Are you looking for a versatile and affordable commercial vehicle? Of course you are, why else would you be reading this page. And to keep things just as simple, here’s my extremely simplified impression of the two new Hyundai Cargo derivatives.
Hyundai South Africa modifies these vehicles at their fitment centre in Kwazulu-Natal and, more recently, at the semi-knock-down assembly plant in Benoni, Gauteng. The simple recipe goes as follows: remove the rear bench and cover the entire area with a flat metal floor. Add metal grids to all rear windows and garnish with a Hyundai-branded cabin divider.
I even spotted access panels in said cargo floor of both models, proving that Hyundai S.A. has really thought this through. They’ve also entered a fairly uncontested market, as both Grand i10 Cargo and Venue Cargo are picking up where the once-flourishing half-ton pick-up market left off.
Nissan’s NP200 was the last man standing in a market which (I’m safely assuming) is just not lucrative enough for the big brands to get involved in. This played nicely into Hyundai’s hands, as they joined an extremely small batch of cargo-converted hatchbacks or expensive minivans.
Although start-ups, entrepreneurs and SME’s (small to medium enterprises) make up a fair chunk of Hyundai’s Cargo market share, it’s the big corporates who’ve put their trust in these dependable vehicles. Security companies, courier and delivery services, pet and cleaning businesses, as well as food and tracker firms.
Although these Cargo derivatives are based on entry-level models in their respective ranges, that means they still come with decent features like two airbags and anti-lock brakes, adjustable multi-function steering wheel with power assist, front power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and air-conditioning.
You also get an 8-inch smartphone-compatible Bluetooth media system, cruise control, rear park sensors and a rear-view camera.
That last bit is especially handy for fully laden vehicles and tight delivery areas. Other corporate- and SME-friendly criteria include the correct homologation for a commercial vehicle – so you can claim back V.A.T. – as well as favourably low running costs and an impressive dealer network; although Namibia is currently not listed as a Hyundai Commercial partner.
Both rear doors open and the rear windows still operate as in the regular passenger versions. I also confirmed that the two-tone light door inserts and handles have been replaced by more sensible black hard plastic in these Cargo models. Hyundai will even entertain requests to remove the front passenger seat for additional cargo length and/or space.
Speaking of which, chat with your nearest dealer about the inclusion of Hyundai roof racks, sign writing or contra-vision (see-through vinyl stickers), two-way and audio options, stronger suspension, different wheels, lease programs or anything else that benefits your business.
Grand i10 1.0 Premium Cargo
In keeping with simplicity, the Grand i10 is only available in Atlas White with black cloth and red trim seats. The 1-litre 3-cylinder engine (49kW / 94Nm) and 5-speed manual gearbox are identical to the base-model passenger Grand i10 and so is the great (claimed average) fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km from the 37L tank.
The Grand i10 Cargo load dimensions are 1,050 x 1,150 x 872mm, the VDA cargo capacity is 1,210L, while its maximum payload is 488kg and the ground clearance is 157mm. Pricing currently sits at R249,500 – 25,000 more than a base-model Grand i10 Premium.
Venue 1.2 MPi Premium Cargo
As with its smaller sibling, the Venue 1.2 Cargo can be ordered in any colour combo as long as it’s Atlas White with Grey & Black cloth seats. Compared to the Grand i10 Cargo, this Venue offers a bit more room, power and ground clearance; which has proven invaluable to companies who take their fleet into mild off-road conditions.
Turning this from residential to commercial requires exactly the same procedure: Hyundai SA replaces the rear bench with a flat metal floor and lightweight metal grids on the windows; plus a branded divider in the middle of the car. Maximum payload is 620kg while the cavity dimensions are 1200 by 1200 by 900mm.
Its simple but efficient 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (61kW / 115Nm) and 5-speed manual gearbox are identical to the entry-level Venue 1.2 Premium and so is the claimed fuel consumption average of just 6.5L/100km. from the 45L tank. Its current price of R321,500 is just 11,600 more than a regular, base-model Venue.
The Venue Cargo also trumps the Grand i10 with better ground clearance (195mm) and the obvious cargo carrying advantages, but you also get rear power windows, automatic headlights, and 15- instead of 14-inch wheels. Both cars have stylish silver hubcaps and a full-size spare wheel.
Hyundai S.A. sells these two Cargo derivatives with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, additional 2-year/50,000km drivetrain warranty, 5-year/160,000km perforation warranty and 7 years or 150,000km worth of complimentary road-side assistance. Most of these are fairly standard with competitors, though.
And last but certainly not least, while the little Grand i10 comes with a 1-year/15,000km (single event) service plan, the bigger Venue trumps that with a 3-year/45,000km service plan. Now base everything on two trusted vehicles with great specifications and you have, in my humble opinion, a simple but brilliant solution beyond the half-ton bakkie!
Prices:
[ August 2024 ]
- Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo M/T: R249,500
- Venue 1.2 MPi Motion Cargo M/T; R321,500
These look like excellent value for a small business but its just a pity they cost more than the normal versions