Hyundai Starex 2018 Philippines: An insight into the Super Express variant

Being a van lover, some may be familiar to the Hiace from Toyota. For others, we believe that you can immediately name the Hyundai Grand Starex.

The Starex is one of the most common sights in our country which features tough and durable machine and accommodates 10 or 12 people at max. Thanks to the van’s proven reliability, Hyundai PH sales have been always on a high altitude for years. The company knew the truth and back in last year, it introduced an all-new variant - the Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express which is capable of housing up to 15 people.

So, let’s find out together what the new trim has to offer through this in-depth Hyundai Starex 2018 review by Philkotse.com.

The Starex is one of the most common sights in our country

Everything in the Starex is designed with the Filipino drivers in mind, remember this.

Everything in the Starex is designed with the Filipino drivers in mind

The Super Express is quite akin to other Starex models

The utilitarian dual-sliding doors are also preserved​

When it comes to exterior, the Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express is quite akin to other Starex models. Still the jutted nose, long parallel rear windows, a big windshield and steel wheels, but turning your gaze rearwards, you will see a “Super Express” sticker to differentiate this car from its siblings. The utilitarian dual-sliding doors are also preserved.

The van comes with long parallel rear windows

Turning your gaze rearwards, you will see a “Super Express” sticker to differentiate this car from its siblings​

Compared to the 10-seat variants, the new Super Express is given more seats. Interestingly, this does not make the van any bigger. In truth, the Starex Super Express shares the same overall dimensions with 10-seater models. As a result, the cabin space is not as airy as you’ve expected. Sitting in the middle two rows, tall people might not have enough space to put their leg.

Thankfully, jump seats are present for easier rear access. Besides, getting in and out of the car is not difficult at all thanks to a handful of handles. Although fabric seats are a bit firm but mostly, they’re comfortable.

Compared to the 10-seat variants, the new Super Express is given more seats

A daily people carrier cannot provide you with latest techs or upscale features, generally speaking. That said, the Hyundai Starex 2018 interior still has a radio head unit with available USBs ports and Aux cables that allow you to play your playlist to keep passenger entertained on every road trip.

Extra features in the Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 consist of central locking and front power windows. Coming as an option from dealership is an available slot for electric side mirror adjustment. What’s more, a cup holder and a storage nook can be created with middle seat up front down.

The Starex 2018 interior still has a radio head unit

A cup holder and a storage nook can be created with middle seat up front down

Jump seats are present for easier rear access

Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express engine

The Super Express has a 2.5-liter TCI 8-valve 4-cylinder engine under its hood that is regarded as the best quality of this van. The diesel engine can deliver 99 hp and 226 Nm of torque. Though these figures are not very high, the engine can pick up speed relatively easily when the revs climb. Beyond that, power remains stable throughout the power band.

The Super Express has a 2.5-liter TCI 8-valve 4-cylinder engine under its hood

The power plant is married to a 5-speed manual transmission which can give ample power in most cases, even when you shift rather early.

With regard to fuel economy, the Grand Starex 2018 can do a commendable 14 km/L in heavy traffic as long as it just carries only one person.

Hyundai Grand Starex Super Express ride & handling

First, speaking of ride, the Starex performance is not very great, broadly. It runs on 16-inch tires mated to MacPherson struts up front together with a rigid-axle five-link at the rear. When on the move however, you might feel that the rubber is somewhat small for this big van.

Even worse, the Super Express seems not to do well the job of absorbing road imperfections while passing uneven roads, making occupants feel the chassis poking upwards underneath them.

In the interval, the handling appears to be agile and light for a 15-seater. In contrast to modern electronic power steering, the hydraulic set up does not feel heavy while driving. In fact, you can be easily used to controlling this guy. Nevertheless, remember that sensors and back-up camera are absent from the Starex, so be careful in case of reverse parking.

This year, the Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 can be had at ₱1,418,000 – a tag that we suppose affordable for those who’re seeking for a van in the market. If the Hiace is slightly more expensive to go for, a Starex will be an optimal alternative.

All told, the Super Express is the same as other Starex variants but for more seats. Honestly, it is a top pick for Filipino commuters whose main purpose is just carrying a big group of stuff, students or family in one trip. In other words, the Hyundai Grand Starex 2018 is perfect for commercial use.

The 2018 Grand Starex is perfect for commercial use

At the end of the day, hopefully our Hyundai Starex 2018 Review has given you useful information for your car search. Want to learn more about other Hyundai models in the Philippines, please refer to our Hyundai car review section.