Hyundai Starex

First generation (A1; 1997–2007)

The Starex succeeded the Hyundai Grace (also known as the H100) in most countries. Like the Hyundai Grace, the first generation A1-series Starex was based on the Mitsubishi Delica and was available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan (MPV), minibus, van, pick-up, taxi, and ambulance. For the very first 1997 models, it used the Mitsubishi derived 2.5-liter 4D56 SOHC 8-valve non-turbo diesel engine with 55 kW (74 hp) and 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) at 2,500 rpm. These first generation models were initially restricted for sale to the domestic South Korean market, but were eventually exported to a number of countries in Southeast Asia and some parts of Europe.

For the 1998 model year, a gasoline engine was offered, a Mitsubishi derived 4G64 108 kW (145 hp) at 5,250 rpm with 218 N·m (161 lb·ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The diesel engine now comes with a slightly more powerful Mitsubishi derived 4D56 non-intercooled turbo diesel engine with 62 kW (83 hp) at 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) at 2,000 rpm. Available in two trim levels, SVX and Club, and a number of body styles (commercial panel van, and pick up (Libero)). A long wheelbase (12-seater) "Jumbo" and short wheelbase (seven- and nine-seater) "RV" was also available. First introduced to this model are luxurious features like side lower body cladding with two-tone paint scheme (SVX, Club), optional dual sunroof (Club), side body "Tetris style" decals (Club), chrome slant grills, rear tailgate handle opener cover (Club), cream moquette upholstery (Club), optional high-tech head unit with television screen and six-disc CD changer (Club) for domestic models, power windows and antenna (SVX, Club) an Aisin Seiki Co. sourced four-speed automatic transmission with ECT and overdrive switch and differently styled "star" 15-inch alloy wheels with exposed lug nuts (Club). For safety, it also features limited-slip differential (LSD), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and driver side airbag. This models was exported to a number countries and proved a big hit to some car markets like the Philippines where at that time was imported via gray market. It gained instant popularity for comfortable sedan-like drive, availability of automatic transmission, expansive interior space and thickly bolstered seats. Its main advantage was being priced lower than its twin, the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear, yet it packed more features and factory accessories like front bull bars, top basket loader, and a rear ladder. For the following year in the Philippines, the gasoline engine version was dropped due to unusually high gasoline consumption, but still made available for other markets.

For the 1999 model year it gained the more powerful 2.5 SOHC 8-valve turbo diesel intercooled engine that has an output of 63 kW (84 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) of torque, most notable feature is the addition of a hood scoop for the intercooler feed, different upholstery color scheme, blacked-out B-pillars (Club) and a top dashboard center binnacle with temperature, altimeter and a compass for 4x2 and 4x4 Club variant.

The 2000 to 2002 model version, also known as the "millennium" model, retains the previous engine specs while it made available for its domestic market, a Mitsubishi derived 2,972 cc 6G72 V6 gas engine with 145 kW (194 hp) at 5,000 rpm and 278 N·m (205 lb·ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm. This models features updated exterior and interior trims for the SVX and Club models, with features such as multi-reflectorized clear headlamps and jewel-like treatment for the tail-lights, differently styled front bumper over riders, front door "SVX" decals, black and gray interior color scheme with more durable upholstery material, and differently styled alloy wheels for the SVX and Club models.

For the 2003 to 2004 model, a more powerful power plant was made available, a new 2.5 DOHC 16-valve common rail direct injection turbo diesel engine that had an output of 92 kW (123 hp) and 360 N·m (270 lb·ft) of torque. It retains the previous model's interior and exterior styling features and received a new digital climate control for the higher Club model.

The 2005 to 2007 offered much more with a new front fascia, with features such as squared "bug" eye headlights, an extended bumper to accommodate the oversized square radiator grills with three vertical chrome bars and squared fog lamps. Also new was differently finished rear tail-lights and bumpers, integrated radio antenna, digital odometer and trip meter and (depending on the market) an updated multimedia head unit with flip-down ceiling-mounted screen. The engine was a carry-over 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve common rail direct injection turbo diesel engine that had an output of 92 kW (123 hp) at 360 N·m (270 lb·ft) of torque and a 2.5-liter SOHC eight-valve turbo diesel with intercooler engine that has an output of 63 kW (84 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 170 N·m (130 lb·ft) of torque but now with ETC. The interior features upgraded upholstery, a number of cup holders located at the back seats, and an easy to wipe and clean rubberized floor matting. Top of the line (Gold) models features a leather interior an overhead console and immobilizer. Aluminum accents, split, folding seats, all power features, digital climate control, key less entry and DVD player with six speakers are standard.

The Starex is also produced in China under the name JAC Refine by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile since 2002 under the Hyundai licence. It is very successful, with a market share of about 20 percent. From 2003 to 2008, it has consecutively won "Year's MPV" and "The Best Official Car" from 2004 to 2008. In 2007, it was granted "The Best MPV" and "The Best MPV for Government". The Refine is available with 2.0l or 2.4l petrol engines or a 2.8l diesel engine mated to a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox.

Hyundai Libero

Between 2000 and 2007, Hyundai manufactured a light truck version of the A1-series Starex. Known as the Hyundai Libero, it was meant to replace the Hyundai Porter in the lineup. They were equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine (in normally aspirated and turbocharged forms) or 3.0-liter Sigma gasoline V6, and came in a multiple body styles, including pickup and flatbed.

Second generation (TQ; 2007–present)

The second-generation vehicle was introduced as the Grand Starex with larger dimensions and much stronger CRDi engine. The engine is a 2.5-Liter CRDi In-Line 4 cylinder engine delivering 125 kW (168 hp) at 3,800 rpm with 392 N·m (289 lb·ft) of torque between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm.

In 2012 Hyundai Australia updated their Diesel engines slightly. Chief among the changes is the addition of a new six-speed manual gearbox in place of the old five-speed unit, improving official fuel economy by 0.5 litres per 100 km to 8.0L/100 km.

This comes at a cost, however, with Hyundai ditching the variable geometry turbocharger from the engine in favour of a less-potent waste gate set-up, resulting in substantially lower power and torque outputs than before.

The new engine/manual gearbox combination will produce official figures of 100 kW and 343Nm, down from 125 kW/392Nm, although the new model hits its peak torque earlier, arriving from a low 1500 rpm.

Five-speed automatic versions of the iLoad diesel get a substantial hike in torque output, with the engine retaining the variable geometry turbocharger but now producing figures of 125 kW and 441Nm (up from 125 kW/392Nm).

The trade-off is a narrower peak torque-band, with the maximum available between a narrow 2000 and 2250 rpm (previously 2000 and 2500 rpm)

Despite the beefy boost, claimed combined fuel consumption has dropped at an even larger rate than the manual, now returning 8.8L/100 km (previously 9.5L/100 km).

In Malaysia the Starex is available in a more luxurious variant called the Starex Royale with DVD player, seven-inch LCD panel and fully equipped with body kit.

In the Philippines the Starex is called the Grand Starex, the Grand Starex was launched in December 2007 for the 2008 model with 4 new variants. GL (10-seater and 12-seater, both have Manual transmissions), GLS (10-seater, with a 5-speed Automatic transmission) as well as the Top-of-the-line Gold (10-seater). In 2014 Hyundai Philippines released the Grand Starex Platinum, a more Executive class. The Grand Starex is one of the best selling Van's in the Philippines.

In Indonesia, the Hyundai Starex is available as the Hyundai H-1, and was introduced in 2008, with three options: GLS, Elegance, and XG. At first, only gasoline engines were available for H-1. The diesel engines came in February 2010, when Hyundai decided to produce H-1 in Indonesia for ASEAN market.

In Thailand, the Starex is marketed as the Hyundai H-1. It comes in three variants, the Touring, Executive and Deluxe. All come with 12 seats. The Executive and Deluxe were badged as "Maestro" until a minor change in 2011.

The Grand Starex "VIP" variant is based on H-1. Features include seven seats with second-row "Double VIP" seats that can electrically control seat inclination and leg support and 19-inch TV and DVD player. They are available in late 2010. In late 2012 the Grand Starex "Premium" became available with sliding "Double Super VIP" seats on the 2nd row and a DVD player with a smaller 10.2-inch screen.