Firstly, Hyundai's Stanley Anderson says that there's a petrol version in the two-model lineup, unlike the main competitors in this very small segment of the market.

In fact it is so small that, on average, only about 50 of these crew cab/bus vehicles are sold monthly in South Africa.

The competing Volkswagen Crew Cab/Bus and Mercedes-Benz Vito models are only sold with diesel engines, he says.

Secondly, its interior is very unlike those of its competitors.

Behind the second row of seats (it's a six-seater) is a steel enclosed rear section that prevents access from the interior and - luggage flying forward from the back.

In other models there's normally free access to the load area. Anderson says this area in the H1 can safely stow larger items, such as bicycles and, under heavy braking, there's no danger of goods flying into the passenger compartment.

The cargo hold is big enough to transport a small motorbike, a couple of bales of horse fodder, a saddle or two, or any kind of cargo likely to be delivered or transported for a business.

Anderson said that, after careful consideration, it was decided that, instead of steel panel sides at the back, glass windows would be used in the South African market.

The H1 looks like any other MPV and not like a panel van, making it more attractive to buyers who dislike the commercial appearance of the competitors. The interior is finished off in quality materials that belie the hidden workhorse nature of the vehicle.

It is the kind of vehicle that can serve as a business runabout, or - when the holidays start - be packed to transport family, all their luggage and everything short of (or including) the kitchen sink.

Hyundai's rear-wheel driven H1 nine-seater luxury bus with the 2.4-litre petrol engine, has sold well since its launch in March 2009 and its success was further boosted with the introduction of the powerful 2.5-litre turbodiesel in 2010.

These four-cylinder engines were introduced in the H1 Panel Van and are now also used in the new H1 Multicab.

The 2.4 Theta petrol engine with rear-wheel drive offers good performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine features continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) with 16-valve double overhead camshafts to provide a free revving engine.

The 2.5 VGTi turbodiesel features four valves per cylinder, CVVT and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with second-generation common rail fuel injection - the result is brisk performance and good fuel economy.

The VGT improves torque delivery at low engine revolutions, reduces CO2 emissions and improves overall performance, says Anderson.

A slick five-speed manual transmission with well-spaced ratios is paired with the petrol engine, while a five-speed automatic transmission is used with the 2.5 VGTi turbodiesel.

With its leaf-spring rear suspension the H1 is rated to carry 1100kg and tow up to 1500kg (braked) and 750kg (unbraked).

The convenience and security feature list includes remote central locking, auto-locking doors, a child lock on the rear doors, air conditioning, alarm/immobiliser and an audio system that includes a radio with MP3 player, USB and AUX input ports and iPod adaptability.

As with other Hyundai passenger vehicles, an iPod adapter cable is standard equipment.

Best of all is the competitive price - the petrol version sells for R279900 and the diesel for R339900. This includes a five-year/150000km warranty and roadside assistance plan, as well as a five-year/90000km service plan.

Service intervals are 15000km for both derivatives.

It seems that everything Hyundai South Africa touches turns to gold and the H1 is no exception.

But come on chaps, report your sales in detail to Naamsa so the South African public can see how well you are really doing.

We know you are in the top three in the sales charts.

The time is right and it's an ideal marketing opportunity to show just how strong the Hyundai brand is.

The Specs:

Engine: 2.4 CVVT Theta petrol, four-cylinder

Power: 126kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 227Nm torque at 4200rpm

Top speed: 182km/h (claimed)

Acceleration: 0 to 100km/h in 17.9 seconds (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 10.2l/100km (claimed)

CO2: 240g/km

Price: R279900

Engine: 2.5 VGTi turbodiesel four-cylinder

Power: 125kW at 3800rpm

Torque: 392Nm torque at 2000rpm

Top speed: 180km/h (claimed)

Acceleration: 0 to 100km/h in 14.9 seconds (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 9.7l/100km (claimed)

CO2: 257g/km

Price: R339900

We like:

Competitive price and quality

We don't like:

Not reporting detailed sales to Naamsa