What to know about Hyundai's new premium SA-bound Staria MPV

Hyundai has been hard at work in 2021, launching a slew of new models like the revised Kona and Palisade SUVs. That family is to become even bigger when the Staria makes its local introduction in November 2021.

It will be available in seven, nine and 11-seater configurations, and for those wondering, it will effectively replace the H1 9-seater bus in the local line-up.

Besides the vast array of SUVs available, Hyundai is also well stocked with commercial and light offerings like the H100, H-1 Panel van and Grand i10 Cargo.

With the Staria, the Korean brand will enter a segment for multi-purpose vehicles in the country where the brand did not compete before.

Ahead of its local launch in November, here’s a few things you should know about the Korean brand’s new luxurious Staria people carrier.

Rivals

The Staria will be going up against some formidable competition in the local market with Volkswagen’s Kombi and Mercedes-Benz’ V-Class.

Engine and transmission

It will make use of a 2.2-litre VGT turbodiesel engine – the same one used in the new Santa Fe SUV – and it’s coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Power is rated at 148kW and 440Nm with a maximum top speed of 205km/h.

Colour options

Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White, Graphite Gray Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Dynamic Yellow, Olivine Gray Metallic and Gaia Brown Pearl are the available colour options.

References: Robin Classen (www.wheels24.co.za)