MEET the head-turning new van that’s not just cool for a people mover, it’s cool full stop. The Hyundai Staria offers eight seats, in a hugely spacious and flexible interior packed with segment-leading safety, features and tech.
Replacing the iMax, the Staria is set to be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, and should steal sales from a number of SUV brands. It’s a very different people mover, with a far broader range of capabilities.
Engineered from the ground up on a dedicated passenger car platform that’s shared with the Santa Fe, the Staria provides car-like handling, ride and refinement. It even has an ample 2,500kg braked towing capacity, making it an exceptionally versatile vehicle.
In its FWD form, it’s powered by a 200kW 3.5-litre MPi petrol, while AWD variants are driven by a 2.2 CRDi turbo-diesel, offering 430Nm of torque, with both paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Staria’s cruise ship-inspired, super-practical interior is headlined by cutting-edge tech, in the form of dual 10.25-inch displays, a satellite navigation multimedia system and a full digital virtual instrument cluster.
There are also sliding and folding seats inside, featuring real leather upholstery in flagship versions, as well as a wireless smartphone charger, five USB charging ports, and a grand total of 16 cupholders.
With masses of space behind the third row, the Staria offers power operated smart sliding side doors and a power tailgate with walk-away function. Further convenience features include a smart key with push button and remote start.
The people mover also has blind spot view, surround view, and rear passenger view monitor, as well as segment leading safety tech. Hyundai’s SmartSense advanced safety and driver assistance technologies are included.
Forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist and rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist all feature.
The Staria represents a bold leap forward in this market, and gives customers the space, freedom and flexibility for any adventure they can imagine.
Pricing will start from $48,500 (plus on-roads) through to $66,500 (plus on-roads). Further information and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
