Is the Hyundai Staria coming to the Philippines this year?

Hyundai recently took the covers off its new Staria MPV, which is widely publicized to replace the carmaker’s Starex mainstay. This isn’t surprising as far as new model releases go, but the interesting part is the potential for the model’s arrival in Philippine showrooms.

Hyundai Staria Digital World Premiere

We’re basing this on the fact that Hyundai Automotive Resources Incorporated (HARI) shared the Staria press release to local automotive scribes. For Hyundai’s authorized Philippine distributor to actively offer news about the model, there’s a good chance that the Staria will be among Hyundai’s four new Philippine offerings in 2021, or at the very least being seriously considered.

Pressed for more information, a HARI source refused to issue either a confirmation or denial. Looks like mum’s the word for now, as far as the Staria’s Philippine debut is concerned.

It's evident that Hyundai prioritized space on the Staria  

To whet your appetites a little more, let’s stick to what we do know in the meantime. Hyundai designed the Staria with an ‘inside-out’ approach that involves centering everything on interior space and functionality, with the exterior serving as an extension of that principle.

No wonder that it readily evokes a feeling of roominess even at first glance, with the futuristic silhouette complemented by LED exterior lighting and a generous greenhouse.

Hyundai has released actual photos of the Staria’s interior, and it’s nothing short of impressive. Four seating rows capable of accommodating up to nine occupants are evident, with second-row captain’s chairs that can be swiveled to face rearward.

A seven-seat option with rear VIP seats is also available, as well as a base utility variant that boasts almost 5,000 liters of cargo space behind the front seats. A wide-angle interior camera helps drivers keep tabs on passengers, with the video feed displayed on the vehicle’s 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

>>> Related: 2022 Hyundai Starex (Staria) fully revealed with futuristic styling

The swiveling captain's chairs are perfect for meetings or conversations on the go

For propulsion, the Staria will come with either a 3.5L Smartstream gasoline engine good for 268 hp and 331 Nm of torque, or a 2.2L diesel with variable geometry turbo capable of dishing out 175 hp and 431 Nm of twist.

A 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic comprise the transmission options. As a people mover, the Staria also places a premium on safety, with features such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, and wireless module seatbelt reminder.

>>> Related: Hyundai Staria to come with diesel engine with 431 Nm of torque

The fold-flat seats make the interior even more cavernous

The new Hyundai Staria is slated to be released in select markets by the second half of 2021. We’re hoping that the Philippines will be one of them.

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