Touchdown as Hyundai prices Caravelle rivalling Staria

Dramatically revealed back in March as the replacement for the dated H-1, Hyundai South Africa has announced price and spec details for the futuristic Staria van.

The first model to feature what Hyundai calls “inside-out” design, the spaceship-like Staria arrives in South Africa as an MPV only, with a choice of nine or 11 seats, a single drivetrain, three trim levels and a model line-up comprising four derivatives.

Measuring 5 253 mm in overall length with its wheelbase rated at 3 273 mm, height at 1 990 mm and width at 1 997 mm, the Staria is longer by 103 mm overall than the H-1 with its wheelbase also being longer by 73 mm.

Taller by 65 mm and wider by 77 mm, the Staria boasts a 2-2-2-3 seating arrangement in the nine-seater with Hyundai claiming a boot capacity of 882-litres with all nine in use and 1 303-litres with the fourth row folded away. In the 11-seat model, whose arrangement comprises a 3-3-2-3 layout, space is set at 1 024-litres with all four rows in use.

ALSO READ: Futuristic Hyundai Staria ‘spaceship’ officially revealed

Based on a new platform with drive going to the front wheels rather than the rear, the Staria uses a conventional A-type suspension layout at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with Hyundai also claiming significant improvement in both exterior, noise, vibration and harshness levels over the H-1.

In addition, the Staria benefits from upgraded brakes and a body made from mild- as well as high-strength steel, with the added inclusion of hot stamping contributing to a 14% improvement torsional rigidity and 70% in torsional strength.

Along with its new architecture, the Staria adopts a diesel-only power-unit principle, as opposed to the H-1, which had the option of a petrol engine. Therefore, unlike Australia and South Korea, the available 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine doesn’t make it to South Africa.

Instead, buyers will have access to the tried-and-tested 2.2 CRDI turbodiesel, retuned from 148kW/441Nm in the Santa Fe to 130kW/430Nm. A fly-by-wire push-button operated eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered.

On the model front, the range kicks off with the Executive, the only trim grade to offer both nine and 11 seats. Standard items include 17-inch alloys, folding and heated electric mirrors, a wireless smartphone charger plus the following:

• 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display;
• auto on/off headlights;
• halogen daytime running lights;
• eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
• automatic air-conditioning with rear vents;
• multi-function steering wheel;
• faux leather upholstery;
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
• cruise control;
• all around parking sensors plus a reverse camera
• Blind Spot Warning;

Upping the ante, the Elite receives adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, full leather seats and 18-inch alloy wheels, plus:

• freestanding 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster binnacle;
• heated and ventilated front seats with the driver’s chair being electric;
• side window curtains;
• dual sliding doors;
• push-button start;
• tyre pressure monitor;
• electric tailgate;
• Rear Occupant Alert;
• Blind Spot with Collision Avoidance Assist;
• Safe Exit Assist;
• Lane Keep Assist;
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
• Forward Collision Avoidance

At the top of the range, the Mercedes-Benz V300d, Toyota Quantum VX and Volkswagen T6.1 Caravelle-rivalling Luxury comes with a swivelling second and third row, with all four chairs being heated and ventilated. Also standard is:

• a dark chrome or copper-accented chrome grille;
• dark chrome or copper chrome 18-inch alloy wheels;
• LED taillights;
• Nappa leather upholstery;
• electric front passenger seat;
• surround-view camera system;
• dual-pane sunroof;
• keyless entry;
• twelve-speaker Bose sound system;
• ten-colour ambient lighting system

A total of five exterior colours are offered: Creamy White, Shimmering Silver, Abyss Black Pearl, Graphite Grey and Moonlight Blue.

Pricing

Standard on all models is a seven year/200 000 km warranty, with the Executive and Elite featuring a six year/90 000 km service plan and the Luxury a seven year/105 000 km plan.

• Staria 2.2 CRDi Executive 9-seat – R789 900
• Staria 2.2 CRDi Executive 11-seat – R799 900
• Staria 2.2 CRDi Elite 9-seat – R959 900
• Staria 2.2 CRDi Luxury 9-seat – R1 099 900