First test drive: Hyundai Staria: up to 9 seats with all-wheel drive

Hyundai chose Santiago de Compostela as the venue for the Spanish press’s first contact with the all-new Hyundai Staria. It is a large MPV offering up to 9 seats and even all-wheel drive, with a unique and distinctive design.

Different, eye-catching and enormously spacious

The Hyundai Staria is an elegant “spaceship” (the term used in the brand’s own press release), in the best sense of the word, because its exterior lines have a lot of personality and go unnoticed by no one.

Its front end, in the same colour as the bodywork, stands out for the upper LED light bar, which is independent and doubles as daytime running light, as well as for full LED headlights that change size depending on the chosen equipment (Tecno or Style).

From the side, it stands out for its enormous glazed area, and it comes with electric sliding doors as standard. That vast glazed surface gives a premium exterior touch and plenty of light inside, as well as a greater sense of space. At the rear, our eyes go straight to the huge tailgate and the multi-diode LED lights.

Its interior offers space for up to 9 people, generous room and quality finishes. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by the level of interior finish, which surpasses mainstream brands and matches (or improves on) similar premium models. For example, much of the side panels and roof are covered in a very soft fabric, and the dashboard features pleasant-to-the-touch plastics, as well as quality door trims.

If we choose the 7-seat configuration and the Style trim, the second-row seats offer great comfort, with electric operation, ventilation, heating and a dedicated relaxation mode that reclines the seat and provides leg support. Nothing to envy in the rear seats of a head-of-state saloon.

If, on the other hand, we choose the 9-seat configuration, the layout is 3+3+3, with the central front seat slightly narrower than the others, but sufficient for an adult.

That said, whether 7 or 9 seats, we can always slide the seats longitudinally to gain more space in the second row, third row or boot.

Finally, it has an enormous array of cubby holes and glove compartments spread throughout the cabin, where you can leave your belongings and personal items, providing great versatility.

Safety systems and equipment

The Hyundai Staria’s equipment is divided into three very complete levels (Maax, Tecno and Style), with standard features including heated and ventilated second-row seats, navigation, a 12-speaker BOSE sound system and full-LED headlights, among others.

It also features multiple driver assistance systems: Front collision avoidance assist (FCA) with Junction Turning function, Intelligent cruise control with navigation-based curve function (NSCC-C), Lane following assist (LFA), Lane keeping assist (LKA), Highway driving assist (HDA), Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA), Blind-spot collision avoidance assist (BCA), Safe exit warning (SEW) and Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist (RCCA).

Behind the wheel: 177 CV diesel engine and optional 4×4 traction

During the presentation we were able to spend a good number of hours and kilometres at the wheel of the Hyundai Staria, which is welcome for a first contact as thorough as possible. The powertrain that moves the Hyundai Staria is the 2.2 CRDI with 177 CV (an old acquaintance for the brand), which, depending on the version, is available with all-wheel drive.

All-wheel-drive models allow a 50/50 lock via a button, and although the body height is identical to the 4×2 models, it can be useful with good tyres in snowy areas.

The Staria’s ride is very comfortable, with outstanding interior soundproofing and an elevated, comfortable driving position.

Prices for the Hyundai Staria start at 52,990 euros for the 9-seat Maax version, 54,990 euros for the 9-seat Tecno trim and 62,990 for the top-of-the-range 7-seat Style version.

Without a doubt, this Hyundai Staria is a very strong alternative to consider for those seeking a large MPV with generous interior space for up to 9 seats, with finishes that can be considered premium.

Photos | Test team and Hyundai Spain

Technical specifications of this car

MinivanHyundai Staria3 versions · from 55,490 €