Staria launches with diesel and petrol engines

Hyundai’s vision of the “evolution of mobility” will be rooted in petrol and diesel power – at least for now.

The Korean carmaker has taken the wraps off its Staria MPV, the first incarnation of its new design philosophy, and will sell it initially with diesel four-cylinder or petrol V6 engines.

“Eco-friendly variants (will arrive) in the upcoming years,” it adds.

The Staria is the first step in what Hyundai calls its transformation into “a smart mobility solution provider,” and has been designed using an “inside out” design philosophy to create a “purpose-built vehicle (for the) future mobility era.”

So there’s a new acronym to add to the list of SAVs, SUVs, MPVs: PBV.

Australians will get their first look at the vehicle – effectively the iMax replacement – in the second half of the year.

It will be sold here in two-, five- and eight-seat versions, though Hyundai isn’t releasing details yet of local specification and trim levels or indicative pricing.

Hyundai says inside-out design emphasises interior spaciousness and usability.

It offers passengers “purposeful, innovative features and (redefines) in-car travel experiences in line with the company’s vision of Progress for Humanity.”

Globally, there will be two versions, the Staria and the Staria Premium which promises to take “mobility to the next level with upgraded features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel.”

Engine choices are a 2.2-litre diesel and a petrol 3.5-litre V6.

The diesel develops 130kW and 431Nm and drives through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The V6 comes only with an eight-speed auto and delivers 200kW and 331Nm.

Ride quality is helped by fitting a multi-link rear suspension, and the Staria rides on a 3273mm wheelbase. It’s 5253mm long, 1997mm wide and 1990mm tall.

The last-mentioned makes it easier for passengers to get in and out and provides enough headroom for an “average school-aged child” to stand upright.

All seats get three-point safety belts, and there’s a full suite of airbags and driver-assist programs.

Bodywork beltlines have been lowered and deep panoramic side windows are designed to create a feeling of openness. Hyundai says the windows “allow passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior.”

The Premium model gets second row “relaxation seats”  that recline electronically, and can be slid backwards and forwards.

Even when fully reclined to give occupants “a posture that comfortably disperses the passenger’s weight and improves overall body balance,” there’s enough room for an adult passenger to sit comfortably in the third row, Hyundai says.

In another configuration, the second row seats can swivel 180 degrees to face the third row, allowing the Staria Premium to be used as a mobile office or to conduct meetings face to face.

Cargo space varies with the seating configuration but in the two-seater there’s almost 5000 litres and the Staria can carry up to three Euro pallets. A van in other words.

The infotainment system includes some special features.

Parents can keep an eye on the kids with a wide-angle camera that provides a view of what’s happening in the rear cabin.

There’s also a two-way feature that allows communication between front and rear passengers so everyone can hear each other clearly.

Hyundai design boss, SangYup Lee, says the Staria doesn’t just reinterpret cabin space but reimagines time spent in transit.

“Designing for mobility isn’t about vehicle design. It’s about designing to accommodate a variety of lifestyles. “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.”