Hyundai H1 Grand Starex is a multifunctional platform used for the production of both passenger (minivans, minibuses) and small-capacity trucks and commercial vehicles (LCVs, vans, pickups). It is produced by the South Korean company Hyundai Motor from 1996 to the present.
Model background
At the dawn of its formation, the automaker from South Korea produced minibuses and vans under the license of the Japanese corporation Mitsubishi based on the H100 platform, known under the name Grace. Cars of this family were very popular, so much so that their assembly was carried out until 2004.
In the 1990s, in order to strengthen the international market and reduce licensing fees, work began on the construction of a platform of its own development Hyundai H1, which took into account the shortcomings of the previous generation and introduced new technical solutions. For this, an international group of specialists was created, and the successful design of the H100 was taken as the basis. In 1996, a finished prototype was introduced. Serial production began a year later. The model is called the Hyundai H1 Starex.
First generation
Initially, the A1 series was equipped with a 2.5-liter 8-valve 4D56 SOHC turbodiesel, manufactured under license from Mitsubishi. The motor produces not very high power (75 hp), but it has good traction. At the first stage, the model was sold exclusively in South Korea, but gradually, practical vans and minivans began to conquer the markets of Southeast Asia and Europe.
The first year of operation of the Hyundai H1 showed that the diesel power plant is still rather weak, especially for car owners who have to travel long distances. In 1998, a more frisky 4G64 gasoline engine was proposed. At maximum, it is capable of delivering a capacity of 147 liters. from. (108 kW) at 5250 rpm and create a torque of 218 Nm at 4000 rpm. At the same time, the diesel was improved with an increase in return to 84 liters. from.
Equipment
For the first generation Hyundai H1 Starex, two trim options are available: SVX and Club. The model was produced with various body types: from a utility van, to 7, 9 and even 12-seater minivans. The car has a wide range of expressive interior details and additional features. Among them:
- Two-tone scheme for the lower body trim (in the SVX and Club configurations).
- Additional double hatch (Club).
- Elements of side trim Tetris style (Club).
- Chrome elements of the grille and tailgate (Club).
- Cream-colored upholstery (Club).
- Optional high-tech multimedia system with a television screen and a six-disc CD changer for passenger versions (Club).
- Power windows (SVX, Club).
- Reinforced Antenna (SVX, Club).
- Four-speed automatic transmission with ECT and overdrive switch from the Japanese company Aisin Seiki (Club).
- "Star" 15-inch alloy wheels (Club).
To increase safety, the car is equipped with a limited slip differential (LSD), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a driver’s side airbag.
Authority
Hyundai H1 was exported to a number of countries and became a real hit in some automotive markets, especially Asian ones. The model quickly gained popularity thanks to the easy-to-use sedan engine, the presence of an automatic transmission, extensive interior space and comfortable large seats. The key to success was the price, which was lower than that of its main competitor Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear, based on the H100 platform. In addition, the car had a richer set. Due to the high fuel consumption, the gasoline version in developing countries was much less in demand than in Korea and Europe.
Hyundai Libero
In the period from 2000 to 2007, the Korean company produced a pickup version of the Hyundai H1 A1 series. She is also known as Libero. The model replaced the Hyundai Porter in the line of commercial vehicles.
The vehicle was equipped with two types of motors. This is a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine and a 3-liter Sigma V6 gasoline. The car had several types of bodywork, including a pickup truck and an onboard light truck.
Second generation
The updated car, dubbed the Hyundai H1 Grand, was introduced in 2007. He became even more spacious and got a more powerful 2.5-liter engine of the CRDi In-Line series. The diesel power plant provides an output of 168 liters. from. (125 kW) at 3800 rpm and a torque of 392 Nm in the range of 2000-2500 rpm. In some versions of the engine, power was reduced to 100 kW for fuel economy. The average fuel consumption in this case is 8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is 0.5 liters less than the “charged” series.
The appearance of the model has undergone significant changes. The radiator grill has grown significantly in size, "floating" on the bumper. Head optics became bigger and more expressive. On the body around the wheel arches there were stampings that transformed the boring appearance of the exterior. The taillights moved from horizontal to vertical, which increased the size of the door. Overall dimensions of the 4-door minibus: width is 1.92 m, length - 5.12 m, height - 1.93 m.
The salon does not shine with expressiveness, but it fully copes with the utilitarian function of transporting passengers or goods. The driver's seat is quite comfortable and ergonomic. Basic features available:
- audio system;
- air conditioning;
- airbags;
- on-board computer (in more expensive versions).
In 2017, another restyling of the H-1 took place. The appearance has become more modern and brutal due to the huge chrome radiator grille, designed in a single unit with a bumper, which is visually completely absent. The body contours have become more rapid, stamping on the body remained. The rear part has slightly changed due to the new headlight unit and a visor above the door. Naturally, the model acquired new additional functions both in the field of control and security.
Grand starex
In some countries of Asia, the new Hyundai H1 version of the Grand Starex was supplied. He had 4 types of configuration:
- GL and GLS in a 10 and 12-seater version with a manual gearbox.
- 10-seater GLS with a 5-speed automatic.
- 10-seater Top-of-the-Line Gold.
In 2014, Hyundai launched the Executive Grand Starex Platinum. The model has seven seats, with the second row equipped with Double VIP seats. They have electric height and tilt adjustment for the back, as well as a footrest. It offers passengers a 19-inch TV and DVD player. In 2012, the Grand Starex Premium was developed with Double Super VIP sliding seats. Unlike the previous generation, the screen size has decreased to 10.2 inches.
Reviews
Hyundai H1 has become one of the most popular commercial vehicles in the line of the famous Korean manufacturer. Among its main advantages, owners note a reasonable combination of value and quality. Unlike the more famous Japanese and European competitors, Hyundai Motor offers a much larger set of options for a little less money. At the same time, the reliability of the car is proved by many years of operation in various climatic zones: from frosty Northern Europe to hot and rainy Southeast Asia.
Quite a lot of these machines in Russia. Car owners note an excellent smooth ride and good handling. The car behaves well in bad roads. Respect is the useful volume of goods transported. Second-hand copies purchased in Primorye or Korea on the secondary market that are not localized for domestic operating conditions often become problematic. By the way, it was noticed that the modifications of the second generation are stronger than the first.