New Kia Sedona LWB or All-new Hyundai Starex

EQAddict · #1 06-28-2007, 04:02 PM

Hi. Sometime in Q3 or Q4 I will be purchasing a van / mini-van. Due to budget constraints, I have narrowed down my choices to the All-new Hyundai Starex and the new Kia Sedona. My must-haves are the following:

1. Must be CRDi diesel
2. Must be automatic
3. Must seat 8-9 people
4. Preferably have sliding doors on BOTH sides

This rules out the Toyota Previa (and its also too expensive hehe). I've also ruled out the new Hi-ace because its too big naman and the engine is just so-so.

I've personally seen and checked out the LWB version of the Sedona (P1.55m) and I like it. I just wished it had VGT and a passenger side airbag. Aside from that, its great!

I've never seen of course the new Starex and I dont know in what configurations it will come in and what trim levels. I dont want to spend more than P1.5m for the van either.

I'll rarely (if ever) drive the van --- my driver will. But if I do ride it with the family on board, I'll be in the passenger seat hence I was hoping for at least a passenger side airbag in my choice of van. All my babies use car-seats, so a van that can accommodate 3 car seats would be nice. The rest of the space will go to my wife and the 2 yayas. Some space for the kids bags and stuff would be nice too.

So Im hoping you guys can help me decide (once again) on what car to choose. My remaining criteria are:

1. Safety + dapat hindi mainit sa mata ng mga carnapper
2. Comfort and Utility
3. Looks
4. Performance
5. Fuel efficiency
6. Durability

I dont really need ICE in the car kasi we never watch DVD's or whatnot when on the road. But I'd still like the trim levels to be top notch.

Of course they should be within budget as well hehehehe. I can wait till the new Starex launches . I tried to force fit everyone inside an Innova G and it didnt work LOL. Thanks in advance!

niky · #2 06-28-2007, 04:22 PM

Since the new Starex isn't here yet, the point is still moot.

ronw123w124 · #3 06-28-2007, 11:30 PM

I'm here in the U.S right now, I've seen the new Sedona and ok naman itsura nya. May nakita din ako dito na Hyundai Entourage na van dito. Dunno if the Entourage will be the all new Starex in Manila. Pero kung yun nga yon pareho lang yun sa Sedona, I read somewhere that both the Sedona and Entourage are one and the same only with a different brand

***OTEP*** · #4 06-28-2007, 11:51 PM

The Starex and Entourage are not identical products. The Entourage is a rebadged Carnival, the Starex is not. The Entourage/Carnival were designed more for U.S. consumers (follows the Chrysler minivan formula).

The Starex is geared towards Europe (VW Caravelle, Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace etc.). Where minivans are generally referred to as MPV's.

oldblue · #5 06-29-2007, 12:53 AM

parang mahirap pa nga mag-decide sa ngaun dyan

EQAddict · #6 06-29-2007, 11:11 AM

I was just thinking that since some of you already know the specs and have seen the new Starex, I could get some more opinions. Once is a van and one is a mini-van. In any case, I guess we can revive this thread when the new Starex launches. Then I can make my decision.

niky · #7 06-29-2007, 02:34 PM

The Carnival isn't so mini anymore, but from comparing the new LWB models I've seen and the pictures of the next generation Starex, the Starex will be taller, with more seats, but legroom in each row will be similar, if not better, in the Carnival.

But yeah, we'll still have to wait and see.

EQAddict · #8 08-01-2007, 07:24 AM

I took a 2nd long and hard look at the Carnival / Sedona last weekend. Aside from the ugly seat upholstery, it seems like it will do the trick for me. The 2 power side doors and power tailgate are nice. 17" alloy wheels now come as standard replacing the 1st batch's hub caps. If I do buy any of the two, I will have to go for the leather option or else my babies will destroy the fabric seats in no time. The SWB is out of the question for me due to the lack of luggage space. Will go to Standout motors sometime soon to checkout in-person the Starex.

It is so much larger inside than my current edition Prado. Probably faster as well hehehe.

lui · #9 08-01-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EQAddict

I took a 2nd long and hard look at the Carnival / Sedona last weekend. Aside from the ugly seat upholstery, it seems like it will do the trick for me. The 2 power side doors and power tailgate are nice. 17" alloy wheels now come as standard replacing the 1st batch's hub caps. If I do buy any of the two, I will have to go for the leather option or else my babies will destroy the fabric seats in no time. The SWB is out of the question for me due to the lack of luggage space. Will go to Standout motors sometime soon to checkout in-person the Starex.

It is so much larger inside than my current edition Prado. Probably faster as well hehehe.

sir sa aug 9 po ang launching ng all new starex sa campi auto show. nandun po ako and i have some tikets kung maka ikot po kau ng aug 9 pm nyo lang ako or txt.