Tested & Approved: Hyundai Starex 2.5

2009 seems to be a season of bang-for-bucks MPVs. Notwithstanding the economic recession looming ahead for us, multi-purpose vehicles are hoping to rough through the downturn, especially with budget models like the much-hyped, soon-to-be-launched Proton Exora and Perodua’s new MPV (Toyota Passo Sette) in the making.

Coming to present tense, and moving a couple of rungs up this people mover segment, we have this ‘Starship Enterprise’ of a minivan (as the American folks call it), minibus or full-size MPV. Whatever you might want to call it, there’s no denying that this Starex is simply huge. Ditto its front and rear tracks, with even the bulge of all 4 wheels showing its wide jutting stance. Measuring over 5metres in length, think Mercedes R-Class and S-Class in extended ‘L’ guises, and perhaps even taller than the trendy and popular deep-freezer-on-wheels Toyota Alphard. This is another repeat of maximum bang-for-bucks from the Koreans. Splendid, I thought to myself since most guys, if not all, love bigger things generally (stop your wandering minds people). A preference applicable even to handsets now, unlike in the early 2000’s when Nokia’s most ‘iconic’ and smallest handphone, the 8210 were so ubiquitous.

In all honesty, almost all the folks that spotted me piloting the Starex – a parallel imported MPVs dealer included - were more impressed with its exterior styling than the other slab-sided metal chunk wearing that coveted ‘T’ badge. Some even commended that the Starex’ rear profile traces the current Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano to a certain extent. Now that must be quite flattering for Hyundai’s Starex going into its third generation. Personally, I quite fancy the Starex’ frontal visage and I guessed it could pass off as the next generation Mercedes V-Class (Vito), more so with the Starex in metallic silver. All you need is a change of the big emblem sitting in the centre of the large slab of a grille!

It’s also very heartening and appetising to digest figures like 170 hp and 392 Nm of torque at 2000 to 2500rpm coming from Hyundai’s 2.5L turbodiesel, equipped with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). Definitely class-leading figures for an oil-burner at RM138,888 or for any 12-seater for that matter. Much like a double-digit load capacity Korean-made washing machine I still cherish a lot until now; seating the Starex up to the max didn’t seem to bog it down, with cruising at legal speed (and beyond) and also passing slower pickup trucks and SUVs a breeze. The 2.2 tonne Starex also passed my self-coined uphill-sprint-test with flying colour, lugging the same full load of passengers. That’s the beauty of near-400Nm of turbodiesel torque working with you, for you, via the 5-speed auto ‘box. Interestingly, I have managed to clock about 580km to the tankful of 75litres of diesel, for what is mostly highway blasts at ‘high’ speed, with some urban driving thrown in.

This behemoth from Hyundai is best left cruising down highway since its sheer bulk and high centre-of-gravity don’t usually translate to fun tackling the twisties. That’s to be expected but it’s not to say that it pitches and rolls badly around corners, far from it. In fact, I found the Starex mostly as planted as the SsangYong Stavic tested years ago, if not for what is recalled as slightly better tracking composure of the latter’s front axle into corners. Needless to say, both makes are best driven sedately around bends since they are after all massive vehicular masses in motion. The brakes of the Starex is very adequate though, and for those who like to split hairs about having drum brakes at the back (e.g. Naza Ria, Toyota Innova and the Grand Livina), the rear axle items on the Starex are not only discs but huge, ventilated rotors. The turning radius of the Starex is simply superb, enabling unusually small semi-circle for making U-turns, even better than some front-wheel driven sedans with lengthy frontal overhang! In addition, this also makes parallel parking easier than you imagine.

One of the few gripes I have with the Starex is the absence of a rear screen wiper when even a reverse camera is standard. You know how an expansive rear windscreen on a near-vertical tailgate gets easily sprayed with smudges after a rainy day drive. In an already tall van, the taller bee-sting radio antenna only serves to scrape ceilings, an occasional overhead fire sprinkler’s piping and sometimes metal frame scaffolding of basement car parks. In the meantime, I found the vague release of the parking brake lever deep in between the driver and front middle seat mostly inconvenient. More often than not, the parking brake does not disengage fully unless and until I extend my elbow and wrist, each time having to consciously push the lever deep down to the carpet trim level. Also, what’s with the old school instrument dials with plain green backlight at night and ever-so-boring fonts, looking bargain basement and much like a commercial goods carrier’s? Come to think of it, I have spotted a white panel-van version of the H1 - as the Starex is known as - in the U.K. last year, but c’mon Hyundai, surely there’s room for differentiation at the meter panel!

Interior wise, the ceiling is lined bilaterally with A/C vents which kept all three back rows’ passengers cool, near freezing-cold even in scorching mid-day sun. Though the seats sizes are just adequate, trimming them in soft beige leather did help in increasing their comfiness and even adds a tinge of class to things. In fact, the overall cabin ambience is far more inviting and luxurious versus the likes of Toyota HIACE and the Kia Pregio. Heck, there is even a touch screen double-DIN DVD player up front along with a ceiling mounted LCD screen to keep my kids and their cousins quiet during an outing to Kuantan, and back!

After returning the tester unit, this writer was actually contemplating getting one for his ever expanding, at times extended family. If only the economic uncertainty that looms with the doom of global financial crisis isn’t so murky and threatening. Nonetheless, at sub-RM140k there is nothing like this out there in CBU form (or even CKD!) and as a brand-new vehicle for you to pick. So it does make sense – more so in these testing and trying times - as say, a third ‘car’ for mass transportation or utility purposes for a large family. That’s provided you can get past the usual badge snobbery that may afflict most of us. For the record, this Hyundai is already well received by the decision makers in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. That's some positive testament, isn't it?

Related post:

2008 Hyundai Starex MPV

Tried & Tested: Renault Megane CC

The French automotive brand Renault has undergone a sort of a revival in Malaysia recently, with local franchise holder, TC Eurocars introducing what they coined as the Fabulous Five. One of them is the lifestyle coupe-cabriolet known as the Megane CC. The others in this new stable are the Clio 1.6, Clio RS, Megane F1 R26 and the Grand Espace.

Though late forthcoming to the Malaysian market, the Megane CC is one neat looking coupe with sleek sidelines and an amazingly sharp looking rump, even in comparison to the other benchmark setting coupe-sunroof-cabriolet (2.0L segment & below RM250k) the VW Eos. Though the frontal visage is debatable against its Germanic counterpart, it is no less menacing when hunkering down the motorway on the fast lane, not necessitating any right turn signal or headlamp flash (which can be less desirable) to make known of its intention to pass. Perhaps this has got to do with the R26-esque persona when viewed from the rear view mirror of the car up front. Not a bad thing really.

The foldable metal-and-glass hard top even comes down in what seemed like a few seconds quicker than the Eos, in true “Transformers” fashion which requires origami-folding of what appeared to be like significantly lesser folding parts. With the glass roof up, the curvy C-pillar even reminisces that of a proper fixed hardtop coupe like the Audi TT. Nice and sporty.

Much has been lamented about its rather lethargic, normally aspirated 4-pot of 2.0L capacity but get acquainted (I did!) with the engine’s mid-range delivery and work manually through its - rather paltry - 4 gear ratios, it isn’t that bad in isolation. Understand the weight penalty of the Megane CC’s body plus its armaments of braces and reinforcements, you’ll soon accept and appreciate that nice and easy, relaxing drive. Ride quality is commendable while wind noise and road noise levels are rather exemplary for something with a frameless window, B-pillar less architecture et al.

Interior cabin ambience is classy and cozy, with the red leather upholstery taking centre stage, even though the dashboard is beginning to show its age. Typical Frenchie are the supportive and hugging seats, perfect for those longer interstate jaunts. The rear bench though, along with dismal rear legroom is strictly meant for children under eight or so. Renault’s keyless entry and start, executed by means of an electronic card is just a fancy piece of gadget which complicates a simple turn-key start into a more annoying two-steps execution of single-minded function of cranking up the engine. Nothing but a case of form over function, I reckoned.

As with most coupe-cabriolet, scuttle shakes are part & parcel of a trade-off when the chassis engineers lop off the roof. In the Megane CC, it is still pretty solid puttering leisurely but when you start throwing it topless into fast corners it starts to get a little hairy with that ‘loose’ feeling of the front flinging about a tad more than desired. However once you set the top back in position, the completed ‘egg-shell’ structure makes handling around bends noticeably more planted and reassuring.

A lot of people would not understand the joys of being in a coupe-cabriolet, more so in our blazingly sunny, hot and humid climate. These people are far from guilty of misjudging and stereotyping such a niche example of an automobile, since it’s pretty dusty and polluted in most urban and suburban areas too. However, should you want to enjoy the crisp cool air of the highlands or the salinity of the sea-breeze on a fine clear day (preferably slightly cloudy?) with sun-setting in the backdrop, there’s nothing better than being in a roadster, a Targa, cabriolet or best, in a coupe-cabriolet! With TC Eurocars dropping the price a smidgen below RM200k now (from RM236k previously), that wind-in-your-hair driving experience can now be yours being a little fluffier on your hair, as well as a little lighter on your pocket.

Parting shots of 2008: Top 25 cars tested

In no particular winning or preferential orders, the automobiles that tickled my fancy and delight in a myriad of ways for 2008 are as below:

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with PDK

Audi TT Coupe 2.0TFSI

Suzuki SX4 Sedan

Peugeot 308GT

Mazda6 2.5L

Jaguar XF 3.0V6

Hyundai Grand Starex 2.5CRDi

Hyundai Coupe 2.0

Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet (M)

Renault Clio RS

Volkswagen Eos 2.0TSI

Mercedes-Benz E280 AMG Sports Package

BMW M3 Sedan with DCT

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (X) & Honda Civic Type-R (FD2R)

New Proton Saga 1.3 (M)

Mitsubishi Triton Lite (M)
Chevrolet Captiva 2.0VCDi (turbodiesel)

Inokom (Hyundai) Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi (turbodiesel)

BMW X6 xDrive35i

Audi A4 (B8) 1.8TFSI


Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L

Honda Civic Hybrid

Toyota Vios 1.5J (M)

Nissan Sylphy 2.0 CVTC

Here's wishing all my readers a "Happy New Year 2009". May your motoring dreams come true, despite the impending gloom and doom of the world's - as well as local - economic climate.

Above all, drive safe. And please buckle up at the rear from 1st Jan 2009 onwards!

Driven: Peugeot 308GT

I used to dread the thought of piloting a manual car ever since I sold off my Proton Wira 1.3GL and my Honda Accord (SM4) 2.0i manual from my houseman and medical officer years. Of course, I'd still bear that occasional Langkawi rental car e.g. Iswara LMST in manual guise, for its bargain-basement day charges.

Strangely, after having sampled the new Saga 1.3M, Toyota Vios J, Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet, Civic Type-R, Renault Megane R26 F1, Clio RS and of course, the Peugeot 308GT, I have discovered how much we have drifted away from it all - the joys of a manual 'box. Things like having better control (engine braking) going into corners and livelier overtaking, all while harnessing an engine's torque band more instantaneously. In short, being on top of things when your drive gets more spirited and/or competitive.

Certainly, there is that twin-clutch automated gearbox of late. I have no qualms about such technological advancements since a gearbox having twin drive shafts in tandem with dual clutches - for uninterrupted torque transmission - is simply better than singular (AMT or the regular fully manual clutch). Afterall, such robotic gearbox is the way to go for the future. However, for junkies who simply love their heel-and-toe antics and that stick shifter, the manual tranny is as 'connected' as one can be. Undiluted, good 'ol driving pleasure. Blame it on our horrendous city or urban traffic congestion for such paradigm shift since late 1980s. I could still vividly remember the good times when my dad bought a Datsun 160J SSS, Datsun 120Y, Mazda 323 and Toyota Corolla 1.3 LE (my brothers' memorable Ford Laser TX3 1.6i, Ford Telstar TX5 and Mazda Familia too). Back then, people used to scoff and swear at auto trannies! Can't believe I am now advocating and rediscovering lost love for the manual 'box since it was just early this year that I had quite an animated debate on the virtues of VW's DSG versus a 6-speed manual with a silly fiend (no typo here) of mine.

Click on all images to enlarge



Which brings us to this 6-speed manual Peugeot 308GT with one of the finest gearknob around town. I thought I had carressed the best in the business in the FD2R Civic Type-R but this French 'cap' is real solid and exudes a quality, premium feel. Shift quality is accurate - though not exactly a short shifter - only to be let down by the rather highly set clutch pedal.



The Swiss really know their watches but here I'd say the French know their instrument gauges. Look at the speeedometer layout, contrasts, fonts and that fine needle with a red backdrop-surround glow. I am sure you'd too likened it to a fine chronometer. Ditto the tachometer and the temp/fuel gauges. Clean, neat, easy-to-read and classy. These hopeless romantics also dig shapely wing mirrors. Never mind its rather small field of vision or droopy appearance, like a semi-subluxated fractured wrist, they just looked sexy from both inside and out. Note where the turn signal repeaters are placed, at the base of the wing mirror stalk, and you reckon the French are non-conformist.







On the flipside, they are pretty conforming when it comes to the shared turbocharged Prince powerplant of BMW-Peugeot collaboration. Yes, this is the same 175bhp direct-injected lump found in the new New Mini Cooper S, good for 240Nm of torque from a displacement of just 1.6L.


The new 308GT is simply a looker. It may sport a 3-door sports hatch body but it is indeed spacious on the inside. This Pug rides pliantly well, even on 18-inchers and grippy around corners with standard Pirelli P-Zero Rossos. Those typical French seats are adequately sized, well padded and supportive all around for long journeys. With soft leathers looking upmarket in black, they're pleasantly cosseting and comfortable. In fact, the interior is a nice place to be indeed, as it oozes with plenty of soft touch surfaces and a classy ambience.




At less than RM160k for a fully-imported, continental turbocharged hot hatch, here is one that is loaded with goodies like the JBL hi-fidelity audio system, auto wiper, auto HID headlamps, a multitude of airbags and that airy panoramic roof. Added to this impressive check-list is the heart of the Lion: the New Mini Cooper S' engine with BMW DNA, so you better hurry up to the nearest Nasim showroom if you are serious about getting one for the new year(s) festivities. Last I heard, the equipment specifications and trim may be downgraded with the next CBU batch to keep the new 308GT THP 175's pricing competitive. This is as close as you can get to a new New Mini Cooper S on a 'shoestring' budget.

Related posts:
New Peugeot 308GT in Malaysia now
Peugeot 308VTi and 308Turbo coming soon to Malaysia

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