South African’s will be familiar with the H1 people-mover which is sold locally but the Korean brand is working on a far more stylish and luxurious offering.
Hyundai has shown and revealed further details of its forthcoming Staria MPV which is a radical and welcome departure from the bread-box design that defines the silhouette of the H1.
The Staria adopts an ‘inside-out’ design approach which prioritises the use of interior space and expands it to the exterior and it has been designed to cater for both family and business use.
The Staria resembles a spaceship with a basic but striking front-end design.
The exterior design of the Staria is decisively futuristic, with the curve of it’s silhouette said to resemble the curve of the Earth’s horizon when viewed from space at sunrise. Ok then…
The front-end features a horizontal DRL strip as well as a uniquely-patterned grille which is flanked with low-set 8-piece headlights. From the side, the Staria features a lowered beltline which allows for a panoramic glasshouse which creates a sense of openness when sitting inside the Staria. Inspiration for this design is derived from a Korean architectural style known as hanok which connects the outside world with the inside. At the rear, the Staria features vertical tail lights with a wide rear window.
A more premium-looking version, called the Staria Premium, features a unique mesh pattern for the grille, chrome surrounds for the LED headlights and a tinted brass-chrome finish seen on the Hyundai emblem, wheels, mirrors and door handles. This version rides on exclusive 18-inch wheels with diamond pattern and graphics.
The Staria features expansive glass with its interior inspired by the lounge of a cruise ship.
Hyundai says that the Staria’s interior is inspired by the lounge of a cruise ship with luxurious fittings while the expansive windows provide generous views of the outside world. The Staria features a 10.25-inch instrument cluster placed on top of the dashboard as well as a large central touchscreen and and a button-type electronic shifter.
The front-cabin is equipped with ample storage space, as you would expect in a MPV, while the centre console neatly houses cupholders, USB ports and general storage for front passengers.
The Staria can seat 2 to 11 passengers, depending on the customer's needs. Premium derivatives will be offered in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations with additional interior feature upgrades to match the exterior. Second row seats (9-seater) are also able to swivel 180-degrees to face passengers in the third row while the second row in the 7-seater version feature a one-touch relaxation mode which reclines the individual seats much like an electric armchair in your lounge. A 64-colour mood lighting further enhances the interior experience.
Powertrain details for the Staria have yet to be confirmed but a full reveal is expected in coming weeks/month (first half of 2021). We will keep you informed as more details become available.
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