Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the Hyundai Staria in Malaysia. Forget all you know about the Hyundai Grand Starex – the Staria is a different kind of MPV; not only does it look like nothing else in the car world, it’s more sophisticated under the skin and much more luxurious inside too. Let’s start.
We’re getting the Staria in a single form, and it’s the range topping Premium with a 2.2 litre turbodiesel. The price is RM358,888 on-the-road without insurance, with SST exemption. In recent BMW Malaysia fashion, this price comes with a two-year or 50,000 km warranty. If you want the five-year/300,000 km warranty plus three-year/50,000 km free service package, it’s RM368,888.
That’s a lot of money, but the Staria is also a lot of MPV. The Starex is one of the largest passenger vehicles on our roads, but the Staria dwarfs it. At 5,253 mm long, 1,997 mm wide and 1,990 mm tall, the Staria is 103 mm longer, 77 mm wider and 55 mm taller than the Starex, and its 3,273 mm wheelbase is 73 mm longer than the old van.
By the way, the Staria is also much bigger than the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, and will surely stand out at the lobby with its spaceship-esque design. The minimalist head of the car features a slim full-width LED light strip (DRLs on the sides, position lamps in the middle), under which sits a wide grille incorporating low-mounted vertical LED headlights.
One can choose from the bronze-like brass chrome or dark chrome trim for the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles. The rear end is also very clean, and the devil is in the details of the the vertical tail lamps. The Parametric Pixel design of the lights are super cool if you see it up close. The 18-inch wheel design matches this pixel theme perfectly.
One of the biggest design points that make the Staria stand out is the super low beltline, which gives the MPV some of the biggest window panels I have ever seen on a passenger vehicle. Hyundai says that this is inspired by traditional Korean hanok architecture and “creates a feeling of openness”. That’s an understatement – this could well be the best vehicle to be sightseeing in.
Speaking of that, behind the smart power sliding doors (auto open/close based on proximity, no button press required, also applicable to tailgate) are the best seats in the house. Our Premium spec Staria comes with two individual Premium Relaxation Seats with a business class-style one-touch relaxation mode – press this and the seat will recline and the ottoman will extend. Of course, the backrest, cushion and leg rest can be adjusted individually as well.
The centre row seats have heating and ventilation, and occupants can also enjoy air vents and a digital AC control panel on the roof, a sunroof (two in total, plus another for the cockpit), manual window blinds (windows can slide to open manually) and USB charging ports (for all seats). By the way, Hyundai claims that there’s enough room for adults to sit in the third row (three-seat bench) even when the VIP seats are reclined – such is the size of the cabin.
In front, the Staria’s dashboard has a horizontal full width vent broken only by the centre stack, a style also seen in the latest Tucson and Santa Cruz. The meter panel is a 10.25-inch digital screen placed above the steering wheel and far ahead. Sitting above the AC control panel is an 8.0-inch factory touchscreen head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected to a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
The centre cluster is completed by a wireless phone charging tray and gear selection buttons. Other notable equipment include heated and ventilated front seats (like the middle row), electric front seats (eight-way plus four-way lumbar for driver, four-way for front passenger), electronic parking brake with auto hold, electrochromic rear view mirror, 10-colour ambient lighting and double-laminated soundproof glass front windows.
With such an expansive dashboard and much width, there are plenty of storage options – the less obvious ones are in front of the meter panel and behind the touchscreen. The console between the two front seats are huge and has Staria branding and ambient lighting.
On the safety front, the latest Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite includes Blind-spot Collision Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, High Beam Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Surround View Monitor, Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. Elsewhere, it’s six airbags and Isofix child seat mounts for the two middle row individual seats.
It seems almost like an afterthought on this car, but the engine is a 2.2 litre turbodiesel with 177 PS and 431 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. The CRDi is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission with steering shift paddles. Drive is sent to the front wheels, not the rear like in the Starex. With rear multi-link suspension instead of the Starex’s live axle, Hyundai promises a more comfortable ride. If you need to know, the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 12.4 seconds and the top speed is 185 km/h.
Lastly, there’s an option pack that includes a roof mounted screen for the rear passengers, retractable side steps and 3M window tint (there’s a lot to cover here!) for RM20k. Going for this will take the Staria’s price to RM378,888 for the base warranty and RM388,888 for the full warranty.
As mentioned above, one can choose from dark chrome or the bronze-like brass chrome exterior trim. The former can be matched to seven colours; the latter three. There are four interior Nappa leather colours to choose from – all-black, grey two-tone, blue two-tone and the brown two-tone you see here, with Alcantara wrapped doors and headlining. Very customisable. The Staria is available for viewing at HSDM’s Ara Damansara HQ.
“The Staria is revolutionary. Hyundai has once again demonstrated its outstanding design and architecture capabilities with the introduction of the MPV extraordinaire. In terms of where the Staria Premium sits in the segment, it’s a notch higher from the Grand Starex. It’s Hyundai’s first luxurious MPV that is at par with premium Japanese MPV models,” said HSDM’s MD Low Yuan Lung.
It’s clear which Japanese MPVs the HSDM chief meant. The ubiquitous Toyota Alphard and Vellfire are the most popular boss cars in Malaysia and the Vellfire 2.5L by UMW Toyota Motor is priced at RM367,881 with SST exemption. The Staria undercuts this in its base low warranty form (RM358,888), but if you go for the full package (RM368,888), the difference with the Toyota is just RM1k, which is small change for the target market. Compare the Staria’s specs and figures with other MPVs at CarBase.my.
The Hyundai Staria won’t be for all, but there’s finally a luxury MPV alternative for the boss who wants something other than the Alphard/Vellfire – and with such jaw-dropping design and an imposing size, stand out at the lobby he/she will. What do you think of this space pod of a people carrier?
GALLERY: Hyundai Staria 2.2D Premium
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Looks like a concept car. Price wise 300k is too much for a Hyundai. Get an Alphard
Looks like a commercial van and some even turn it into a school bus in yellow…so wheres the premium…the price doesnt justify the starex replacement despite its humongous size…so what???
Exterior just doesn’t have the elegance that the alphard offers. Front, back, side, 3rd quarter view.. All nay. How to price it head on with something beyond its league? Nowadays marketing team all ngak Sek.
Offspring of Renault Kangoo and Alphard.
Alphard is overstated in Malaysia. I always drive 5 seroes and S class. When my friend open a car shop, I bought an Alphard 3.5 from him as a good will. And that van sits in my parking after around 10 drive. Why? Rattle car, soft like a boat cornering, clumsy, the 3.5 is is comparable to a 320i power. Good initial pick up for 3 second then thats it. Quality and sound proof is just accord level. The way it glide through rough tarmac is harsh. Those external suspension noise. I truly recommend ppl to buy German high class sedan for anythjng above 200k. World apart of different. Safety too. Even coming out from a 3 series or c class feel higher status than this overated van. I sold mine in a years for not even half the price because my young sexy wife dont willing to drive my son in it to school, and me neither. after sold just bought her a 330i g20 and shes so happy with it. I ll stick with my S class and 530i. No more van no more.
I have a Vellfire and a 5 series. Vellfire & Alphard is just for practicality and family outing to malls. Don’t need to bash Alphard – Vellfire. It’s all up to your taste and needs. The space offered bt Vellfire is good.
Even a Passat which cost less than 200k is much much better. Hehe.
you just bought it for the wrong reason..
People who need a people carrier will find it useful, but you actually dont need it.
Its like wearing a pair construction boots and try to jog with it, and complain it is no better than a pair of jogging shoes.
“because my young sexy wife dont willing to drive” .. that’s more than enough for me to accuse that this story is lie. I don’t care if you don’t like this van or the alphard/vellfire. It’s your opinion/experience but don’t tell lies. I drove Alphard only once and coming from a guy who only drove local cars (Alza, Bezza), the Alphard feel miles better. Of course I don’t really know how Benz feel (I drove Benz ambulance many times before, does that count?), or the german cars you’re referring to but since your story seems like I lie, I doubt that you also know.
Base on your complain, if u buy all hard vellfire for own drive, then blame yourself with the bad driving experience, U even comparing it with 3 series or s class, should I say u stupxd or naivx?
U r rich but without sense, alphard and vellfire are meant for hiring a chauffeur car.
I was like wxf comparing vellfire with 3 series?!
That’s why same problem to 1.6NA Elantra selling at rm160k, 0 sales in Melaka
Ya agreed. At least Toyota resell value is there.well 370k can buy whole lots of nice MPV.
https://paultan.org/2016/07/05/mercedes-benz-vito-tourer-now-in-malaysia-rm295k/
Cannot be compared with Alphard Vellfire,
But can compared to Benz Vito RM 287k.
Exterior design inspired by 1980s concept cars, dashboard design inspired by 1980s panel vans
Question is, is it a bad thing when the world is going through a Synth 80’s throwback phase?
Hyundai takes 40 years from concept to production. Want to see what Hyundai will make 40 years later? See todays concept designs.
Very funny when a 2.2Diesel Hyundai Van, not even Genesis Van sell more expensive than 2.2Diesel Mercedes Benz Tourer Van
360k for a HYUNDAI!!? No thanks
not sure if it’s the lighting but the grey/silver colour dashboard looks (for a lack of a better word right now) cheap
360k for a very plastic dashboard…regardless of which angle to look at the rear bumper, it’s still a van that doesn’t give a feel of 360k…
Too much tax bro
U can get that for like 130~140k, and korean customers and still mad abt it
These tax are insane
Looking good
Shape looks like a pencil eraser.
Front: looks like a vacuum cleaner.
Rear: is that a Satria?
Futuristic
The market is still dominated by Alphard and Vellfire because most likely you cant buy a recond Hyundai Staria from grey import
No one is buying a recond hyundai
Not gonna lie, it looks cheap. No way it’s gonna challenge Vellfire.
the design is way too ugly for anyone to be willing to part with their RM360K.
Hyundai Geared For Distinction
the problem is, most of the vellfire and alphard sales come from the recon market where the van is priced from 150-300k
Exterior looks premium.. but interior is a bit mehh. Even from the photos i can see a lot of hard plastics used everywhere.. and the interior colour choice seems to be cheap also… this one is 359K? good luck…
390k for a Hyundai….
the light grey dashboard make it looks more plasticky…and looks cheap..i imagined some interior old truck/van with that color
Not expecting the price to hover around RM360ish. People will opt for Vellfire over this.
Malaysian market cannot accept this simplistic design. Here everyone is budak2 kecik, all cars must look like transformers or wannbe race cars like Alphard or Velfire or the kiddie wannabe racer car Honda civic.
Gen-Z and upcoming younger generations will appreciate this simpler design more. For me it looks nice and not so childish like transformer looking velfire. Think im a child? only immature folks use velfire.
Well, you know what they say, “beauty on the eye of the beholder”. I agree with the “Malaysian cannot accept” remark but I don’t agree that this design looks simple. It’s a new look, no other brands have this kind of design before. That might be a good thing for some people who desire something “unique”.. if so, choose black. It doesn’t ‘expose’ the eccentricity as much as the grey one.
Lol, who cares whether you’re a child or not. The way you point it out makes you 1 of the so called ‘Malaysian market’. Talk about Gen Z or whatever gen, looks are subjective. When parting with 360k, why does anyone wanna care about what his/her neighbors or colleagues are gonna say about his or her car? If thats how Gen Z mentality is, we are doomed for the future. All in the mind is about publicity, and people’s talk. Vellfire, Alphard, kid wannabe Civic? Those are their choices. And just who are you? LMAO
True, it’s their choice, it’s our own choice. If it were me, I’ll read reviews from real customers who bought the specific car just to slightly confirm my choice. That means, I do not read them (reviews) for the choosing process. I know what I need and it’s usually unparalleled with what I want; for example, I want to buy X50 but what I need is actually something like Aruz to fit my wife and kids so I choose Aruz. Whether or not I like Aruz, it’s a different matter altogether because its practicality matters more than my likeness of it. But of course, I do like it (not as much as the one I want). If I don’t like it, why would I consider it? I mean there are more 7-seater around but why do I choose Aruz instead of the others? The looks? price? engine? There’s no such thing as perfect. When you want a 7-seater that don’t break your bank (hint: 90k below), with SUV look/body, 5-star safety, with panoramic sunroof, paddle-shifter, 1.5 turbo engine and maybe 7-speed gearbox, you can’t find it here.
Third row isofix, please! Anak kecik ramai ni!
Hyundai are you dreaming, with the price RM368,888.00….. for the price I can get Toyota….
wait what? sliding windows? that reminds me of bas sekolah.
i guess looks are subjective and when you think about this being a van, it looks cool in a funky kind of way. the only let down (for me at least) is that center console/infotainment system. surely they could have borrowed the genesis’ 14.5″ infotainment screen and get inspiration for the entire dashboard design from their genesis’ cars. oh and this eye watering price. for the money, i might as well add a bit more to get the volvo xc90 (yes they’re not comparable being in 2 different segments yada yada i know but the price of the vehicles are too close and i’d much rather drive an suv than a van). hyundai really needs to figure out their pricing/strategy because i rarely see newer hyundais on the road in malaysia.
Nah..funky but the pricing just kill it. Funky is not classy
The designer runs out of ideas. Submit his son’s school project drawings and get approved. LOL. Have a nice day everyone.
All it takes is for CEO to be seen sitting in it and getting out. Gangster movies must include this .
A very expensive Korean made van.
The exterior and interior look fine, except the dashboard. That hard plastic dashboard is no better than the Toyota Hiace. Doesn’t look like a 360k car…
Wow, even more expensive in Malaysia, even here in Indonesia which only sells RM 260-300k, many people upset that commercial-based vans are not worth selling that much. They use a prestige pricing strategy to look commensurate with Vellfire/Alphard.
The dashboard, door panels and windows make it look like a commercial van…. that costs 360K. No thanks. Will stick to the typical Alphard/Vellfire.
Looking at the tail lamps when suddenly…
*Cyberpunk 2077 music intensifies*
Mercedes V220 got more luxury and great to buy if I want spend rm 360K
Seriously it looks like a van or suitable for a you know.. .the one that picks up…
Good things not cheap, cheap things not good.
In this case, not good things also not cheap hahaa
One word to describe… UGLY!
This reminds me of MRT. And not in a good way. Maybe good for tourist bus or commercial purpose. However with that pricing? Good luck!
Hyundai must be puzzled why Kimchi pop bands does so well in Malaysia but not kimchi cars. lol
Only one or two will be seen on Malaysian road, the rest, will be in the showroom …….. Good luck, Hyundai !
Cannot go…dont compare with other big brand..hyundai staria so ugly model..cannot go
The front looks sleek, modern and futuristic. However same cannot be said for the rest of the car. Side profile looks disproportionate and rear looks like it is in the 80s. Hyundai should have applied the same design approach as the front to the entire car and it would look much much better. My 2 sen.
Personally i think the dashboard, belt-line, and the rear design is what makes this car looks cheap. The elegance is not there. The car is only meant to be looked at from the front and that’s it.
I believe Hyundai is targeting those corporate bosses who can afford NEW alphard or vellfire. Not the market share of recond mpv 180-220k which is the most successful now. But I think this staria price and look and specs…cannot challenge the Toyota vellfire and alphard. Difficult. Market perception for hyundai still behind in quality and value. The game can change now that electric car is coming to dominate. Hyundai should forget competing with the well established toyota honda on combustion car. The EV is the turn of a car evolution and a good opportunity for car manufacturer to become a new leader in this segment
Now everyone can be a Korean superstar
Clearly it manage to rival Velfire ugliness..
My guess they got this afternoon after seeing Tesla Cybertruck unveiled, especially the headlamp part, trying to create some cybervan trend eh…
While looks are really subjective, it seems like a lazy design to me, meh the interior doesn’t bring any luxurious senses, let alone trying to class itself against the Japanese twin.
Worth or not depending on the buyer, but then again money can be much better spent in one way or another.
Wait till Kia comes out with their own rendition..
My two cents opinion, it all started with a brand name. If your name is not a Japanese carmaker or a Continental one, then you don’t deserve two things. First is the funny design and the second is the excessive pricing. People will compromise on how weird your design is and how expensive your price is if your name is from those established luxury Japanese or Continental cars.
Way overpriced. it’s only 48k in Aus for the 2.2L diesel variant. 51k for the 3.5L V6. Crazy.
i wonder how their marketing team will come out to say this is the rival to vellfire.
Remind me of that good old Mitsubishi Delica.
Korea price only Rm130,000.
Anything SD touch is failure here, JLR, Hyundai, Ford… BMW is an exception as the principle control them well. This will remain a grey elephant for gomen and glc tenders or closed deals. Hyundai either take over or forget local market.
Bit surprised u guys cannot pay 360k for a hyundai but not a toyota.
(I know Alphard is good)
But like i feel that Toyota is overrated asf and toyota in like south east asia are kinda ripping u guys off. For example, Fortuner, they have been selling u guys the same shit for like 6 years just changing the bumpers a bit. I know toyota is good but overrated asf. Maintenance of toyota is not that good either lah only the olden days.