Hyundai's spacious and popular iMax people-mover and iLoad van have received an important new Series II injection of style and technology.

Standard equipment in both iMax and iLoad Series II variants now includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a wide range of connectivity options including Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google New (Android) voice activation.

Other significant new standard equipment in iMax and iLoad Series II includes driver and outboard front passenger side (thorax) airbags which complement their existing dual front SRS airbags.

For diesel automatic variants cruise control is now standard on iMax and iLoad Series II.

Both iMax and iLoad Series II liftback variants also now come standard with a rear-view camera – an invaluable feature when their cargo areas are loaded. The camera image complements the existing four-sensor rear park-assist system on iMax variants, and is displayed in the new 7-inch touchscreen.

Exterior styling changes include new-look grilles, front bumpers, tailgate garnish, relocated radio aerial and – for iMax Series II variants – new-design 16-inch alloy wheels and foglights.

"Although supply-constrained, the iMax and its iLoad sibling continually have been strong performers in Australia," said HMCA Chief Operating Office, Scott Grant.

"Indeed, in October both variants claimed runner-up segment shares in their respective People-Mover and Van/CC 2.5-3.5t market segments.

"Thanks to their impressive new array of premium high-tech features and with increased local supply now guaranteed, we're confident our new iMax and iLoad Series II variants will be even more popular with Australian buyers."

EXTERIOR STYLING

Both iMax and iLoad Series II now present a bold new face. Their new, deeper front grille is body colour-coded with a stylish chrome surround.

Larger foglights on iMax are recessed below the new-design front bumper while the roof-mounted aerial has been relocated from above the front cabin to the rear of the vehicle.

On iMax and iLoad Series II liftback variants, the tailgate garnish is now chromed.

Also new for iMax Series II are new-design 16-inch alloy wheels and electric folding exterior mirrors.

INTERIOR STYLING AND FEATURES

New iMax and iLoad Series II have a more premium, passenger car-like cabin ambience.

Their new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centrepiece of an impressively redesigned centre stack and HVAC control system.

Also lending a more premium feel to the cabin in iMax and iLoad Series II variants is blue switchgear illumination together with a new instruments cluster design.

iMax Series II variants now get a premium steering wheel and gearknob. Both iMax and iLoad Series II variants feature steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

iMax Series II also now includes climate-control front air-conditioning. Second- and third-row iMax Series II passengers still have access to dedicated separate manual air-conditioning controls and roof-mounted air vents.

Previously available only in iMax, a 12-volt power outlet located below the centre console now is standard in both iMax and iLoad Series II variants.

iMax Series II comes standard in eight-seat configuration. Available with either liftback tailgate or optional twin-swing rear doors, iLoad Series II comes in either three-seat Van or six-seat Crew Van configurations.

CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

Both iMax and iLoad Series II variants offer an extensive range of connectivity options via their new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Those options include: Bluetooth, USB, AUX, MP3, digital iPod and, now, Siri Eyes Free (for iOS-compatible devices) and Google New (for Android devoices) voice activation.

Voice activation is accessible via a button on the touchscreen audio unit and enables the user to dictate commands for making phone calls, playing music, composing text messages, accessing calendar information, setting reminders and more.

POWERTRAINS

iMax and iLoad Series II carry over Hyundai's impressive 2.4-litre DOHC sequential MPI petrol or 2.5-litre CRDi turbo-diesel engines with either wastegate-type or more potent variable-geometry turbocharging, depending on transmission.

In iLoad Series II, the 2.4-litre MPI petrol engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission, while in iMax Series II it is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions are Hyundai-designed and built.

In both iLoad and iMax Series II, the 2.5-litre CRDi engine is mated to either Hyundai's own six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.4-litre Theta II petrol engine produces 127kW maximum power at 6,000rpm and 224Nm maximum torque at 4,200rpm.

The 2.5-litre CRDi diesel engine with wastegate turbocharger is matched with Hyundai's six-speed manual transmission and produces 100kW maximum power at 3,800rpm and 343Nm maximum torque between 1,500-2,500rpm.

With variable-geometry turbocharging (VGT) the 2.5 CRDi engine produces 125kW maximum power at 3,600rpm and outstanding 441Nm maximum torque between 2,000-2,250rpm. In both iLoad and iMax Series II, the 2.5-litre VGT CRDi engine is mated to Hyundai's five-speed automatic transmission.

SAFETY

Active safety highlights in both petrol- and diesel-engined iMax Series II variants, together with 2.5-litre CRDi-engined iLoad Series II variants, include ESC, TCS, ABS and EBD.

Passive safety features now standard in both iMax and iLoad Series II variants include driver and outboard front passenger side (thorax) airbags which complement the dual SRS front airbags already standard equipment in both variants.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

iMax Series II
New Features:
* 4 airbags – now including driver and front outboard passenger side (thorax) airbags
* 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MP3 capability and four speakers
* Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google Now (Android) voice activation
* Climate-control front air-conditioning
* Electric folding exterior mirrors
* Premium steering wheel and gearknob
* Rear-view camera
* New-design alloy wheels
* Cruise Control (diesel automatic variant)

Existing Features:
* Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Traction Control System (TCS)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
* Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
* Rear parking-assist system (4 sensors)
* 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70R16C tyres
* Height-adjustable driver's seat
* Tilt-adjustable steering column
* Front power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down
* AUX/USB audio input with digital iPod® compatibility
* Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone and audio streaming)
* Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
* Separate manual 2nd and 3rd row air-conditioning
* 12V power outlet in dashboard lower centre fascia area

iLoad Series II
New Features:
* 4 airbags – now including driver and front outboard passenger side (thorax) airbags
* 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MP3 capability and two speakers
* Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google Now (Android) voice activation
* Rear-view camera (liftback only)
* Cruise Control (diesel automatic variants)

Existing Features:
* Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Traction Control System (TCS) (Diesel variants only)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
* Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
* 16-inch steel wheels with 215/70R16C tyres
* Height-adjustable driver's seat
* Tilt-adjustable steering column
* Front power windows
* AUX/USB audio input with digital iPod® compatibility
* Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone & audio streaming)
* Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
* Manual air-conditioning
* Woven cloth interior
* 12V power outlet in dashboard lower centre fascia area