Auto for diesel iMax

HYUNDAI has released a five-speed automatic transmission option for the CRDi turbo-diesel engine version of its iMax people-mover.

With 72 per cent of iMax sales currently going to the 129kW/228Nm 2.4-litre petrol version, which comes exclusively with a four-speed manual transmission and opens the range at $36,990, and 28 per cent comprised by iMax CRDi five-speed manual ($39,990), Hyundai says the diesel-auto variant will attract incremental sales to those looking for diesel economy and auto convenience.



At $42,490, the automatic iMax diesel adds $2500 to the price of the manual CRDi, which employs the same 125kW/392Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, while metallic or mica paint ($375) and a locking differential ($700) remain iMax options.

As well as offering more power and torque, Hyundai says the iMax CRDi automatic is $10,500 cheaper than Volkswagen’s entry-level 96kW Caravelle TDI automatic and $16,500 more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz Vito 115 CDI auto.

The iMax CRDi auto returns 9.8L/100km on the ADR 81/01 fuel consumption cycle – over 1.0L/100km more than the CRDi manual (8.5L/100km) by almost 1.0L/100km less than the auto-only petrol iMax (10.6L/100km).

Similarly, CO2 emissions are stated at 259, 229 and 250g/km respectively, but while all iMaxe models have an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg, the diesel-auto doesn’t match the manual diesel’s 2000kg braked towing capacity – it’s the same as the iMax petrol auto at 1500kg.

Mounted away from the floor on the dashboard, the iMax CRDi’s automatic gearshifter features a Selectronic function that allows full manual-shift control.

Unlike the less expensive iLoad van model upon which the iMax “shuttle” is based, Hyundai’s eight-seat people-mover comes as standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), twin front airbags and remote keyless entry. Unlike the petrol version, it also features standard electronic stability control (ESP) and traction control (TCS).

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