Hyundai Staria detailed further in Aussie-spec

Australian-spec Staria could provide a better indication of what to expect from the South African model.

Hyundai Staria

UPDATED: Hyundai South Africa has confirmed the Staria for introduction towards the end of this year with exact specification to be announced closer to the launch date.

Having already been detailed in South Korean-spec, several Australian outlets have divulged details of the all-new Hyundai Staria that could potentially align closer to what buyers can expect from the South African model.

While still to be confirmed for the local market, the Down Under Staria is poised to debut near the end of this year with a choice of two, three, seven or nine seats with the eleven-seat model remaining a Korean market specific derivative.

Featuring dimensions of 5 253 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 273 mm, height of 1 990 mm and width of 1 997 mm, the Staria measures 73 mm longer in the wheelbase department than the H-1 it replaces, while at the same time boasting a 103 mm longer length, a height increase of 65 mm and width gain of 77 mm.

Hyundai Staria rear

In the case of the panel van, total cargo capacity is rated at 5 000-litres with the ability to transport three Euro pallets. The people carrying Staria meanwhile will have a choice of two trim levels; base and Premium with the latter coming as standard with seven seats or optionally with nine.

Specification-wise, the spaceship-styled Staria, in passenger guise, receives the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safe Exist Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and the innovative Driver Talk system that uses the speakers to amplify the driver’s voice in order to speak to passengers in the third row.

The upscale Premium, which will take on the Volkswagen T6.1 Caravelle and Toyota Quantum VX, known as the Granvia Down Under, comes with additional spec in the form of a 64 colour ambient lighting system, so-called Relaxation Seating in the second row made up of two reclining and swivel captain’s style chairs, and a premium Bose sound system.

Hyundai Staria’s cab

As alluded to with the Korean model, the Staria will offer a choice of two engines; a 3.5-litre petrol V6 producing 200kW/331Nm and the stalwart 2.2-litre turbodiesel that replaces the H-1’s 2.5 with outputs of 130kW/431Nm.

With drive now going to the front wheels instead of the rear, the former is linked to the Palisade style push-button operated eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be specified as an option on the oil-burner, the standard ‘box being a six-speed manual.

Until an announcement is made, which could be within the next few weeks and months, the Staria remains forbidden fruit for South Africa but when confirmed, expect only the diesel model to arrive on local shores in panel van and passenger guise with exact specification to be revealed then.