Following its debut in the Korean market last year as the Starex (see here), Hyundai is introducing its full-size minivan in Europe as the i800. The 2009 Hyundai i800 features three rows of seats capable of accommodating eight adults. The two last rows feature a 60:40 split-fold and recline while the centre row also slides forwards or backwards.
All of the rear seats are accessed through a pair of sliding doors. Hyundai says that the 5.125mm (201.8-in.) long i800 has a more than adequate 851 liters of space in the boot even with all eight-passengers aboard.
Although the i800 is based on the H1 Commercial vehicle, Hyundai has enhanced its people carrier with a purpose-made coil sprung rear suspension system with five locating links. In Europe, the i800 is powered by Hyundai’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine which features a variable-geometry turbo, developing 170Hp and 392Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. -Continued
According to the Korean carmaker, the diesel-powered i800 features combined fuel economy figure of 27.7 US mpg or 8.5 lt / 100 km. Combined with a 75 liter tank, the i800 MPV can theoretically go more than 560 miles or 900 km between fill ups.
In the UK, the i800 will go on sale on 20th June costing £19,495 or about $38,000 / €24,700. It will be joined later in the year by a lower power, lower specification version at a more competitive price.
