Limited units of the new Grand Starex on sale; Is it end of the road for MPV in Malaysia?

The 11-seater Hyundai Grand Starex is popular among Malaysian business units and big families because of its promising interior cabin space and comfortable riding experience. The MPV recently received a slight update focused on its cosmetic profile, making it look more striking than before. 

Let's discuss the key highlights of the upgraded model -

New body kit and other exterior enhancements

The 2022 Grand Starex comes with a new body kit along with the new crystal tail lights and a rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp.

New colour scheme

Along with adding the above-mentioned cosmetic bits, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors also introduced the MPV in a new colour shade and that's Moonlight. Included in the continuing colour schemes are Timeless Black, Creamy White, and Hyper Black.

Two variants on offer

The 2022 Hyundai Grand Starex comes in two variants - Grand Starex Executive Plus and Grand Starex Executive Plus with Telematics, priced at RM 163,888 and RM 165,888, respectively. The prices exclude insurance amounts but include the Penjana sales tax waiver and the import and excise duty exemption. 

The higher-spec version comes pre-installed with a Telematics System offering enhanced driver and passenger safety in case of an accident or a breakdown. It is also mated to a concierge service which makes it convenient for owners to reserve a service appointment or to find and report the stolen car. Six important features of the Telematics System are -

• eCall: Automatic Accident Detection
• Manual eCall: Emergency Assistance
• bCall: Breakdown Assistance
• Service Assist
• Mobile App – Connected Security Features
• Stolen Vehicle Tracking

Same engine setup

Both variants of the Korean MPV continue to get the energy from the same 2.5 CRDi VGT diesel engine. The motor delivers a maximum power of 170 PS at 3,600 rpm and a mammoth torque of 441 Nm at 2,000 - 2,250 rpm. The power is sent to the ground via a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. The front-mounted engine powers the rear wheels for appropriate weight management and dynamic balance.

Limited quantity

It is important to note that the Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors offers this slightly upgraded Grand Starex in a limited quantity. While it did not mention any specific number, you should grab the deal before it's gone. With every purchase, the company is offering a 5-year or 300,000 km manufacturer's warranty.

As per the Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, Mr Low Yuan Lung, "The Grand Starex is one of our best-selling models after the Kona and Elantra because of its size, performance and affordable pricing. With limited units left, those who have been eyeing the Grand Starex should place a booking soon," 

Is it the end of the road for the long-serving MPV?

Last year, Hyundai Malaysia added a new MPV to its lineup, called Staria. As compared to the Grand Starex, this new 7-seater model is more luxurious and comes at a significantly higher price. 

Priced at RM 358,888, the Staria is also 103 mm longer, 55 mm taller, and 77 mm wider as compared to the Starex. It comes with a futuristic space shuttle-inspired exterior design and a luxurious cabin with the option of two individual Premium Relaxation Seats for the second row. Powering the vehicle is a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, which delivers 177 PS of maximum power and 431 Nm of peak torque. An 8-speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles sends power to the wheels. 

After the Staria launch, HSDM cleared everyone's doubt that the Staria Premium is not a replacement for the Grand Starex. The two MPVs belong to different segments. While the Staria is positioned in the 7-seater luxury segment, the Grand Starex falls in the 11-seater category. It further confirmed that there is no plan of rolling out the 11-seater version of the latest MPV, available in other markets.

But now, when the automaker slightly updated the older MPV and put it on sale in limited numbers, the rumours of rolling back the Grand Starex have again got the fuel.

Well, there is no official information about dropping the Starex from the Hyundai Malaysia lineup yet. So, stay tuned with us for all the updates.

Also read: Hyundai Penang City Store with a digitalised interactive wall opens now