Driving the Hyundai Grand Starex

FILIPINO families are fond of riding in groups in style. Car companies such as toyota grab this thought hence the success of Toyota Tamaraw FX, Revo and Innova. It didn't take too long for other companies to follow suites. Thus the birth of AUVs. 

This vehicle segment may not have enough room to carry at least ten adults. Vans have long been in this category addressing this need. In fact who would forget the days of Mitsubishi L300 used in the movies are bad guys get away vehicle. Remember Paquito? However, with the refrigerator size, non-existing front, and the engine below the driver butt. Most buyers, shy away except those considering for shuttle services. Then came the Hyundai Starex.


With the base price of 1.4M this is not for the faint of pockets. The unit I drove comes from the grey market. Nowadays the grey market shares the same warranty as HARI (Hyundai official distributor in the Philippines) plus other bonuses. I'll discuss in details below.

Starex HVX
 from the grey market. First thing you'll notice is the different design
alloy wheels. The wheels are also larger at 16" 

 

Hyundai Gold with a 15" alloy wheels. 

HVX with Power Sun Roof and Windshield
Mounted Antenna

Starex Gold with roof mounted Antenna

Starex HVX

Starex Gold