The Hyundai Venue Cargo swaps out the rear seat for safe and convenient cargo space. Picture: Hyundai space
The small utility type cargo moving segment is dominated by the Suzuki Eeco and VW Caddy, especially since the discontinuation of the ever-popular Nissan NP200 half-ton bakkie. But some out-of-the-box thinking has seen Hyundai make proper inroads into this segment with its aptly named Grand i10 Cargo and Venue Cargo models.
“Apart from the practical nature and spacious and secure load area of the Cargo models, their exceptional fuel-efficiency and low running cost have also been great selling points,” says Stanley Anderson, director for sales, operations and commercial vehicles at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“With the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200, all businesses currently using the NP200 in their fleets are the perfect target market for the Hyundai Cargo. Customers can save up to 50% on service and maintenance costs.
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“The service and maintenance cost on the Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo averages out at 31 cents per kilometre over 180 000km. In addition, up to 30% can be saved on the fuel bill of the business.”
So, how does Hyundai transform a Grand i10 hatchback and Venue compact crossover/SUV into a safe cargo carrier? It starts with the removal of the rear passenger benches and replacing it by a solid and level metal floor that stretches through to the original luggage compartment.
A rigid metal grid divider is then installed between the enlarged luggage area and the driver and passenger in the front. As well as a strong metal grid on the inside of the rear side windows and the rear window in the hatch. It’s finished off by the installation of mounting hooks and a cargo net in the luggage areas to prevent parcels from moving around.
Some of the other benefits of the Hyundai Cargo models using passenger cars as a base, is that the creature comforts that comes with these models remain. Examples include air-conditioning, electrically adjustable side mirrors, electrically operated windows for driver and passenger, remote central locking and infotainment system with an 8-inch display touchscreen.
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What is also important in terms of safety and convenience, is that the Hyundai Cargo models provide connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth handsfree cell phone operation. This is beneficial for those that would need maps to get around and be in contact with the office and clients all day.
Vehicle tracker companies like Tracker, Netstar and Mix Telematics, and IT support companies like Liquid Intelligent Technologies are customers who have roaming technicians and have bought vehicles from the Hyundai Cargo range.
The Cargos are also popular with security companies such as the Fidelity Services Group and ADT, which is the biggest Cargo customer, as well as G4S.
The transport of pathology samples also creates an opportunity for the Cargos. Netcare and Neuberg Global are customers in this instance.
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*The Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo includes one-year/15 000km service plan. The Hyundai Venue Cargo comes with three-year/45 000km service plan. All model inclusive of seven-year/200 000km warranty and roadside assistance.
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