Review - Hyundai iMax

So you find yourself in need of an eight-seater van. Dreary stuff, right? Time to find a second-hand courtesy bus, just hose it out and you're right to go. Wrong! Hyundai comes to the rescue with an affordable, modern, friendly and unbelievably spacious van.

Say hello to the iMax. Just like the movie theatre that shares its name, it's absolutely enormous on the outside, even if you wouldn't think so from the outside. The iMax is all about trouble-free people moving with the ultimate comfort to both driver and the many passengers that may be along for the ride. 

A busy mum's best friend

Recently, the iMax underwent a substantial update to become the Hyundai iMax Series II. This meant bringing the jumbo van that Australians came to know and love into the modern age with the latest infotainment and convenience features.

You can't expect a new van to be called iMax and not work with your iPhone, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on the 7.0-inch touch screen. To help manoeuvre the loveable big guy through car parks, gentle steering and a crystal-clear reverse camera with guidelines is your saviour.

Cruise control, power windows, keyless entry, smartphone navigation, handy armrests and 12V charging sockets throughout are all there to make life that much easier.  

King of the space race

Unlike some seven seaters that are designed for four occupants to be comfortable, and seven at a squeeze, the iMax is a true eight seater, making the most of its enormous space to accommodate up to eight generously-sized adults. Best of all, even with all three rows of seating in play, you can still fit a 60-inch television behind them!

If you have an ambitious trip to the hardware supply store in mind, you can play Tetris with the second and third row seats, freeing up an unbelievable amount of space, effectively turning your iMax into an iLoad.

The iMax is full of fun hidey holes through its spacious cabin. There are big bins in the doors, a dash top receptacle, a bin between the front seats and double glove boxes. With seperate climate control for front and rear, you can keep comfort levels on point no matter which part of the car you happen to be in. For bubs, there are two ISOFIX child restraints in the second row. There's also storage galore, with door pockets, double glove boxes, dash receptacle, between seats, cup holders, and cruise and separate climate front and rear. 

Our verdict

For ferrying around adults, kids or teenagers in what many consider to be the ultimate luxury: space, there's no beating the Hyundai iMax. It's a big friendly giant that isn't intimidating to drive and you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. That's before we even mention Hyundai's astonishing after-sales care packing, including a 5 year, unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance. It'll settle in and become part of your family before you know it.

5 specs you need to know:

1. Engine: 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
2. Transmission and drive: Six-speed manual or Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
3. ANCAP safety rating: Four Stars
4. Official fuel economy: 7.5L/100km (9.0L/100km)
5. Time from 0-100km/h as tested: 9.1 seconds.

Pros

• Car-like driving position and ride; you aren’t sitting on top of the front wheels
• Surprisingly quick off the mark
• Wide cargo area
• Excellent warranty and after care

Cons

• Four star ANCAP
• Been around since 2008, getting a bit dated
• No curtain airbags