Hyundai i800 2.5 CRDi Style – on sale now

Customers aren’t exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to eight-seater people carriers, but what choice there is costs the top end of £20,000.

Hyundai has been careful to price its competitor just below the £20,000 mark.

Due to the sheer size and weight of the i800, it handles very much like a bus. This heaviness combined with rear-wheel drive was an unfortunate feature during the recent snowfall.

Its real strength is space. A drive to West Sussex with seven passengers was the perfect test. Despite having a full load of people, there was still a massive 851 litres of boot space for sleeping bags, food and a shovel, just in case the weather turned nasty.

The i800 features a pair of seats in front and two benches behind, each accommodating three adults. Both rear benches have a 60:40 split-fold and recline while the centre row slides forwards or backwards as required. 

Interior quality is of a reasonable standard and equipment includes privacy glass, six-speaker audio system and ducted air conditioning throughout.

Powering the i800 is a 168bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine, which does an admirable job of lugging loads but any expectations of refinement should be abandoned.

As with all Hyundai cars, the i800 is covered by a five-year, manufacturer-backed warranty.

For families looking for a comfortable eight-seater, the other options are Volkswagen’s Carravelle or the Mercedes-Benz Viano which both cost upwards of £30,000.

Peugeot’s Partner Teepee is closer in price, but the i800 really is the best value option in terms of comfort and value.