All-new Hyundai Staria replaces the Hyundai iMax, but is being prompted as “different people mover with a far broader range of capabilities”, by the Korean company.
Styling is positively futuristic with a steeply sloping front, deep side windows and a small rear wing in the roof.
It has up to eight seats and uses the passenger car platform that’s shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe and is claimed to provide car-like handling, ride and refinement. At this stage we haven’t driven on, but will report on our findings when we do so.
It’s offered with front-wheel-drive or AWD. The front-wheel drive models have a 200kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, while AWD variants are powered by a 430Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. Both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Hyundai Staria can tow up to a braked 2500kg.
It uses a full digital instrument cluster that sits in a neat binnacle on top of the dashboard. Staria has dual 10.25-inch displays, has satellite navigation as part of its multimedia system.
Sliding and folding seats have real leather upholstery in the topline versions. Bang up to date in tech fashion it has a wireless smartphone charger and five (yes five!) USB charging ports, and sixteen (yes 16!) cupholders.
Convenience features include a smart key with push button and remote start, blind spot view, surround view and a rear passenger view monitor.
Crash avoidance features include forward collision avoidance-assist, blind spot collision avoidance-assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist systems.
It has seven-airbags designed to minimise injuries to occupants in a crash.
“All-new Staria is a head-turning eight-seater people mover alternative to our SUV favourites, Santa Fe and Palisade, with all the safety, comfort and convenience technology customers expect in a modern passenger vehicle,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jun Heo said.
MODEL RANGE
Staria 3.5 petrol FWD: $48,500
Staria 2.2 CRDI AWD: $51,500
Staria Elite 3.5 petrol FWD: $56,500
Staria Elite 2.2 CRDI AWD: $59,500
Staria Highlander 3.5 petrol FWD: $63,500
Staria Highlander 2.2 CRDI AWD: $66,500
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
