Recently, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. quietly released the refreshed Grand Starex in the Philippines. The Korean carmaker's official local distributor didn't hold a launch, or even put out a press release--the van just subtly appeared on social media.
Strange, too, because the Starex features a new-look face that appears much more modern than the ones found in previous models. Most notable are the redesigned grille and headlights, as well as the new black cladding and smaller foglights. It still runs on the same 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine, though.
The new Starex is only the latest van in recent memory to enter the local market. Late last year, Nissan Philippines brought in the automatic variant of the Urvan Premium, providing the hauler with a more convenient drive.
So, which of these two new vans has more to offer? The Urvan has the seating advantage, able to service 15 individuals compared to the Starex's 10. It also rides 5mm higher. But the Korean offering trumps its Japanese competitor in terms of engine performance by more than 40hp, and it has a fresher exterior design.
You know what this means: Another spec-by-spec showdown between segment rivals. Based on the stats, are you going with the Korean or Japanese hauler? Let us know in the poll below.
| Hyundai Grand Starex | Nissan Urvan Premium AT |
|
|---|---|---|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 2,085,000 | 1,836,000 |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Seating capacity | 10 | 15 |
| Engine | 2.5-liter DOHC turbodiesel | 2.5-liter DOHC turbodiesel |
| Power | 168hp @ 3,600rpm | 127hp @ 3,200rpm |
| Torque | 441Nm @ 2,000-2,250rpm | 356Nm @ 1,400-2,000rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 75 | 65 |
| Transmission | Five-speed automatic | Five-speed automatic |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Disc/disc | Ventilated disc/drum |
| Front suspension | MacPherson with coil spring | Torsion bar with stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle five-link with coil spring | Rigid axle with leaf spring |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloys | 15-inch steel |
| Tires | 215/70 R16 | 195/70 R15 |
| Airbags | Driver/passenger | Driver/passenger |
| Dimensions (mm) | 5,150 x 1,920 x 1,925 | 5,230 x 1,880 x 2,285 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 190 | 195 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,200 | 2,940 |
| Seats | Fabric | Fabric |
| Audio system | 1-DIN with tuner/AUX/CD | 2-DIN with tuner/AUX/CD |
