety wise, both the driver and passenger have front airbags and seatbelts equipped with pre-tensioners, and in addition, the H1 Bus adds a side airbag, has an all-disc braking system, with ABS, EBD and ESP.

The rear-wheel-drive H1 Bus is available in two derivatives – the Executive which is petrol powered and the Elite with a powerful turbo-diesel engine, and both derivatives deliver drive to the rear wheels – the Executive petrol through a 5-speed manual gearbox and the Elite diesel through a 5-speed automatic transmission. The free revving 16-valve double overhead cam 2.4 petrol engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing produces 126 kW and 224 Nm with drive to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Hyundai 2.5 turbo-diesel, also with 4 valves per cylinder, CVVT and a Variable Geometry Turbo-charger, makes 125 kW and 441 Nm, and also sends drive to the rear wheels, but through a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The H1 2.5 Panel Van Turbo-diesel is available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.

The H1 Bus is easy to park and along with the rear view camera, the generous glass area, substantial mirrors, and rack and pinion steering with hydraulic assistance reduces the effort required in tight situations. The H1 series is equipped with McPherson type strut with gas shock absorbers for its front suspension, and for the H1 9-seater Bus, a rigid axle 5-link rear suspension with oil-filled shock absorbers ensures a comfortable ride. Dual leaf springs are used as rear suspension for the Panel Van, giving it a rating to carry 1 100 kg and tow up to 1 500 kg.

At the local launch, only the H1 Elite Bus Turbo-diesel derivative was available for the ride and drive –but it was a good model to start with. On take-off, there was just a hint of turbo-lag, but as the vehicle gathers momentum, the low down torque takes over and the motor is very smooth and powerful. The automatic gearbox works extremely well, there was no hunting between gears, plus it responds quickly to kick-down. The motor pulls strongly right from 2 000 RPM, and is an excellent match with the autobox. The gear selector lever is nicely positioned in a pod off the dashboard, but although the autobox offers a sequential manual mode, once the revs near the 4 500 RPM red line in any chosen gear, the auto will over-ride the driver and change up to the next gear to prevent the motor from over-revving.

On the open road, the H1 Bus 2.5 cruises comfortably at the legal limit, in fact so easy that if you don’t keep an eye on the speedo, you’ll exceed the speed limit and not realize it. The handling is pretty neutral, and in the tighter comers, body roll was not a factor, as the H1 follows the chosen line. The rack and pinion power steering ensures crisp responses, while hydraulic assistance reduces the effort required in tight situations. Even poor road surfaces were confidently tackled in the course of the H1's duties. Interior noise is well controlled, and the ride is quiet and comfortable.

There’s no doubt that the new Hyundai H1 range is good value for money. Prices are R499 900 for the H1 2.4 Executive Bus petrol with 5-speed manual transmission, R629 900 for the H1 2.5 Elite Bus Turbo diesel with the 5-speed automatic transmission and R459 900 for the H1 2.5 Panel Van turbodiesel 5-speed automatic. Prices include Hyundai's 5-year / 150 000 km warranty, with an additional 2 years / 50 000 km manufacturer's powertrain warranty, as well as a 5 year / 150 000 km roadside assistance plan and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.