Spaceship-styled Hyundai Staria teased as H-1’s replacement

Hyundai’s replacement for the now almost 14 year old H-1 has been teased in the most dramatic way possible.

Known internationally as the Starex, i800, iMax and iLoad in the case of the panel van, the teasers released by the Korean automaker show a sleek and futuristic van that not only dispenses with the current models’ boxy looks, but also identity as it now goes by Staria.

While it remains to be seen whether Hyundai applies the new designation in all markets or in a select few, its rival for the Volkswagen T6.1 Kombi/Caravelle, Ford Tourneo Custom and Toyota Quantum/Quantum VX sports what can only be described as a spaceship-like appearance in the form of a slanted window that connects to a prominent bonnet in the same way the Toyota Previa did decades ago.

Rear teaser view of the new Hyundai Staria

Characterised by a thin wraparound light strip, expansive mesh grille and lower air intake, LED lights on the flanks of the front bumper and vertical LED lights at the rear, the Staria’s interior follows a similar approach by being just as big a departure from that of the H-1.

RELATED: Next Hyundai H-1 looks completely different as first spy images emerge

Sporting an integrated tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system, it also boasts captain style chairs and a Palisade derived touch controller selector for the automatic gearbox.

A further contrast resides underneath the Staria’s exterior where grunt is delivered to the front axle instead of the rear as part of a completely new platform. Reported for inclusion is the option of all-wheel-drive likely to depend on the market.

Hyundai Staria’s interior is the complete opposite of the H-1’s.

According to reports, and as evident by the images, the Staria is anticipated to debut within the coming weeks before going on sale later this year. At present, a local market introduction is to be confirmed, but chances are it could possibly arrive towards the end of this year or in 2022.

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