If you’re planning to let anyone besides Mang Domeng drive this, then for their sakes, get the automatic. The four-speed auto makes taking helm of the Starex much easier, and still returns a reasonable 7.8 km/liter.

This is not a vehicle that you’d enjoy driving alone, or as a couple. The presence of a hood means you don’t get that minibus feel, as you would in refrigerator van, but there’s simply too much bulk behind you.

All that space pays off when you’re loading up the whole clan for a trip to the mall. The enormous interior room has eight forward-facing rear seats, the rear accessible via a single sliding door. There are aircon vents for all seats and the fabric upholstery is adequate. The inescapable wood trim still panels the dashboard. Controls are well laid-out and in plain sight.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is a driver’s airbag. Higher-spec models offer ABS and four-wheel drive. There are predictably low limits to the cornering speed, and don’t even think about unruly driving in this vehicle. Ride is soft and complaint, without undue pitching and wallowing. The rear suspension gives a heave with driving over humps but no more so than a truck-based SUV would.

 Price and size were once the only reasons to get a Starex, but no longer. Price has stayed reasonable, with the GRX retailing for less than some compact SUVs and the Starex is still among the largest in its class. Full factory support and professionally-run dealers are now part of the package. It’s not as clever or as stylish as the newer minivans but the Starex has evolved beyond its donor Japanese chassis and drivetrain to still be among the top choices for family transport.

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