Here’s our first look at the next generation of the Hyundai iMax people mover, spotted undergoing development testing in heavy disguise.

    First launched in 2007, the current Hyundai iMax and related iLoad commercial van are getting a little long in the tooth, especially when it comes to driver assistance and infotainment technology.

    That’s all about to change with this new model, which looks to be bigger and badder than ever. Under the fake panels and black sheets we can see a distinctive front end design that will likely follow Hyundai’s latest SUV range, as well as plenty of glasshouse for excellent outward vision.

    A sneaky snap of the driver’s cockpit shows a new dashboard with a floating touchscreen infotainment system, indicating an overhauled cockpit featuring some of the Korean brand’s latest in-car tech.

    Not much else is known about the new iMax – known as the H1 and Starex in other markets – but expect it to offer between 7 and 11 seats across 3-4 rows, with Hyundai SmartSense safety tech included out of the box such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

    Power is expected to come from a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines depending on market, and given Hyundai’s renewed focus on electrification, a plug-in hybrid variant is mooted as well.

    A debut is expected sometime in 2021, with a sales launch either late in 2021 or early in 2022.

    Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.

    James Wong

    James is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Before joining CarExpert.com.au in 2020, James has worked at leading auto media outlets including Carsales and CarAdvice, as well as at Pulse agency for Ford Australia's communications team. In 2019 James made Mumbrella's 'Top 20 most prolific web authors in Australia' list after publishing 1,360 articles between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 for CarAdvice. James is also an Ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an Australian charity whose mission is to support mental wellness through the freedom of driving and a shared love of cars.

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