Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (10 seater) MT (2015) vs Mazda CX-3 2.0 Activ AWD (2017)

Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (10 seater) MT (2015) vs Mazda CX-3 2.0 Activ AWD (2017): which should you buy?

Both the 2015 Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS and the 2017 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Activ AWD sit at the top end of the price range for family‑oriented vehicles, but they serve very different needs. The Grand Starex is a full‑size, body‑on‑frame van that can seat ten passengers, making it ideal for large families, shuttle services, or businesses that need to move many people or cargo. Its 2.5‑litre turbo‑charged diesel delivers 170 PS and a hefty 392 Nm of torque, giving it strong low‑end pull for heavy loads, though it is limited to a 5‑speed manual and rear‑wheel drive. The Mazda CX‑3, by contrast, is a compact crossover with a 2.0‑litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine, 148 PS and 192 Nm, paired to a 6‑speed automatic and all‑wheel drive, offering a smoother urban drive, better fuel economy and easier handling in city traffic. The CX‑3’s unibody construction, shorter 4.3 m length and 5‑door layout make parking and maneuvering in tight Filipino streets far simpler, while the Grand Starex’s 5.1 m length and five doors suit highway cruising and bulk transport. Pricing is close (₱1.563 M vs ₱1.600 M), but the Grand Starex carries an unlimited/5‑year warranty versus the CX‑3’s 3‑year/100,000 km coverage. Choose the Grand Starex if you need maximum seating and cargo capacity with diesel torque for long trips; pick the Mazda CX‑3 if you prefer a modern, compact, AWD crossover for daily commuting and city use.