The Hyundai Staria: An MPV with class, comfort and style.

It’s neoteric. The styling is innovative. It’s bold and a head-turner and at first impression, you would think it’s out of a science fiction movie. That’s because Hyundai has taken the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) to another level. I sat in the driver’s seat and all I wanted to say was:”Beam me up Scottie!” That’s how futuristic the Staria is. I had the distinct pleasure of spending some time with the 9-seater 2.2D Executive. Exterior design, interior and the ride quality was really out of this world. And everywhere I drove the Staria to, there were always on-lookers who just stopped in their tracks to look at the vehicle. Some also wanted to know what the interior looked like and I duly invited them to have an in-depth look. It’s like they have not seen anything like this MPV. Any you know what? They are right. The design says it all. Once behind the wheel, it’s like drive an ultra-smooth sedan. It’s very powerful and yet so quiet. It’s all about smart mobility that embodies Hyundai’s “inside-out” design methodology that accentuates interior spaciousness and usability. I packed the Staria with all sorts. Lots of luggage and three golf bags amongst others, and yet there was more than ample space left.  

Pic: Supplied

Premium and futuristic exterior styling

Evoking the streamlined form of a spaceship, Staria’s sleek exterior is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The Staria’s front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern. Its clean silhouette is further accented by a pair of low-set headlamps. Hyundai uses the same body colour for all front parts to maximize the vehicle’s modern and pure style.

Pic: Supplied

The design theme carries over to the rear, featuring a wide window framed by elongated vertical tail lamps.

Luxury, Elite and Executive

The complete Staria range is available in 2- to 11-seat configurations and is available with three variants – the Luxury, Elite and Executive, with various seating configurations, features and trim levels. The Staria Luxury and Elite versions are elevating mobility to the next level with upgraded features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel. 

Ultra Smart Mobility

The Staria’s interior applies a simple and modest layout to highlight the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort, while staying faithful to its original value as an MPV. The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture.

The driver and passenger seats in the first row are designed to offer a feeling of space and comfort. The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced 8-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever for the Luxury and Elite versions. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver. 

Stretch-Out: You are in ‘Space’

Storage space is available on top of the overhead console in the Elite and Executive versions, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia. Both driver and passengers also have access to a centre console equipped with cup holders, USB ports and additional storage space for the Luxury derivative. The 9-seat Luxury model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row. This makes the STARIA Luxury ideal for corporate vehicles or mobile offices as passengers can turn their seats around and conduct face to face meetings. Families will also find these swivelling seats convenient as rear-facing passengers will have easy access to those seated in the third row.

Pic: Supplied

 

Turbodiesel Engine

The STARIA is driven through its front wheels by an improved R2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130 kW maximum power. Hyundai Motor optimized the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration and harshness levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance, improved acceleration and fuel efficiency that all adds to a vastly superior ride quality. 

Safety Always

The STARIA has secured the highest level of passive and active vehicle safety. It offers six airbags, and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests. Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) in the top derivatives. 

Infotainment

Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display is fitted to all derivatives and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers. The infotainment system, standard in all versions, links wirelessly via Bluetooth to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The system can accommodate multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Add to that a whole plethora of luxury and convenience features, too many to mention here.

Final Thought

Keep your feet on the ground and reach for a Staria! 

Pricing

Staria R2.2 Executive 9-seater               R909 900

A 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance for 7-years or 150 000 km are included in the price for all derivatives.