Hyundai STARIA might be luxurious enough to take on the Toyota Alphard directly.
Hyundai has been fighting hard to take away sales from established Japanese makes in rather niche segments as of late. We had the i30 N clawing away at the Civic Type R, but more impressively in the USA the Palisade has given cars like the Toyota Highlander a beating. It’s in this large passenger vehicle segment that Hyundai has started to show the most appeal in some markets. It’s no surprise then that they’re making moves in the large MPV segment too.
Yes, for the longest time Hyundai has sold the Starex and it has long offered an affordable way into a brand new, large passenger mover. However the Starex is not luxurious and its engineering roots as a commercial vehicle are apparent to those who have driven ‘softer’, more premium MPVs from Japan. Which is why the Hyundai Motor Company are going in a new direction with an all-new STARIA MPV.
This new STARIA is all-new and was just teased today. Hyundai did not share any specifications or details about the STARIA, but said that it would be equipped with various driver-centric features and futuristic design elements. There’s a spaceship vibe to the STARIA’s design which comes through from these teaser images alone.
There will be multiple variants of the STARIA offered. Whether Hyundai decides to make this an electric competitor to the Mercedes-Benz EQV or keep it petrol or diesel-powered also remains to be seen. Perhaps they have a platform capable of both options.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the teaser images of STARIA, the brand’s new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup. The images show the STARIA Premium, a high-end variant of STARIA standard model.
The STARIA name combines ‘star’ and ‘ria’[1], in reference to the vehicle’s future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one curve gesture silhouettes as well as clean and pure body volume.
STARIA reflects Hyundai’s commitment to lead the future mobility industry as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider, under the brand’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’ STARIA is equipped with various driver-centric features and futuristic design elements that deliver new experiences for drivers and passengers that make time in transit more productive and worthwhile.
STARIA offers a strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior, resembling a spaceship. The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath. The spaceship vibe is echoed by its expansive panoramic windows and lower belt lines, underscoring the openness of the interior. The height of the cabin is also optimized for premium comfort and convenience, making it ideal for both business and family use.
STARIA Premium, which will be available in select markets, takes mobility to the next level, sporting premium features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel.
Hyundai Motor will unveil more details regarding design features of STARIA and STARIA Premium in the coming weeks.
