What makes the Hyundai Grand Starex a perfect family van?

With its redesigned style and functionality, the 2nd generation Hyundai Grand Starex proved that it’s still one of the sought after vehicles in the local market. However, what’s inside this Korean van that makes it popular to car buyers?

When we say popular, we’re basing it on the number of requests that go through our inbox. There are 3 variants for this model but for this article, we look at its top-of-the-line variant – the Grand Starex 2.5L CRDi AT with Swivel – and see what makes it the perfect van for your family.

Exterior

Although it lacks Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, the front fascia of the Grand Starex exhumes class and superior quality with chrome embellishments throughout its short bonnet. It’s then complemented by huge flared halogen headlamps and fog lamps to complete the flashy demeanor.

On its side profile, the huge fender flares are well-defined and easily noticeable. These give this family van a bulky and sturdy appeal – essential for a 1925 mm high, 1920 mm wide, and 5150 mm long people carrier. It’s then matched with 12-spoke alloy rims, side garnishes, and side sill moldings that are available for this variant only.

The Grand Starex also has tilting cabin doors that open at a distinct angle for easy ingress and egress, while having dual doors at the back for the passenger’s convenience. When seen from behind, this variant is accentuated with a rear spoiler with high mount stop lamp, which is a perfect match to its cluster taillights.

Interior

The best thing about the interior of the Grand Starex is its simplicity and flexibility that doesn’t compromise the comfort of its passengers. Billed as a 10-seater, the seats can be rearranged in a variety of ways to either let more cargo or more people inside – or both.

If you’re on a road-trip, 7 people (including the driver) can fit inside with plenty of space for baggage as the 4th row seats can be tipped up, slid, or reclined. Moreover, the 2nd and 3rd row seats can also be swiveled to allow more cargo options.

With its class-topping wheelbase of 3200 mm, it will make sure that the occupants aren’t cramped up inside. Air conditioning vents are also present up to the 3rd row (with separate controls) so you’re sure that everybody’s cozy during the trip.

Performance

Under its hood, this Grand Starex is powered by a 2.5L common rail direct-injection (CRDi) engine with variable-geometry turbochargers (VGT). It can produce up to 170 hp and 441 Nm of torque. These figures are more than enough for this Korean van to fulfill its duty of moving 10 individuals.

Furthermore, the power from this engine are transmitted to the rear wheels via an H-Matic 5-speed automatic transmission. This translates to relax driving, with an option to control the upshift and downshift with its sports mode.

Technology and safety

As a people mover, the Grand Starex also makes sure that its passengers are in for a worry-free ride. It’s equipped with dual front airbags, along with individual seat belts for the passengers. The vehicle is also equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The latter makes sure that the car won’t go off its track even in tight winding roads. Additionally, it also has rear parking sensors for convenience, which is paired with rear under view mirrors for an added set of eyes at the back.

The Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5L CRDi AT is available with a price tag of P1,948,000. With this competitive price and all the features mentioned above, you’ll run out of excuses to not own this multi-purpose South Korean van.

For more information about Hyundai Grand Starex, visit the AutoDeal Car Guide.