Thailand’s car scene is easily one of the most eccentric on the planet. Where else will you find the likes of the Toyota Hilux being sold as a low-riding pickup or an Isuzu D-Max driving around with five turbochargers under the hood?
While the country is a pickup- and SUV-loving nation just like ours, that craziness can be seen across other vehicle types as well. This beefed-up Hyundai Starex is the perfect example.
Created by VKH Motorsports, this Starex (known over there as the Hyundai H1) has undergone a suspension enhancement that has given it a six-inch lift. Should be more than enough clearance for most roads, regardless of how many passengers it’s carrying.
The garage has also fitted the van with a bull bar featuring neat red tow hooks, a new chrome grille, mud tires, a spare-wheel carrier at the rear, side steps, and a large roof rack for storing whatever cargo won’t fit inside.
No mention of changes to the engine, though. In Thailand, stock H1 units pack a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine capable of up to 175hp and 441Nm of torque.
The final result is one of the most rugged-looking haulers you’ll come across on the Internet—at least until an even nuttier aftermarket outfit with a bigger budget and more spare time on its hands decides to have a go at it. Would you ever do something like this to your family transport?
