First drive: Hyundai i800

26 August 2008

MPV bargain
Eight seats
From £19,495

More Information

More pictures

Latest News

We've got an eye for a bargain and so, it seems, has Hyundai. Or should that be an 'i' – in this case it's the third instalment of its model rebranding, the i800.

We've also got an eye for something a little different and the i800 is certainly that. Unlike all but a handful of expensive van-based people-movers, the i800 will seat eight adults in reasonable comfort and still have enough space for a decent number of bags.

Okay, that makes it big at over five metres in length and nearly two metres tall (we had to remove the springy aerial in a multi-story car park), but the turning circle is good, the rear sliding doors make getting in and out easy and the 168bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine moves it along swiftly enough.

Oh yes, the bargain bit. Eight seats for under 20 grand. £19,495 to be precise. Plus for that you also get a five-year warranty, air-con, alloys, remote locking, a CD player (but lacking an RDS radio), privacy glass and a heated seat just for the driver! That's a little bit tight.

As is the safety kit. Stability control is standard, but there are only two airbags – not good enough in a people-carrier.

Although the i800 has car-like underpinnings, it does still feel a bit van-like: from the driving position to the bouncy ride. The ride's not so bad with eight on board, but you'll notice it if there are just a few of you.

Average economy of 33.2mpg and emissions of 225g/km are nothing to write home about, but if you can get close to those figures while carrying eight, you shouldn't have too many complaints. Especially at the price.

Factfile file
Engine size 2.5 TD
Price £19,495
Power 168bhp
0-62mph under 14.5sec
Top speed 112mph
Economy 33.2mpg
CO2 g/km/tax 225/35%