Hyundai’s master stroke when creating the Staria eight-seat people mover and the Staria Load light commercial vehicle was to use the same platform and powertrain technology from the brand’s popular Santa Fe large SUV.
By doing this, not only did Hyundai imbue its new light commercial with a more car-like driving experience, but thanks to the front-wheel drive layout it has a better load capacity.
More importantly, its advanced safety tech has seen the Staria twins get a five-star safety rating under the more stringent ANCAP 2021 test protocol. And the Staria Load has received a Platinum safety status from ANCAP for its advanced driver assistance systems; it’s the first light commercial vehicle to gain the rating.
THE LOOK
Making what is essentially a box on wheels look relatively stylish has always been an automotive design challenge. But Hyundai has risen to the occasion with the Staria’s futuristic “Spaceship” front end.
Like Marmite and Vegemite, people will like it, or they won’t but the Staria twins are certainly distinguishable from their competitors.
Light commercial fleet users can choose window glazing or fixed metal panels in the Staria Load. They can opt for a tailgate or twin barn doors for commercial operators who need to load and unload pallets with a forklift.
THE RANGE
There are three versions of the Staria Load on offer, a two-seat six-speed manual from $59,900, a two-seat eight-speed auto from $62,990 (as reviewed), and a five-seat crew van (eight-speed auto only) from $64,990.
The eight-seat Staria people mover is available as a front-wheel drive eightspeed auto from $69,990 or an allwheel drive Limited eight-speed auto (as reviewed) from $85,990.
All variants are powered by Hyundai’s 130kW/430Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, and Rightcar. gov.nz says all Staria models will attract a Clean Car fee under the new legislation from April 1, 2022.
INSIDE
The top-spec all-wheel drive Staria Limited comes fully loaded with dual 10.25-inch displays – a satellite navigation multimedia system and a digital virtual instrument cluster.
Further Limited specification includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-operated sliding side doors and a power tailgate with walkaway function.
There are also a smart key with remote start, and blind-spot view monitor (BVM), surround view monitor (SVM), and a rear passenger view monitor to keep a watchful eye on the kids in the back.
The commercially-focused Staria Load comes with cloth upholstery and wipe-clean interior, as well as power windows, power mirrors, and wireless smartphone charging.
It shares most of the people mover version’s safety features, including smart cruise control. Both Staria models share the same 5253mm length, 1997mm width, and 3273mm wheelbase, with the only difference being the Load’s marginally taller height (2000mm vs 1990mm).
The two-seater Staria Load can swallow three Euro pallets thanks to its almost 5000 litres of cargo space.
THE DRIVE
Both the Staria Limited AWD and the Staria Load offer a commanding driving position akin to an SUV, and the 2.2 turbodiesel powertrain provides more than enough response regardless of whether humans or nonhuman cargo is onboard.
The Limited feels more solidly planted to the road thanks to its all-wheel drive system, and as a total driving package it feels very similar to the Santa Fe AWD SUV.
It’s very quiet and refined but provides good handling and a comfortable ride. Being a front-wheel drive vehicle, the Staria Load naturally has more understeer, and it tends to be a bit noisier when empty, because of the big open space behind the two front seats.
A full bulkhead would resolve this issue and is available as an option.
SAFETY
Both Staria models have forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane following/keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic avoidance assistance.
They have a suite of seven airbags including the all-important front centre side airbag which is part of the ANCAP 2021 protocol requirements for a fivestar rating.
OUR VIEW:
Arguably for now the all-new SUV derived Staria Limited and Load models offer one of the safest model ranges in the category against competitive Japanese, Chinese and European brands.
