The Hyundai Porter II LPG, a one-ton truck, holds a unique position in the market, which has shifted towards electric and LPG vehicles. Combining the strong performance typical of diesel trucks with the quiet operation characteristic of LPG vehicles, it remains popular among small business owners who drive long hours due to its relatively low fuel costs and maneuverability.
Recently, I drove the Porter II LPG for about 100 kilometers around Seoul to assess its performance. Upon pressing the start button, the engine operated quietly, producing a smooth vibration far removed from the rough sounds associated with older diesel models.
Initially, the high driving position felt unusual, but I adapted quickly. Unlike my past experiences with manual transmissions, the Porter II features an automatic transmission, making driving easier. I simply placed the gear lever in 'D' and gently pressed the accelerator as I exited the parking lot, feeling the vehicle respond powerfully.
On the road, the driving performance was impressive. Accelerating in the city, the vehicle picked up speed effortlessly. Even while waiting at traffic signals, the engine vibrations were minimal, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.
Once on the internal circulation road, the vehicle showed no signs of lacking power. While there is a common perception that LPG vehicles have lower output than diesel, the Porter II LPG seems to have addressed this issue significantly. This improvement is attributed to the newly installed LPG direct injection (T-LPDi) engine, which boasts a 2.5-liter turbo engine with a maximum output of 159 horsepower and a peak torque of 30.0 kgf·m. This represents an approximately 18% increase in output compared to the previous diesel automatic transmission model.
During highway driving, the fuel efficiency displayed on the dashboard ranged from 7.9 km/l to 8.3 km/l, which is about 28% higher than the certified combined fuel efficiency of the Porter II LPG automatic transmission model (6.5 km/l). It demonstrated commendable fuel efficiency even in relatively cool weather.
The primary advantage of the LPG truck, aimed at everyday drivers such as delivery personnel, is its economy. According to the Korea LPG Association, as of the second week of October, the national average LPG price was 1,144 won per liter, about 62% of the diesel price (1,843 won). Although the certified fuel efficiency of LPG is slightly lower than that of diesel, the price difference compensates for this.
Assuming an annual driving distance of 18,000 kilometers, the fuel cost for the Porter II LPG would be approximately 3.17 million won, about 600,000 won less than the existing diesel model (3.77 million won). Additionally, unlike diesel vehicles, there is no need to replenish urea, further reducing maintenance costs.
The ability to drive medium to long distances is another advantage. The new Porter II LPG is equipped with a donut-shaped tank, increasing its capacity to 94 liters, 10 liters more than the previous cylindrical fuel tank (84 liters). With 80% charging, the maximum driving range is 488 km for automatic and 525 km for manual. This distance allows for round trips from Seoul to some areas in Gangwon Province and one-way trips to Busan.
On the highway, I was able to maintain a steady speed using the cruise control feature, alleviating the burden of prolonged acceleration. The lane departure warning system also helped ensure safe driving by alerting the driver when the vehicle strayed from its lane.
The Porter II LPG also meets environmental standards, having received SULEV certification, which is recognized in North America for stringent emissions regulations. In South Korea, it has obtained a three-tier low-emission vehicle certification, allowing for discounts of 20% to 50% at public and airport parking facilities, depending on the region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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