Hyundai rolls out its new Staria multipurpose vehicles

The Staria embodies Hyundai’s “inside-out” design methodology. It will be available in a two- to 11-seat configuration and in two derivatives: the Staria and Staria Premium.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Staria, which represents our latest effort to spearhead the evolution of mobility, and to address emerging lifestyle needs as we adapt to new ways of living,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president and global chief marketing officer. “The Staria is a step forward in connecting us closer with our environments so that we can get more out of our everyday lives and do more for ourselves in transit.”

The Staria will be launched in South Africa towards this year end. “We are examining all configurations of the Staria – from the luxury seven-seater to the panel van version – to determine what the range in South Africa will consist of. With the luxury derivative, Hyundai will enter a segment for multipurpose vehicles in the country where the brand did not compete before,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive SA.

The Staria Premium model’s spaciousness is inspired by traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture – it allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior.

The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced 10,25-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard for an unobstructed driver view.

The seven-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and also have sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximise cargo space. The nine-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.

Said SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of global Hyundai design: “The Staria’s interior space and functionalities aim to transform how people experience in-car travel, optimising journeys by making the most of time in transit.”

The cargo space availability varies depending on how the seating configurations are arranged. The two- and three-seater, optimised for business use, offers maximum cargo space of almost 5 000 litres.

Power and performance

The Staria will be offered in South Africa with a 2.2-liter VGT turbodiesel engine, the same engine that will be used in the new Santa Fe. The engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Smart features for safety and convenience

The Staria comes with six airbags, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA).

In a situation where a passenger attempts to open the power sliding door while a rear-side vehicle is passing by, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) prevents the door from opening. Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), available in select markets, uses a radar sensor to detect and alert the driver if a rear passenger is left in the car after exiting the vehicle.

The infotainment system will enable the driver to communicate with rear passengers via a unique speaker function that allows all occupants to clearly hear one another.

Source: QuickPic