Although multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are a dime a dozen these days, Hyundai believes there’s still room for more choices on the market. The carmaker recently teased images of the Staria, which previews the look of the all-new Hyundai Starex.
It looks more like a concept vehicle than a production model
The name sounds tantalizingly close to the current Hyundai Starex. It combines the words ‘star’ and ‘ria’, which the company says refers to the vehicle being oriented towards the future.
Presented in upper-spec Premium trim, the Staria’s futuristic exterior design is defined by a one-curve gesture silhouette. The apparent absence of a hood leads the front edge and roofline to seemingly blend into one seamless stroke, although one curious point is the use of a rod-type antenna over the much sleeker sharkfin receiver. There isn’t even a hint of windshield wipers on the front glass, highlighting the Staria’s mysterious nature.
The Staria's silhouette is practically seamless in execution
Multiple LED headlamps sit low on the Staria’s fascia, flanking the massive split grille that practically spans the vehicle’s width. The only design element that’s wider is the horizontal daytime running light strip that curves around the front corners, probably the only hint at an opening to the engine bay.
At the sides, the Staria’s low beltline allows for a much more generous greenhouse than on the Starex, leading to upright LED tail lamps at the edge of the D-pillars. Subtle fenders house geometric alloy wheels, and the Staria’s overall clean presence is more characteristic of a concept design than a full-on production version.
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Occupants will be able to stretch out in comfort within the spacious cabin
The large windows hint at an airy cabin, spacious enough for Hyundai to include footrests on the second-row captain’s chairs. Front seats separated by a generous center console face a streamlined dashboard, with the air-conditioning blending effortlessly into the design.
A large floating touchscreen panel at the center serves as a centralized interface for communications, entertainment, and climate control. The images show no instrument cluster beyond the hefty steering wheel, but a visible panel line suggests it could be a pop-up affair.
There's an uncluttered look to the Staria's dashboard
“Staria is Hyundai’s new MPV lineup that opens up a new mobility era,” according to Hyundai Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design SangYup Lee. “Staria will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features."
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The rear gets a revamped design
The Staria Premium will be available in select markets, with Hyundai releasing more details on the range in the coming weeks. That said, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) is set to bring four new models to the Philippines this year, including the next-generation Tucson, Santa Fe, new Kona, and the all-new Starex.
Get more sneak peeks at upcoming automotive releases with Philkotse.com.