Like the Hyundai Grace, the first generation A1-series Starex was available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan(MPV),minibus, van, pick-up, taxi and ambulance.

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.

It was available in two trim levels, SVX and Club, and a number of body styles (Commercial Panel Van, and Pick-Up Truck (Libero)).

For safety, it also features limited-slip differential (LSD), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and driver side airbag.

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 Space Gear, yet it packed more features and factory accessories like front bull bars, a top basket loader, and a rear ladder.

For the 1999 model year, it gained the more powerful 2.5-liter SOHC 8-valve turbo-diesel, inter-cooled engine that has an output of 63 kW (86 PS) at 4000 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.

Also new were 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 interior features upgraded upholstery, a number of cup holders located at the back seats, and an easy-to-wipe and clean rubberized floor matting.

Aluminum accents, split, folding seats, all power features, digital climate control, keyless entry, and DVD player with six speakers are standard.

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.

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).

Updates included a new grille, body-coloured wing mirrors opposed to black, addition of a rear windscreen wiper and a new in-car-entertainment roof-mounted system.

The second row of seats gained swivel functionality, the instrument cluster was revised and electronic stability programme or ESP and a GPS navigation system became standard equipment.

[13] The second generation Hyundai Starex was first launch in Malaysia in May 2008 and subsequently received 5 updates in August 2009, July 2011, March 2014, December 2016 and in November 2018 respectively.

[21] In late 2012, the Grand Starex "Premium" became available with sliding "Double Super VIP" seats on the second row and a DVD player with a smaller 10.2-inch screen.