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• Hyundai has launched a panel van version of its popular Staria minibus.
• The Staria is bigger in all dimensions than the H1 it replaces.
• Pricing starts from R599 900.
Hyundai launched its bold Staria minivan at the end of 2021. The H1 replacement has brought a breath of fresh air to a rather mundane segment. Now, Hyundai has added a panel van to their Staria model line-up, making it one of the best-looking vans in the business. The all-new three-seater panel van completes the futuristic-looking Staria range, consisting of the seven, nine and 11-seater buses and a five-seater Multicab with a separate cargo compartment.
The Staria panel van is longer, wider and taller than the H1 panel van, which it replaces, while at the same time offering increased luxury features and better fuel economy.
Despite its working class aims, the panel van features the same futuristic front and rear styling, which is sure to add a modern corporate image to any fleet. Exterior highlights include body-coloured bumpers, mirror housings, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet is the same 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that does duty in the rest of the range, and it is just as well suited to this model.
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The four-cylinder power plant delivers 130kW and 430Nm, which is transferred to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. An electronic variable turbocharger and the eight-speed automatic gearbox do a great job of eliminating any so-called turbo lag and make for a vehicle that is easy to drive.
Hyundai put a lot of effort into adding aerodynamic touches to the exterior and underbody to make the Staria as aerodynamic and thus as fuel efficient as possible. The result is a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.7 litres per 100km.
Compared to its predecessor, the Staria has grown in all directions. The overall length by 103mm, width by 77mm and height by 65mm. Loading cargo has been made easier thanks to 870mm wide sliding door openings and a 41mm lower loading height.
Inside, the cargo area has increased in all directions too. The length by 125mm to 2 500mm, width increased by 20mm to 1 640mm and height by 96mm to 1 436mm, which should now allow for the loading of small motorcycles. In real terms, this equates to a load volume that has increased by 509 litres and now measures 4935 litres. Cargo capacity has been raised by 100kg to 900kg.
Two side sliding doors and rear swing-type barn doors that can open 180 degrees make access to the cargo area practical and easy. The Staria panel van can carry three large four-way Euro pallets (1.2mx 800mm).
Hyundai believes that while usage options are endless, the generous dimensions of the Staria create an attractive choice for conversion into a hearse or ambulance, where the increased height in the cargo area is an essential factor. Hyundai has teamed up with various approved bodybuilders who can assist customers in converting the panel van into the right tool for their specific needs.
A McPherson strut suspension layout upfront and a rigid rear axle with heavy-duty leaf springs help carry the load. However, excellent ride quality has been retained despite the increased load-carrying ability. Reliable stopping capability comes courtesy of front and rear ventilated discs.
The Staria boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2 500kg for braked trailers and 750kg for unbraked trailers.
In terms of specification, the Staria panel van is class-leading. Standard fitment includes Electronic Stability Control, Auto-adjusting headlights, Daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjusted exterior rearview mirrors, cruise control, audio and Bluetooth remote control buttons on the steering wheel. The Staria is also one of the only models in this class to feature both front and rear park distance control.
The Staria panel van can seat three passengers in the cabin, or the middle seat can be folded forward to create a convenient storage tray between two passengers.
The Staria panel van retails for R599 900, which includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty and a six-year or 90 000km service plan.
