20 December 2021
With a strikingly futuristic exterior based on the streamlined aesthetics of a spacecraft, its standout design features include horizontal daytime running lights that span across its front end, expansive panoramic windows, and a roof height optimised for premium comfort and convenience.
The exterior gives a seamless look with its dome shaped front and panoramic windows. The bold, wide grille, with ample air vents makes a sophisticated, space-age statement.
Passenger car platform makes all the difference
Van drivers can often spend hours in their vehicle, and with the new Staria Load, they now have the added comfort they deserve. Engineered from the ground up on a dedicated passenger car platform shared with the Santa Fe, Staria Load provides car-like handling, ride and refinement.
As a more commercial oriented vehicle, the Staria Load is available in either two-seat window, panel van or five-seat crew van configurations. It is front-wheel-drive only and powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Customers can choose from a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed auto.
The Load rides exclusively on 17-inch steel wheels and comes with power front windows, power mirrors, and wireless smartphone charging, as well as sharing most of the Staria Limited People Mover version's safety features.
As expected, all models feature a standard suite of SmartSense™ advanced active safety and driver assistance features. There are also seven airbags, including Hyundai’s pioneering front centre side airbag. Mounted in the left side of the driver’s seat backrest, it’s designed to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries caused by collisions of front passengers with each other, or with interior components, in the event of a side impact collision.
Can take quite a Load
Dimensionally speaking, all Staria models share the same 5253mm length, 1997mm width, and 3273mm wheelbase, with the only difference being the Staria Load's marginally taller height (1990mm vs 2000mm). The two-seater Staria Load can accommodate three Euro pallets (a standardised pallet size of 1,200mmx800mm) thanks to its almost 5000-litres of cargo space.
All models of Staria can tow, with an ample 2500kg braked capacity. Both versions, the Staria Limited Passenger Van, and the Staria Load, can handle more than 1070kg in payload, with a slight advantage going to the five-seater (1078kg vs 1072kg).
The Load variant has non-powered sliding doors on both sides and a choice of lift-back or twin-swing (barn door style) rear door arrangement.
The Staria Load is available in six exterior colour options: Creamy White, Graphite Gray, Black, Moonlight Cloud, Dynamic Yellow, and Shimmering Silver Metallic.
Verdict
The Staria Load we reviewed came in the Creamy White exterior option, which is a perfect blank canvas for a dynamic business logo. The Load was light on its feet when empty thanks to its stripped-out interior. It is also up with the latest technology, featuring digital display screens, which are surprisingly easy to navigate, and the ability to pair your Smartphone to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps.
What else is there?
A popular van for comparison is the Toyota Hiace, which is similar in size and engine power, but with less tow capacity and is priced from $46,990 + (ORC).
Watch this space as Hyundai plans to add eco-friendly Staria variants in the coming years.
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At a glance |
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Models |
Hyundai Staria Load |
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Engine |
2.2L CRDI Diesel |
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Price |
From $59,990 + ORC |
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ANCAP safety rating |
5 Star |
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Power kW/ Torque |
130kW/430Nm |
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Transmission |
Manual 6-Speed or 8-Speed Auto |
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Fuel economy/CO2 |
7.0-Litres/100km - 183g/km |
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Towing capacity |
2,500kg braked/750kg ubnbraked |
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2WD/4WD/AWD |
2WD front |
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Seating capacity |
2 or 5 seat options |
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Luggage capacity/payload |
From 1,072kg |
Safety systems
- ABS braking with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)
- Forward Collision Avoidance-Junction assist (FCA-JX)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop & go
- 7 Airbags (Dual Front, Side, Curtain & Front Centre Airbag)
- Rear park assist system
- Traction Control System (TCS)
Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:
- AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
- AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
- AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
- AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts
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