3 reasons to buy the Hyundai Staria HEV

Hyundai Motor Philippines Incorporated has recently updated the Staria, and as of this publication, the people hauler now has a total of five hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variants and one internal combustion engine variant. 

So, what are the most appealing parts of the updated Hyundai Staria HEV, and why should you consider it as your possible next big car purchase? Here’s our take. 

Added power, assured efficiency

As mentioned above, the Hyundai Staria has gained several HEV variants. And for buyers, these promise added power, whilst assuring added efficiency in their travels. 

No, we don’t have exact figures for fuel savings, but the added power speaks for itself. Specifically, the old 2.2-liter CRDi model could produce up to 175 horsepower (hp) and 430 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

Sounds impressive already for a people hauler, but the new HEV versions can dish out a combined output of 242 hp and 265 Nm of torque - a significant increase over the diesel-only version. 

Of note, these figures are provided by a new 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline hybrid engine that’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. On higher trims, such as the Premium Plus and Premium, it also gets a semi-automatic mode with paddle shifters, but all trims get a steering-column-mounted shifter. 

Just like the older models, the updated Hyundai Staria HEV uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link suspension system. Stopping power is given by a four-wheel disc brake setup.  

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Loads of amenities

Another reason to buy the Hyundai Staria HEV is the sheer amount of creature comforts that it can provide you (the driver) and your family (the passengers, most of the time). 

For starters, you get loads of space, considering that the vehicle is 5,253 millimeters (mm) long, 1,997 mm wide, and 1,990 mm in height. In some cases, this could also mean more space for cargo. 

On the top-spec trim, buyers will enjoy its three-row, seven-seater layout, equipped with Nappa leather upholstery, second-row captain's seats, and a bench-tip-up/sliding third row. The said captain seats offer power adjustability, heating, and ventilation. 

Keeping everyone inside the vehicle cool and comfy is an automatic air-conditioning system with front and rear controls. Also adding to the premiumness of the Staria HEV’s cabin are a dual-power tilting/sliding sunroof and rear privacy curtains. Ingress and egress for this people hauler is also made easy and convenient thanks to its dual power-sliding doors and its power tailgate. 

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation for the Hyundai Staria HEV is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice recognition system, Bluelink car connected services, and a 12-piece Bose speaker set. 

The aforementioned infotainment display goes together with a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. Other noteworthy driver-oriented features available to higher-spec trims of the Staria HEV include, but are not limited to:

• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Smart key
• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Drive mode selector
• Tilt and telescopic steering column

Topping up devices inside the Hyundai Staria HEV, meanwhile, can be done via a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a total of six USB ports (two for the front and four for the rear). 

Comprehensive safety features

The third huge reason why one should consider the Hyundai Staria HEV as a family car or as a general people carrier is its comprehensive kit of safety equipment. 

On the passive side, the model comes standard with dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist - among others. 

Those are further supported by several advanced driver-assist systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, lane-following assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, parking distance warning, and a 360-degree view camera. 

Price

Variant	Pricing
2.2 Diesel Cargo 6MT	P1.499 million
1.6T HEV GL 6AT Nine Seater	P1.999 million
1.6T HEV GL 6AT 11-Seater	P2.079 million
1.6T HEV GLS 6AT Nine Seater	P2.389 million
1.6T HEV Premium 6AT Nine Seater	P2.999 million
1.6T HEV Premium Plus 6AT Seven Seater	P3.199 million

Hyundai Staria HEV: specifications

Model	Hyundai Staria HEV Premium Plus
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,253 x 1,997 x 1,990
Wheelbase (mm)	3,273
Ground clearance (mm)	186
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Nappa leather
Amenities	12.3-inch digital gauge cluster Electronic parking brake Paddle shifters Drive mode selector Tilt and telescopic steering column 12-piece Bose speaker set Power dual sunroof Power sliding side doors Power tailgate Wireless smartphone charging pad Six USB charging ports Second row captain seats Second row power-adjust with ventilation/heating Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support Rear curtains Bench tip-up/sliding third row
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline hybrid
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower	242
Torque	265
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain airbags Electronic stability control Traction control Hill-start assist Tire pressure monitoring
ADAS	Smart cruise control with stop and go Lane following assist Lane-keep assist Blind spot monitoring Blind spot collision avoidance Forward collision avoidance assist Parking distance warning 360-degree view camera
Price	P3.199 million

Final thoughts

To conclude, the Hyundai Staria HEV offers a ton of advantages given what you are paying for. Sure, it isn’t the plushiest, most feature-complete electrified people carrier on the market right now, but many of its competitors are either priced slightly higher or priced quite close to it. 

For the price, the Staria HEV offers good power, a smorgasbord of comfort features, and a comprehensive safety kit. With all of these characteristics, this Hyundai-made model can shape up to be a very comfortable family car, or even a mobility solution for executives or high-value business clients. 

So, if you like what you see in the Staria HEV, don’t hesitate to visit the nearest Hyundai dealership to see the ride in the metal. Or better yet, ask for a test drive, because who knows, this could be the vehicle you’ve been waiting for. 

Also read:

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