Review: Hyundai TQ-W.I iMax (2008-15)

Overview

Released in February 2008, the Hyundai TQ-W Series I (TQ-W.I) iMax was an eight-seat people mover. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Hyundai TQ-W iMax was available with 2.4-litre petrol (2.4 CVVT) and 2.5-litre turbo-diesel (2.5 CRDi) engines.

G4KE petrol and D4CB diesel engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre G4KE ‘Theta II’ petrol engine had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (CVVT) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
• Initially, the 2.5-litre D4CB ‘A’ diesel engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, common-rail injection, a Borg Warner BV43 variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

In August 2012, a more fuel-efficient 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine was introduced and available with a six-speed manual transmission. For models with manual transmissions, however, the engine had a conventional waste-gate turbocharger rather than the variable geometry turbocharger that was used for engines mated with automatic transmissions.

Dimensions and suspension

The Hyundai iMax was 5125 mm long, 1920 mm wide, 1925 mm tall and had a 3200 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the iLoad had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs.

Safety equipment

Initially, safety equipment for the Hyundai iMax included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and lap-sash seatbelts for all eight seats; the 2.5 CRDi variants were also fitted with electronic stability and traction control.

From April 2011, the 2.4 CVVT was also fitted with electronic stability control and traction control as standard.

Crash testing

Hyundai iMax built after March 2009 had an improved structural design and, in KATRI crash testing – conducted under ANCAP supervision – the TQ-W iMax received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 25.81 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the Hyundai iMax included sixteen-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, sliding side doors and an immobiliser.

In April 2011, standard features were extended to include Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

Brochures

• Brochure: Hyundai TQ-W iMax Shuttle (February 2010)
• Brochure: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (May 2012)
• Brochure: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (May 2014)

Related links

• Press release: Hyundai TQ-W iMax update (April 2011)
• Press release: Hyundai TQ-W iMax – improved fuel consumption (August 2012)
• Specifications: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (October 2012)

Review: Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax (2015-18)

Overview

Commencing production in September 2015, the Hyundai TQ-W Series II (TQ-W.II) iMax introduced additional safety equipment and features. The Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax could be identified by its deeper front grille with chrome surround, new front bumper, larger fog lights, chrome tailgate garnish, relocated radio aerial and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a redesigned centre stack with seven-inch touch screen, blue switchgear illumination, new instrument cluster design and a new ‘premium’ steering wheel and gearknob.

Safety equipment

For the Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax, standard safety equipment was extended to include front seat-mounted side airbags.

Features

Standard features for the Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax were extended to include an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and connectivity options including Siri Eyes Free (iOS) and Google New (Android) voice activation. Voice activation was accessible via a button on the touchscreen audio unit and enabled the used to dictate commands for making phone calls, playing music, composing text messages, accessing calendar information and setting reminders.

Standard features were also extended to include power folding door mirrors. For iMax vehicles with a liftback rear door, a rear view camera was also fitted as standard; for iMax 2.5 CRDi VGT variants, cruise control was also made standard.

Brochure and specifications

• Brochure: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (May 2016)
• Brochure: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (December 2017)
• Specifications: Hyundai TQ-W iMax (July 2016)

Related links

• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Hyundai iMax Review

Review: Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax (2018-on)

Overview

Released in May 2018, the Hyundai TQ-W Series III (TQ-W.III) iMax range consisted of Active and Elite editions and introduced additional features. Solely available with the 2.5 CRDi VGT engine, the Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax could be identified by its ‘flowing’ black bar grille with chrome lip surround, ‘enhanced’ projector beam headlights and new bumper with fog lamps. The grille for the iMax Elite, however, had chrome bars.

Inside, the Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax had a new instrument cluster with trip computer, an updated multimedia system which continued to have a seven-inch touchscreen (and was first introduced in the Hyundai OS Kona ), new cloth upholstery and tilt/telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel.

Features: Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax

Compared to the Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax, standard features for the TQ-W.III iMax were extended to include dusk-sensing headlights, power folding door mirrors with integrated indicators and tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

The Hyundai iMax Elite was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, beige leather trim, ventilated driver’s seat, heated front seats, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, dual sunroofs and a two-tone dashboard.

For a complete list of features, please refer to the ‘Specifications’ document, below.

Related links

• Specifications: Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax (May 2018)

Related links

• Hyundai Motor Company Australia: Hyundai iMax
• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai Starex

Recalls: Hyundai TQ-W iMax

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Hyundai TQ-W iMax

2009 Hyundai TQ-W iMax: throttle cable

In March 2010, a recall was issued for Hyundai TQ-W iMax models fitted with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and manufactured from 28 April 2009 to 30 June 2009. In these vehicles, a polymer sleeve was omitted from the throttle cables which could restrict the movement of the cable to control the actuation of the engine throttle. This interference could increase the effort required for pedal operation and, in some instances, the driveability of the vehicle. The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges (PRA 2010/11464):

• KMFWBH7RR9U160868 to KMFWBH7RR9U167303;
• KMFWBX7RLAU172878 to KMFWBX7RLAU173548;
• KMHWH81RMAU173007 to KMHWH81RMAU173272; and,
• KMHWH81RR9U159984 to KMHWH81RR9U167301.

2018 Hyundai TQ-W iMax: defective locking mechanism for sliding rear door

In December 2018, recall campaign 80C050 was issued for Hyundai TQ-W iMax vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 6 March 2018 to 20 April 2018. In some of these vehicles, the locking mechanism on the rear sliding door may be defective and therefore unable to hold the door open. Furthermore, when the vehicle was on a forward incline, the holding mechanism could fail – this could cause the door to slide forward and slam shut. If the locking mechanism failed and the doors slide shut, it could result in serious bodily injury to a person. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17196.

Problems and faults: Hyundai TQ-W iMax

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Hyundai TQ-W iMax: brake lights could stop working

In June 2012, a technical service bulletin was issued due to a faulty switch terminal which could cause the brake lights to stop working. If the terminal was faulty, a warning light would illuminate on the dashboard. However, a faulty terminal could also cause the engine not to start and the cruise control function to stop working; for models with automatic transmissions, the driver may also be unable to shift the transmission lever from or into park. To fix, the switch terminal was to be replaced with a newer version.

2008-10 Hyundai TQ-W iMax: excessive play in inner rack ends/track rod bushes

For Hyundai TQ-V iMax vehicles manufactured in 2010 or earlier, excessive play or movement could develop in both side inner rack ends/track rod bushes. If this occurred, the driver may notice a knocking noise from the suspension or steering. To address this problem, Hyundai introduced a ‘product improvement’ to the inner rack end/track rod and a modification to the ball joint during 2010 production. Despite these changes, however, part numbers were unchanged –

• Left inner rack end: # 57724-4H000; and,
• Right inner rack end: # 57724-4H100.

2010 Hyundai TQ-W iMax: leak from rear washer reservoir

In 2011, Hyundai initiated a service campaign for Hyundai TQ-W iMax vehicles that was manufactured from 1 April 2010 to 30 April 2010. In these vehicles, fluid may leak from the rear washer reservoir due to abnormal formation of the outlet hole. For affected vehicles, the rear washer reservoir was to be inspected for fluid leakage (from the surrounding area of the outlet hole with the rubber seal and electric motor). If there was a fluid leak, the reservoir assembly was to be replaced (part no. 98950-4H000QQH).

Released in February 2008, the Hyundai TQ-W Series I (TQ-W.I) iMax was an eight-seat people mover. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Hyundai iMax was available with 2.4-litre petrol (2.4 CVVT) and 2.5-litre turbo-diesel (2.5 CRDi) engines…Read full Hyundai TQ-W iMax review

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Images: Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax (2015-18)

Commencing production in September 2015, the Hyundai TQ-W Series II (TQ-W.II) iMax introduced additional safety equipment and features. The Hyundai TQ-W.II iMax could be identified by its deeper front grille with chrome surround, new front bumper, larger fog lights, chrome tailgate garnish, relocated radio aerial and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a redesigned centre stack with seven-inch touch screen, blue switchgear illumination, new instrument cluster design and a new ‘premium’ steering wheel and gearknob.

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Images: Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax (2018-on)

Released in May 2018, the Hyundai TQ-W Series III (TQ-W.III) iMax range consisted of Active and Elite editions and introduced additional features. Solely available with the 2.5 CRDi VGT engine, the Hyundai TQ-W.III iMax could be identified by its ‘flowing’ black bar grille with chrome lip surround, ‘enhanced’ projector beam headlights and new bumper with fog lamps. The grille for the iMax Elite, however, had chrome bars.

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