2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launched in Malaysia – 4 row MPV, 2.2D, Lite/Plus/Max variants, from RM179,888

2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launched in Malaysia – 4 row MPV, 2.2D, Lite/Plus/Max variants, from RM179,888

The Hyundai Staria was launched in Malaysia in October 2021. Have you see one on the road? Very few can say yes to that, but it’s meant to be.

The Staria made its debut in seven-seat range-topping Premium form, and it was priced at RM368,888 with the extended warranty and service package. With that price, the positioning and those Premium Relaxation seats, the Staria Premium is clearly aiming for a different crowd than the Grand Starex.

Now, we have the Hyundai Staria 10-seater here in Malaysia, launched by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) this morning in 1 Utama. This 10-seat version of the Staria is the true replacement for the Grand Starex, which can finally retire. A people carrier designed for big families and businesses, prices start from RM179,888 on-the road without insurance, which is nearly half of the Premium’s RRP.

2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launched in Malaysia – 4 row MPV, 2.2D, Lite/Plus/Max variants, from RM179,888

Three variants of the Staria 10-seater are available. The entry-level Lite starts at the above-mentioned headline price, but these days, HSDM prices its cars in BMW fashion, which means that the base price comes with a two-year/50,000 km warranty. If you want the five-year/300,000 km warranty plus three-year/50,000 km free service, add RM10,000 to the price. That’s RM189,999 for most people then.

The mid-spec Plus is yours for RM196,888 and the range-topping Max is priced at RM209,888. Go for the “extended” warranty and service package and it will be RM206,888 and RM219,888 respectively.

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. Both the Premium and this 10-seater share the same body. The Lite and Plus ride on 17-inch alloys (215/65 tyres) while Max tyres are sized like the Premium – 235/55 – with star-shaped two-tone 18-inch rims. Spot the subtle bodykit? It’s standard on all three variants, exclusive to the 10-seater.

2023 Hyundai Staria 10-seater launched in Malaysia – 4 row MPV, 2.2D, Lite/Plus/Max variants, from RM179,888

HSDM says that the Staria’s height allows for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle and is high enough for an average school-aged child to stand upright and move inside the vehicle with ease. The 10-seater’s seat layout is 2-3-2-3, and maximum loading capacity is 1,024 litres with the seats folded flat. All three rows of rear seats can be folded flat, and when this is done, you can fit in a bed for camping, as illustrated below. By the way, this is not possible in the 7-seater, as the individual Premium Relaxation chairs can’t be folded.

Face aside, 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’ve 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.

The LED headlamps are matched by the unique tetris-style pixel tail lamps on all variants except for the Lite, although the Lite’s bulbs are very well disguised with a pixel-patterned cover. LED daytime running lights are standard across the board.

Roof air con vents for all rows are standard across the range, while Plus and Max variants get power sliding doors. The Max adds on a powered tailgate. The seats of the Lite are in fabric, while the Plus gets part-Nappa leather seats. It’s black Nappa leather for the Max variant, which is the the only one here to get a powered driver seat (eight-way adjustment with four-way lumbar).

Up front, the driver looks at a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (analogue dials with LCD MID for Lite), and the head unit touchscreen is an 8.0-inch item with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and steering buttons. The Max adds on a 360-degree parking camera, two additional tweeters (six speakers in total), dual-zone air con and a wireless charger. Speaking of charging, this big van has eight USB ports, seven of which are for charging.

The button gear selector in the Premium has been swapped for a regular shift lever, but all 10-seater variants get an electronic parking brake with auto hold, which is nice.

Safety wise, it’s six airbags across the board, along with ABS/EBD/ESC/VSM/TCS and hill start assist. Isofix child seat anchors are available on the second row (two outer seats). Hyundai Smartsense is reserved for the Max. The active safety and driver assist suite includes Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

Last but not least is the 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. 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 with its latest big MPV.

As for colours, Abyss Black Pearl and Creamy White are options for all three variants, with the Lite adding on a Shimmering Silver metallic option and the Max getting additional Graphite Grey metallic and Moonlight Blue Pearl choices (the latter is shown here). HSDM has an option list that includes side steps (standard or electronic), rear roof-mounted infotainment and Alcantara interior trim.

If you’re wondering about the huge gap in price between this 10-seater and the seven-seat Premium, it’s because of Malaysia’s vehicle tax structure, which gives a commercial vehicle loophole of sorts to four-row MPVs. It’s the same for the Kia Carnival – the 11-seater version, a CBU import, was priced just below RM200k. This year’s CKD 7/8 seater starts from RM231,228.

Another popular question is the “10-seater” name. Aren’t there 11 seats? Indeed, the Staria is marketed in some markets as an 11-seater, and that extra seat is in the front row, an extension of the front passenger seat. HSDM says that they are following government regulations by not counting the 11th seat.

So, what do you think of the Hyundai Staria in this 10-seater configuration? It’s a very different look versus the more conventionally handsome Kia Carnival, and the generous glass area also provides a unique ambience – which big Korean MPV is your pick? Need Alphard-level luxury? Check out the Staria Premium.

GALLERY: Hyundai Staria 10-seater Max

GALLERY: Hyundai Staria 10-seater Lite

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Still a blue ocean, capitalized by Sime Darby.
    Kia Carnival Gg.com.. sempit 4 rows.

    From Korea, below RM100k/30000000krw ady equipped ADAS, ACC, 5 years engine warranty.
    Export to here, RM219k+ to get them..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 4
    • The premium should at least be awd to justify hefty taxes. They have awd option in korea and some markets.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • tricycle on Oct 05, 2022 at 12:39 pm

    Great specs for the Max variant. Good value for money. It is just that interior wise, I prefer Kia Carnival.

    With this price, pretty sure it can beat the sales of Carnival, for those who need the full specs mpv.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • full spec gadgets at entry level still able to have sales but rm206k for full spec….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Now it’s a dilemma between the max variant, and the kia carnival 8 seater HS. Max is value for money, but kia carnival 8 seater HS is more on the luxurious side. Plus the kia drives better. Hmmmm

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Dong Gor on Oct 05, 2022 at 1:37 pm

    Not a big fan for Hyundai but at this price I think it’s a bargain for this range of ppl mover. At 180k is merely asking a fraction of Alphard price..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • LaksaKL on Oct 05, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      Betul tu, good for Kumpool, Company Van, etc.
      Can help reduce traffic jam.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • The exterior and interior looks….. hmmmmm…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • yusrykru on Oct 05, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    tinting sure koyak lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • meladam on Oct 05, 2022 at 3:01 pm

    ugly at its finest

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 7
  • Phudder Singh wall on Oct 05, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    Never buy this ,reasons too expensive spare parts,less compatible workshops, shocking expensive routine service,worse RV,

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 17
    • dellen on Oct 05, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      can give example or proof dude? else you are just a kia salesman shaking

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 6
    • Kenneth on Feb 21, 2024 at 4:48 pm

      There are plenty of workshop that know how to repair Hyundai’s car. Which era are you now? 20th century?
      There is local assembly plant here so definitely spare parts are available at cheaper price. Please do your research before comment. Otherwise,this makes you look imbecile.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • can we remove one the back row to make it a 7 seater with plenty of boot space?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Yes. Make it a 7seater mode and u get 1000L++ of cargo space. Contact me 01173150490

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Rim curber on Oct 05, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    Still got the puny little 8-inch touchscreen just like on the Premium last year? No thanks! I rather look at Carnival despite having RM30k more than the range topper Max here

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Fur ODC on Oct 06, 2022 at 9:58 am

    431Nm but FWD for this behemoth??? For sure those front tires are gonna struggle for traction especially when going uphill like at Genting or Cameron Highlands during rainy season.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
    • 431Nm for 2.2tonn+
      Only for 190Nm/tonne.

      You hardly get wheel spinning, there is no behemoth power ratio.
      Pickup is getting good 500Nm for 2.1 tonne.

      Going uphill, cornering, during wet.
      If it loose traction is due to its small Tyre width in relation to its weight.
      Miserable slim 235 Tyre.

      The Everest/Ranger downsized from 265 to 255 wide, enthusiasts are disappointed.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Sanac on Oct 14, 2022 at 11:38 pm

    That’s one ugly looking car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • Kenneth on Feb 21, 2024 at 4:46 pm

      Once man’s meat is another man’s poison. For you look ugly, for me it looks very futuristic.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • By 2nd hand.wait 5 years sure cheap .around 50k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
    • For comparison, Starex trade-in value now in 2023:

      2014 – ~rm65k
      2015 – ~rm70k
      2016 – ~rm80k
      2017 – ~rm90k
      2018 – ~rm100k
      2019 – ~rm120k

      Can get higher value based on car condition.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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