A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is a large car with room for up to 11 passengers. Typically, this kind of vehicle has added amenities like radio, parking monitors, and others that enhance comfort while driving.
Without a doubt, this vehicle is ideal for family or professional transportation.
Hats off to the Hyundai Staria for coming into the segment and become the trendsetter. It is a game changer and bench maker. Competition namely Kia Carnival, Opel Zafira Life, Volkswagen California, Volkswagen Caravelle and Toyota Quantum have some catching up to do.
Over the years, SUVs have dominated the automotive conversation — at least among those with tangible money. Then there are people who desire SUVs but are unable to purchase actual SUVs and must settle for mini SUVs. We will always be humbled by the economy. Despite all of these purchasing considerations, the luxury van is slowly clawing back into the market.
The Hyundai Staria is at the vanguard of the segment's revival, which is currently taking place.
If you are travelling with a family, say to Nyanga, Kariba, or any other national park you can think of with reasonably good roads, MPVs are fantastic. They are also suitable for corporate leaders who desire space.
The Hyundai Staria is available in Zimbabwe through Automotive Distributor Incorporated T/A Hyundai Zimbabwe.
"Pinda Mustaira neHyundai Staria," I can hear someone in Zimbabwe saying. After all, this is a brand that is successfully competing with Volkswagen's Caravelle in South Africa. Anyone who has driven a Caravelle will agree that it is a powerful premium MPV.
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Patience Chemwayi, the Marketing Officer for Hyundai Zimbabwe, recently invited me to feel the top-of-the-line Hyundai Staria Luxury. Although this version's price may appear a bit high, it is opulent and comfortably undercuts the Caravelle, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and the majority of the Vito line.
However, none of its competitors are as distinctive as this South Korean lead. The Staria, which Hyundai acknowledges was created to resemble a spaceship, is remarkable in contrast to the normal monotonous designs of vans that optimise internal room. I have seen a handful on our roadways; they are definitely eye-catching.
Design
Something tells me that Zimbabwean drivers will soon become accustomed to seeing this gorgeous and sleek Staria!
The Staria's external style is a major talking point since, to put it simply, there is nothing else like it on the market. With its large windows, low-mounted headlights integrated into the grille, and, of course, the massive LED daytime running light bar that spans the width of the front of the vehicle, it resembles a people mover taken directly from the set of Blade Runner.
Everyone who you will come across whilst driving the Staria will admire its appearance, which is something Hyundai can be proud of since I had never imagined pining after the looks of an MPV.
Outside and inside
Hyundai has done a terrific job with the Staria in many aspects. With an exterior as bizarre as it is, there needs to be an inside to match. The Staria seems immensely spacious inside thanks in part to the huge windows and dashboard that looks to have been created to be as flat as possible by pushing everything forward as far as possible.
The construction quality is excellent.
The large storage compartment between the front seats, which is lit by the ambient lighting system, and the fully digital instrument cluster, which has a clever feature where a camera appears in place of the rev counter or speedometer depending on which indicator is selected, are among the specifications highlights.
Along with storage spaces all over the interior, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a dual sunroof, curtains for the backseat passengers, electric sliding doors and a tailgate, a manufacturers sound system, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Staria I had a feel of had nine individual seats. When the third row of seats is folded down, there is a useful 882-liters of luggage space and seating for five. The fact that the second row of seats is fairly opulent and heated and ventilated really emphasizes the point that this premium model is intended for the corporate market.
The Luxury variant has 4 rows with a seating configuration of 2-2-2-3. With the first two rows having warmth and ventilation, this split seating configuration enables individual seats for the first, second, and third rows. To produce a layout that is more conducive to dialogue, the second-row seats may rotate 180 degrees.
The Staria nevertheless has a reasonable amount of storage space despite its seating capacity, especially when the final rows are folded forward. The 9-seaters offer 1 303 liters of room, while the 11-seater offers up to 1 024 liters.
The last row has been moved forward in the Luxury version, giving you 882 liters.
Dual electric sliding doors include a push-button on the B-pillar for an easy, one-touch closing option and just need a single pull on the handle to open. The rear passengers may travel in comfort thanks to independent controls and ventilation that is piped through the cabin via roof vents.
Features
Drivers will gain from a variety of driving aid systems in addition to a digital display that they can customize. Pre-collision braking, lane departure warning assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround- view monitor are some of the features available on the Luxury level.
The digital camera technology that aids in turning and overtaking particularly pleased me.
A wing mirror camera is triggered and reveals the blind area on the chosen side when the indicator is turned on using the appealing stalks.
The doors cannot be opened if there is inbound traffic, whether it be a vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, thanks to rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
This is advantageous for parents of young children who would otherwise be enticed to leave the vehicle without looking.
An 8-inch touchscreen serves as the entertainment system, while the Luxury and Elite trims include wireless charging and an audio system, the latter of which has a "quiet" mode that turns off the rear speaker while children are asleep. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available on every unit.
Safety matters
The Staria underwent a crash test in 2021 as part of the ANCAP vehicle safety program. It received a 5-Star certification, scoring 85% for adult occupant safety, 65% for pedestrian safety, and 74% for its safety assistance systems.
Six airbags, traction and stability control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, lane keep assist, and surround-view cameras are all standard safety features.
My decision
The Hyundai Staria Luxury is one of the most sought-after vans money can buy. It has striking appearance and a plush interior that accommodates up to nine passengers. Even though it might appear to be exorbitant at US$64,386.00, it is less expensive than its competitors in the market for luxury vans and it will be a joy to drive than competition.
- It is a charmer and head turner. Call Hyundai Zimbabwe on 0242 780926-8 or 0772 727 555 for more information on the Hyundai Staria.
- [email protected].
