Hyundai Staria Launched in Europe: Will US Get this Spaceship?
If you need a minivan, we can’t think of a cooler-looking one out today than Hyundai’s Staria flagship van. It looks almost like a spaceship next to what is available right now. Hyundai just launched the new van in Germany this week.
A lot of features come with the Staria Signature trim
Only the top-of-the-line Signature trim will initially be available. Standard features include electric sliding doors, heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, a smart key system with a stop/start button, ambient lighting with a rainbow of color options, and rear sun blinds. If you go for the all-wheel-drive option, it sells for $68,124.
By next year Hyundai will make available the lower-trim models. The base price will be just under $47,000. Besides the Signature options listed above, there is a gang of other noteworthy features.
Lower-trim Staria minivans still get a gang of features
Individual seats are available in the second row. They come with backrest and leg rest adjustments. All seat rows have USB ports for passengers, with a three-zone climate control system keeping things comfy. Bluelink telematics is available as well. Four interior color choices are available. Extra-cost exterior colors are Creamy White finish, and five mineral effect colors listed for a bit above $1,000 extra.
A unique feature is the “Passenger View” wide-angle camera. It lets the driver and front passenger monitor what’s going on behind them. Viewing is done through the 10.25-inch infotainment screen in the dash.
Right now only the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine is available. It puts out 175 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque. Hooked onto the back is an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive as standard.
Why won’t Hyundai sell this in the US?
There are quite a few intelligent assist features as well. Autonomous emergency brake assist, active blind spot assist, and a rear passenger seat alert system. For Germany only, the Staria also comes with a 12-speaker Bose audio system. There is even a panoramic glass roof offered for $1,405.
At this time Hyundai has no plans to bring the Staria over to the US. We don’t know why. While not conventional-looking, that would be a selling feature here. Already available in Australia, maybe once Hyundai gets up to speed in production, maybe it will reconsider and begin bringing this minivan into the US.