2018 Hyundai Grand Starex: Features explained

Multi-Purpose Vehicles or MPVs are the backbones of the Philippine economy. Of course, there are the other segments like pickups, mopeds, and the SUVs which again constitute a chunk of the economy. However, these multi-purpose vehicles too can take you anywhere, in style and offer all the creature comforts. Vans too are a part of the MPV segment but sit higher up. They are as important as MPVs, however sell in lower numbers primarily because of the higher cost involved. However, these can seat up to 16 people very comfortably. One such vehicle is the Hyundai Grand Starex. The 2018 Hyundai Grand Starex recently got an update and hence the reason you see this story here. We explain to you all the new features in the updated Hyundai Grand Starex.

Design updates

The new Hyundai Grand Starex has got an updated grille. This one looks much more cohesive and gets smaller chrome slats instead of the previous wider ones. The headlamps also have a different design and these look in sync with what Hyundai offers on its premium cars. The foglights too are now smaller and get a new black cladding around their enclosure.

While the overall profile of the Grand Starex hasn’t changed much, the alloy wheels have a new design. They are now in the diamond cut fashion, something which Hyundai is known for. The wheel size has gone up now to 16-inches. The rear too has been slightly refreshed though you will be hard pressed to know the changes here.

 

Inside story

The upholstery has been revised here. There is an overhead console now along with a roof mounted lamp. If you check the Grand Starex specifications, you will also notice the leather steering wheel, anti-pinch power windows with an auto-down for the driver, electric folding and adjustable powered ORVMs, a single-DIN AM / FM / CD / WMA With AUX & USB, manual air conditioner with vents for all the 10 passengers and more. Hyundai has also thrown in a couple of USB charging slots in the cabin. The tailgate is a lift type but is manually operated. The Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 color options include timeless black, creamy white and hyper metallic silver.

Safety features

Hyundai offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD as well as Electronic Stability Control with the Grand Starex. Reverse parking sensors too are available. However, for a car this big, the maker could have also thrown in a reverse camera.

Chassis

The monocoque chassis underpinning the Hyundai Grand Starex has got MacPherson w/ Coil Spring in the front and Rigid Axle 5-Link w/ Coil Spring at the back. This set up lends the Grand Starex with a typical ruggedness in spite of being a monocoque. There are disc brakes on both the ends for retarding power.

A hydraulic power steering (HPS) with tilt adjustable steering wheel is given. The turning radius is just 5.61 metre. This is quite good for a vehicle where the dimensions for the length, width and height read as 5,150 x 1,920 x 1,925 mm. The wheelbase is 3,200 mm. If you look at the ground clearance, then it is 190 mm.

Engine and transmission

Hyundai offers the Grand Starex with two engine options. Both are diesel. Petrol doesn’t have the lugging power which one will get from a diesel. Plus diesel options are inherently more efficient as well as cheaper. Both the engines are 2.5-litre when it comes to cubic capacity. Take the TCI motor for example. It will produce a maximum power of 100 PS @ 3,800 rpm and torque of 225 Nm @ 2,000 rpm. If you look at the other engine, it is a common rail motor that makes 170 PS @ 3,600 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 2,000 - 2,500 rpm. The lower powered engine can be ordered only with a 5-speed manual while the CRDi can be had with only a 5-speed automatic.

The kerb weight of around 2,300 kg is light considering that this is a 10-seater van. Many SUVs have kerb weights more than these numbers. It is said that these vans will give around 10 kmpl overall fuel efficiency.

Price factor

The Hyundai Grand Starex price starts from Php 2,085,000. That is a lot of money but you also get a lot of car along with it. Or should we say van?