10-seater Hyundai Staria: What to expect?

Amid the reports that two new Hyundai models are on their way to Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia, the brand’s local arm, teased a shadowy image on its social media handle with a caption that reads “Something huge will be greeting you soon.” 

Well, the automaker did not reveal the car’s name officially, but the slim full-width LED light strip visible in the teaser tells that it’s the all-new 10-seater Hyundai Staria, which was also sighted on the local roads earlier this month.

The luxurious seven-seater Premium variant of the Staria MPV has already been on sale in Malaysia since October 2021 at a price of RM 366,768 (on-the-road with SST, excluding insurance). Included in the price is a standard two-year or 50,000 km manufacturer’s warranty. 

Contrary to that, the upcoming iteration is expected to be a simpler one with an affordable price tag. Ten seats will make it qualified as a commercial vehicle in the country’s tax regulations, which has a lower tax rate compared to the regular 7- or 8-seater people haulers. 

We can directly relate this to the Kia Carnival, which first arrived as an 11-seater fully imported MPV priced at 196,340, and recently went on sale as the locally-assembled 7- and 8-seater models with higher tags ranging between RM 231,228 and RM 261,228. The latest Carnivals are also better equipped than the CBU.

Coming back to the Staria, here’s what we expect the upcoming Hyundai MPV to get -

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the new Staria version is likely to be almost the same as the existing model. However, the spy shots suggest a different front grille design, which is finished in body-colour rather than the black finish and parametric-inspired trim piece we found on the Staria Premium. Not only that but also the headlights of the upcoming MPV seems to be halogen-type units instead of LEDs. 

However, a front full-width LED DRL bar, parametric pixel LED tail lights, smart power sliding doors, and 18-inch alloy wheels are among the expected continuing bits.

Size-wise, no changes are expected. That means it is going to be 5,253 mm long, 1997 mm wide, and 1,990 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,273 mm. Compared to the Grand Starex, the Staria is 103 mm longer, 55 mm taller, and 77 mm wider.

Interior

Staria’s cabin features an innovative design architecture with wide panoramic windows and lower beltlines stimulating a spacious environment. With the ongoing Staria, we get seven seats laid out in a 2-2-3 configuration with Relaxation Seats in the middle row, although the forthcoming MPV will be featuring four rows with a 2-3-2-3 layout.

Besides an additional row and three seats, the simpler Staria specs sheet may drop the eight-inch touchscreen for a basic head unit. It could also forgo the Alcantara headliner, transmission buttons for a conventional gear lever, digital AC control panel, seat heating, and ventilation function, and wireless phone charging.

However, it may continue to feature a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning system, multiple USB ports, smart key with push start button, electrochromic rear view mirror, multiple storage places, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and sunroof.

Engine

In terms of mechanical setup, the upcoming Hyundai Staria will most probably mimic the ongoing iteration. That means, a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine kicking out 177 PS of maximum power at 3,800 rpm and 431 Nm of peak torque at 1,500 - 2,500 rpm. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and steering shift paddles. The available driving modes include Smart, Normal, Eco, and Sport.

Safety

As for safety, the 10-seater Staria is likely to come packed with six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control system, hill start assist control, ISOFIX, and Hyundai SmartSense ADAS pack, just like the ongoing model. 

The advanced-driver assistance suite bundles several active safety gears such as smart cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision assist, rear cross-traffic collision assist, rear occupant alert, forward collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, surround-view monitor, parking distance warning, and more.

So, are you excited about the new Hyundai Staria launch? Let us know in the comments.

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