Hyundai’s Staria a panel van like no other

Hyundai has introduced the all-new three-seater panel van to complete its futuristic-looking Staria range, which also consists of the seven-, nine- and 11-seater buses and the five-seater Multicab with its separate cargo compartment.

“The trusty H1 Van deserves a long-service award, but the time was ripe to replace it with the Staria Panel Van, which offers newer technology, more space and luxury features that make a journey in it more enjoyable,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“Under the bonnet of the new Panel Van is the same 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers excellent fuel economy in the people-carrying Staria variants, and which will make it a very popular choice considering the high fuel prices.

“The H1 Van recorded a second spot with 22% market share in its segment in 2021, and we expect the well-endowed new Staria Panel Van to be the choice of even more buyers,” said Anderson.

It is longer, wider and taller than its H1 forerunner. Its long 3 273mm wheelbase helps to ensure an outstanding ride quality in the Staria Panel Van.

The sliding door opening width has increased to 870mm, while the loading height is lower at 573mm for convenience. The cargo load capacity is 900kg – an increase of 100kg versus the previous H1.

Styling at the front and rear is the same as the eye-catching, futuristic looks of its range siblings. Two side sliding doors and the rear swing-type barn doors make access to the cargo area practical and easy.

The generous dimensions of the new Hyundai Staria create an attractive choice for conversion into a hearse or an ambulance, where, in the latter application, the increased height in the cargo area is an important factor. Several orders from the funeral industry for conversion into hearses have been received already.

Engine and transmission

The frugal 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine in the Staria Panel Van delivers 130kW and 430Nm using an eight-speed automatic gearbox to drive the vehicle through the front wheels.

The very efficient turbocharger, which increases low-speed torque, and lighter engine components helps to give the Staria Panel Van a realistic overall fuel consumption of 8.7L/100km. Its maximum towing capacity is 2 500kg (braked) and 750kg (unbraked).
MacPherson struts in front and a rigid rear axle with heavy-duty leaf springs to carry big loads serves the Staria Panel Van well.

win swing-type barn doors at the rear for the luggage area replace the previous lift-type door, and Hill-assist Control makes pulling off on an incline easier.

The back rest of the middle seat in the cabin can fold forward to create a convenient storage tray for odds and ends. Apart from the 17-inch alloy wheels, the exterior styling enhancements include body-coloured bumpers and outside mirror housings.

Price

The suggested retail price of the Staria Panel Van is R599 900, which includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty, a six-year/90 000km service plan, and roadside assistance for five years or 150 000km. The service interval is 15 000km.

Source: QuickPic