Hyundai Staria hints at hybrid, electric people mover future

Hyundai has given a teaser of its new Staria people mover that will replace the ageing iMax within months.

And as well as a vastly more modern look it’s set to get a big hit of electrification.

The darkened images show a sleek and futuristic van that is a far cry from the boxy iMax that effectively placed seats in the iLoad commercial van.

While the body is tall with upright sides, it makes good use of LED lights – including a strip across the front – and incorporates Hyundai’s distinctive chrome grille to create a bold face.

Hyundai says the images are of the Staria Premium, which is presumably the upmarket version in a range set to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2021.

“Staria is Hyundai’s new people mover line-up that opens up a new mobility era,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design.

“Staria will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features.”

No word on what will power the Staria, although in registering the names – Staria and Staria Premium – with the Australian Government’s IP Australia website the company Hyundai listed them as “Automobiles; vans [vehicles]; trucks; electric vehicles; hybrid vehicles”.

So expect a hybrid or electric system – or even a plug-in hybrid – even if it doesn’t arrive in the first batch.

It makes sense, too, given the very modern styling.

However, Hyundai will also offer regular ICE versions something relatively clear in the basic design. While the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 takes advantage of a ground-up EV design, the Staria has a pronounced bonnet up front that looks ready to accommodate a petrol and/or diesel engine.

While Hyundai and sister company Kia – which will soon reveal the EV6 – are ramping up their hybrid and electric offerings in Australia, each also doesn’t have access to the full suite due to demand in other parts of the world and limited production capacity.

Inside, the Staria has a far more upmarket interior than the plastic-fantastic of the iMax.

It will also be offered with rear captains chairs that make for a business class-like lounging room.