4WD minibus: Hyundai-Starex, Toyota. Which to choose?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The concept of "bus" appeared at the beginning of the last century. The first bus was developed in 1922 in the United States of America. It was able to accommodate up to 50 people. A little later, double-decker buses appeared in England. They are still one of the hallmarks of Britain. Their main function is to transport passengers around the city. Buses also operated regular flights between settlements.

With the growth of population in large cities, the burden on public transport has increased. There was less and less space on city roads. There were parking problems. Engineers and designers of leading car manufacturers have thought about creating a more convenient vehicle for transporting passengers. The main task was to come up with a kind of symbiosis of a car and a bus.

Where was the first minibus invented?

The year of birth of the first minibus is 1949, and the place is Germany. It was created on the basis of the legendary Beetle at the Volkswagen plant. The idea was thrown by a local businessman Ben Pon. He accidentally came across a converted old Volkswagen Beetle. Workers of one workshop independently redesigned a passenger carin a small self-propelled cart. They removed the roof and seats from the interior of the car. Ben Pon, a couple of days later, offered a car for the joint transportation of passengers and small loads. The body of the new minibus was one-piece and was attached to the frame. The first minibus was named Volksvagen Bulli (translated as "bull"). Later this model was called "T1".

From this period, many car manufacturers began to produce their minibuses. In the 50s, the automotive industry was gripped by a real boom in them. Passenger, cargo-passenger and cargo minibuses saw the light. They could solve any problem of transporting goods and passengers.

At present, minibuses with various engines are produced. They are equipped with mechanical and automatic transmissions. An all-wheel drive minibus was also created. Four-wheel drive will help ensure safety for passengers and the driver. If you meet off-road on the way, then an all-wheel drive minibus will not let you down here either. This minibus is very stable. This quality is especially evident when the road surface is wet. This allowed the use of modern small-sized buses in many areas of human activity.

Who needs a four-wheel drive minibus?

Now minibuses are very popular. They are happy to buy for a large family. The minibus can comfortably accommodate 8-12 people, there is enough space for luggage. Any trip for a big company willcomfortable and will give a lot of impressions.

For entrepreneurs, a minibus is also a convenient option. If the business is related to the delivery of goods, then an all-wheel drive minibus will be the best solution. The salon can accommodate a lot of products. There are also specially equipped buses. For example, some are designed for the delivery of food: they are equipped with refrigeration equipment. If necessary, the minibus can be turned into a mobile workshop or office on wheels. If the business is related to the transportation of a small number of passengers, then a small bus will be an ideal option.

A four-wheel drive minibus today combines many qualities:

• multifunctionality;
• reliability;
• high off-road performance;
• best price.

Which brand of minibus to choose?

Minibuses of various brands are presented on the automotive market. Each has its own merits and demerits. All-wheel drive minibuses "Volkswagen" and "Mercedes" are quite expensive, but they have excellent dynamism and a comfortable interior. There are Chinese and Russian minibuses on the market, but so far their quality and reliability do not inspire much confidence. Toyota all-wheel drive minibuses, as well as buses of the Korean manufacturer Huyndai, have a good combination of price and quality.

Even if you have to buy a used universal car, it is recommendedpay attention to Korean and Japanese minibuses. They have good maneuverability, engine efficiency, high cross-country ability in the absence of a road surface, and excellent driving performance when driving on the highway.

Japanese or Korean 4x4 van?

Korean auto industry leader Huyndai has always produced reliable cars at an affordable price. All-wheel drive minibus "Hyundai-Stareks" has a reputation as an inexpensive and versatile car. In Europe, it is produced under the name "H-1". This minibus will successfully cope with the transportation of passengers and small cargo. He confidently keeps on the road in all weather conditions. Without much difficulty overcomes off-road. The body of the bus is placed on a chassis with a solid frame, which makes the Huyndai Starex minibus not stable enough when driving at high speeds. The same cannot be said for Toyota buses.

Japanese all-wheel drive minibuses on the market are represented by the Toyota Hi-Ace model. Thanks to the installation of the TEMS damping system, the bus is a little harsh on the pavement, but it holds the road firmly in corners at high speed. With the help of the control unit, shock absorbers can change the degree of rigidity.

Complete set of minibus Huyndai Starex

The Huyndai Starex minibus has on board: air conditioning, audio system, alarm, central locking, titanium wheels, wood inserts are used in the interior, heating is installed on the mirrors.

Since 2007, Hyundai-Starex has been produced in an updated body. It has smooth roundedforms that noticeably distinguish this minibus from the traffic flow. In addition, the unique exterior gives it dynamism and swiftness.

Toyota Hi-Ace minibus equipment

Modern interior finishes plus high comfort make the Japanese bus the best in its class. The package includes: air conditioning, ABS, driver's seat with a high degree of ergonomics and heating.

Japanese car has excellent factory isolation from noise and vibration. Large panoramic windows will make any trip comfortable. A lot of light penetrates through them, which increases the volume of the cabin.

Engines of 4x4 minibuses

Korean four-wheel drive small bus is equipped with gasoline or diesel engines. The most successful model is the diesel Hyundai Stareks with a volume of 2497 cubic meters. see It is economical and has good dynamics. Motor power is 103 "horses".

The Japanese all-wheel drive bus Toyota Hi-Ace is also equipped with a 2.7-liter diesel engine. It puts out 97 horsepower. With. The power unit transmits torque using mechanics or automatic.

Repair and maintenance costs

Korean manufacturer has always been distinguished by quality at the best price. This principle applies to spare parts as well. Repair and maintenance of a Korean minibus will cost less than a Japanese one.

Fuel consumption between buses of different brands does not differ much and is about8-10 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway.

Tips for choosing a 4x4 van

Korean minibus is more versatile. It can be used to transport passengers and oversized cargo. The repair of this bus will cost less than the Japanese one. Japanese manufacturers tried to create a more comfortable vehicle. These minibuses will be convenient for transporting passengers or creating a mobile office on their basis.

Both manufacturers have created economical minibuses. They are characterized by dynamism and good load capacity.