When a workhorse is needed for South Africa’s tough working conditions, one does not need to look much further than Hyundai’s H100 Bakkie – it has earned a reputation as a durable, reliable and rugged competitor in the market segment for light commercial vehicles. 
Now Hyundai Commercial Vehicles, a division of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, has enhanced this popular truck in its line-up with fresher looks and a new engine, while maintaining the many other features and attributes that have already made it a prime choice among many small and even large business operators.
The 1,3 ton H100 Bakkie is aimed at business operators in need of a versatile, reliable vehicle for their daily operations. It is tough and versatile to meet almost every challenge, but also elegant enough to be a real image-enhancing asset, no matter how big or small your business is.
Reworked, fresh exterior
The Hyundai Motor Company’s Commercial Vehicle division has reworked the nose of the H100 to give it a new look. The headlights are different with a dark charcoal trim surrounding the actual lamp, and the nose panel between die headlights that tilts open to give convenient access to the engine coolant and window washer reservoirs now forms a unit with the rest of the front bodywork.
A new front bumper with a wide, upward lifted black insert, gives the H100 a friendly, “smiley face”. The exterior rearview mirrors are much bigger and they are shaped for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The mirrors with their panoramic rear view are also a useful and meaningful safety enhancement, especially when parking.
The cabin of the H100 is still a comfortable, roomy environment with carefully and ergonomically laid out dial controls on the attractive centre console for the all-round air ventilation. An air conditioner can be ordered as optional equipment.
A redesigned steering wheel that can tilt up and down gives a fresh appearance from the driver’s viewpoint. The instrument cluster is comprehensive, easy to read and in full vision of the driver. Map pockets in the door panels and a glove box offer ample storage space.
Efficient cargo space
The trunk of the H100 is only 745 mm high for more convenient loading and unloading of cargo. Up to 1,3 ton of cargo can be loaded – an exercise that can be made even easier by dropping one, two or all three of the flat cargo area’s latching side panels.
The tailgate bolt serves to keep your cargo on the truck rather than the road. Added side security for cargo retention comes in the form of robust sidewall latches, and foldaway long load retention pegs on the protection bar between the cargo area and the cabin help keep ladders, pipes, wood and all other longer loads firmly in place.
Durable diesel engine for reliability, fuel economy
The new 2 607 cc naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesel engine that was picked as the power source for the upgraded H100 Bakkie delivers 58 kw at 3 800 r/min. and its maximum torque of 167 Nm at 2 200 r/min. Hyundai diesel engines boast exceptional reliability and durability, which is one of the reasons for the popularity of the H100 Bakkie. The 2.6 ℓ engine in the H100 features an overhead camshaft and delivers excellent combustion efficiency with high power output, producing less exhaust emissions and better fuel economy.
The H100 has an exceptionally short braking distance because of the powerful performance of 15-inch brakes and an 8+9 inch booster.
Chassis
A tough 100 x 50 mm steel section chassis with a double wishbone and torsion bar front suspension and semi-elliptic laminated leaf springs and rigid axle at the rear, gives the H100 the ability to carry a full load with safety, confidence and ease. Wider section tyres and the front mounted anti-roll bar add extra precision to the enhanced power steering.
Included in the H100 Bakkie’s most competitive price is Hyundai Automotive SA’s 5 year/150 000 km warranty and 3 year/60 000 km service plan, as well as 5 year/150 000 Roadside Assistance.
