Hyundai iMax CRDi

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Hyundai iMax CRDi Diesel 5 speed manual $39,990* Other models priced from: iMax Petrol Auto $36,990* 3 Word Summary: Value Family Van

Viewing image 1 of 1

Review
 
The iMax is available in 2 models, an automatic petrol and a manual diesel. The features are the same, it’s just the engine that’s different (which changes the fuel economy and amount of CO2 emissions, weight and towing capacity). The model reviewed is the diesel manual which was surprisingly easy to drive. The gear box was light and easy to engage gears, while the clutch didn’t require the strength of a body builder to push it in. Overall, it’s a good value vehicle with plenty of space, but does have a “van” feel to it.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

The visibility is great out of the front and front/middle side windows. Vision out of the rear when reversing is limited, particularly when you have adults in the middle and/or rear rows. The iMax does however come with reverse parking sensors, which helps. The electrically adjusted side mirrors are oversized to help with visibility when changing lanes. Whilst the dash is stylish looking, a great layout and easy to see, some things were not within easy reach, such as the stereo controls You also need to climb up into the car. There is a conveniently located grab handle on the driver side to assist you, but not on the passenger side.

Safety

The iMax has some good safety features including Anti Lock Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control - all of which provide greater control in emergency situations. There’s also a front air bag for the front passenger and driver, but no side or curtain airbags for the remaining passengers. All passengers have 3 point seatbelts for maximum safety.

Seating

The Hyundai iMax is one of the cheapest 8 seater cars in Australia with plenty of room in each row to seat adults. The middle row seats are 60/40 split fold and slide forward for easy access to the 3rd row of seats. You can walk from the front seats through to the middle row, which is great for sorting out any “issues” with the kids!

Comfort

The iMax has air conditioning with vents in the front, middle and rear sections of the car. It’s also got power front windows and remote central locking. The sound system features a single CD player with MP3 and 6 speakers. The sound quality is OK, but not as good as on other Hyundai models such as the i30. There’s a 12 volt power outlet conveniently located in the front to charge up your phone and other electrical items.

Storage

Storage includes 2 glove boxes, 2 front retractable cup holders (which are not the best), front and middle row door pockets with bottle holders and storage pockets on the rear of the passenger and driver seats. There’s also a sunglasses holder in the front. The boot is a great size, and can fit in plenty of groceries and shopping or sporting equipment for the team. Other 8 seaters on the market do not offer the same amount of boot space while all 3 rows of seats are being used.

Kids’ Comfort and Safety

There’s plenty of room for the kids, their friends and their luggage. The passengers in the middle row get pockets on the backs of the front seats to store their goodies, while the passengers in the 3rd row get a drink holder on either side. While the windows don’t go up and down, they do open slightly to let in some fresh air. The sliding doors make access really easy into the middle and 3rd row, and have child safety locks to stop the kids from accidently opening them. There are 3 child restraint anchorage points located on the back of the middle row seats and the middle row is wide enough to get 3 child seats/booster seats across it.

Green Factor

The diesel iMax has great fuel efficiency for a car of this size, consuming 8.5 litres per 100kms (combined highway/city driving). It scores 2.5 stars (out of 5) on the Green Vehicle Guide rating system and an air pollution rating of 5.5/10.

Overall View

The iMax is a very practical car with its best assets being its fuel efficiency, spaciousness in both seating and the boot, and ease of driving for a vehicle of its size.

Features of Model Reviewed

Airbags:	Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
Seats:	8
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
ESP:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	4
CD player:	Yes
Air conditioning:	Yes
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	5 speed manual
Engine capacity:	2.5 litre turbo
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption:	8.5 litres/100 kms
Greenhouse rating#:	5.5/10
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	5 year unlimited kilometre
Price:	$39,990*

 

* Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.

Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Hyundai dealer for the most recent information.