First Drive: Hyundai Staria Facelift
As the replacement for Hyundai’s H1 van, the Staria’s styling certainly ruffled some feathers when it was introduced in 2021. Five years down the line, Hyundai has spruced up the specification offering and made some minor changes to the interior and exterior design.
Has it really changed the design?
At first glance, it may not look like much has changed. But when comparing the 2021 model year Staria with the facelift, there are minor changes to the front (primarily the grille) and the rear (primarily the rear lights). The updated Staria is also available with a new 17- and 18-inch wheel design. In terms of the model lineup, Hyundai has discontinued the 6-seater Multicab. Besides dropping that derivative from the list, the lineup remains unchanged:
- Staria 3-seater Panelvan – R719 900
- Staria 9-seater Executive Bus AT – R959 900
- Staria 11-seater Executive Bus AT – R969 900
- Staria 9-seater Elite Bus AT – R1 099 900
- Staria 9-seater Luxury Bus AT – R1 324 900
While we’re on the topic of pricing, included in the price is a 7-year/ 200,000km warranty and 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance. For the Executive and Elite models, you’ll receive a 6-year/90,000km service plan, while the Luxury has a slightly extended plan of 7 years or 105,000km.
What does the interior have to offer?
Across the model range, the Staria is fitted with a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Speaking of devices, all seats have a USB-C port, ensuring that families with children do not declare war when their device cannot be charged during a long road trip. A multifunction steering wheel, which curiously doesn’t have the Hyundai logo on it, offers convenient operational functions as well. Storage is taken care of, too, with many nooks and crannies located in front of the driver, in the centre console and in the doors to place phones, till slips or the like. The Elite and Luxury derivatives are now fitted with a rotary gearshift knob as well.
The Luxury allows its rear passengers to be spoilt a tiny bit extra. In addition to the front two seats, heated and ventilated seats are provided for the second-row passengers. It also has a quiet mode that turns off the rear speakers, which is ideal for when the kids are sleeping in the back.
Has the engine also changed?
In short, no. The engine as we know it is carried over into this facelift. Hyundai’s 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine provides 130kW and 430Nm to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Korean carmaker has further suggested that full EV and HEV versions of the Staria are on the way. However, when they will arrive and how much they will end up costing remains to be confirmed by the manufacturer.
So, what’s it like to drive?
Someone considering a Staria really is looking for one thing – a vehicle that is big enough to carry the entire family. Apart from the likes of shuttle or rental companies, of course. We briefly tested the Luxury derivative and can conclude that its ride quality is comfortable enough, it offers ample conveniences and technology, and that the 2.2 diesel offers sufficient forward motivation. A considerable drawback, though, is packing space when the 9-seater is laden with passengers, so that situation may call for a trailer.
Which version should I buy?
While the Luxury offers, well… luxury, I suspect that the aforementioned rental and shuttle companies will be the primary customers for this particular variant. I think even the entry-level Executive will be suitable for anyone considering a 9-seater bus. They share the same engine, after all, so if you’re not after the lavish seats or extra technology, then I believe the lower-spec Staria will suit your needs just fine as well.
Words: Barrie Ferreira
