Hyundai Grand Starex facelift unveiled in South Korea

We may have become used to numerous local updates to the Hyundai Grand Starex over in Malaysia, but the fact of the matter is that globally, the humongous van/MPV has only seen one mild facelift since it was unveiled in 2007. Well, the Korean-market model has finally received a more comprehensive overhaul inside and out, bringing it up to date with the rest of the company’s lineup.

All models get a new front fascia that ditches the distinctive vertical headlights for horizontal trapezoidal items, flanking a version of the company’s Cascading Grille – way better than our Lexus-style front maw, don’t you think? The lower air intake has also been redesigned, while the bonnet is taller to provide greater pedestrian protection and a more stately look.

Hyundai Grand Starex facelift unveiled in South Korea

The new, more luxurious Urban model gains a number of additional upgrades, such as projector halogen headlights, a chrome grille, LED combination tail lights, 17-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, aero-blade wipers and revised suspension tuning for improved comfort.

Inside, the Urban also gains a redesigned “sedan” interior, with a horizontal dashboard design, a new four-spoke steering wheel and gearlever, automatic air-conditioning and a “floating” freestanding eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation.

Hyundai Grand Starex facelift unveiled in South Korea

The nine-seater Urban, which joins the van and 11- and 12-seater Wagon models, is exempted from individual consumption tax levied on the other variants in Korea and can be operated with a standard driving licence. It is also allowed to travel at over 110 km/h, while still being able to use highway bus lanes with at least six people on board.

Other added features include hill-start assist, a locking differential and increased sound insulation for a more quiet ride. Passenger models also receive an updated 2.5 litre CRDi turbodiesel engine that is Euro 6-compliant, making 140 PS and 353 Nm of torque with a six-speed manual transmission, or 176 PS and 451 Nm with variable geometry turbocharging (VGT) and a five-speed automatic.

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