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Hyundai Motor Company officially launched STARIA, the brand’s new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) line-up in the Middle East and Africa markets via a digital premiere.
The STARIA name combines ‘star’ and ‘ria’, in reference to the vehicle’s future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one curve gesture silhouettes as well as clean and pure body volume.
STARIA offers a strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior, resembling a spaceship. The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath.
STARIA is equipped with various driver-centric features and futuristic design elements that deliver new experiences for drivers and passengers that make time in transit more productive and worthwhile.
Bang Sun Jeong, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East & Africa HQs, said: “We are excited to be launching the STARIA Premium in what will be another excellent addition to our portfolio of vehicles in the region.
“It is characterised by a futuristic exterior design that really makes it look unlike anything else on the road and will provide a completely new experience for customers.”
STARIA Premium elevates mobility to the next level with upgraded features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel. It features a variant-exclusive tinted brass chrome treatment, applied to the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles to emphasize the vehicle’s premium and modern look.
Lowered beltlines and panoramic side windows improve overall visibility and create a feeling of openness. This sense of spaciousness — inspired by traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture — allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior.
The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced 10.25-inch front display screen with the digital cluster located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver and giving the driver space superb operability and practicality.
STARIA Premium models receive Hyundai’s unique Parametric Pixel lamp design and garnish on top. The design theme carries over to the rear, featuring a wide window framed by elongated vertical tail lamps. The rear bumper is lowered so passengers can quickly load and unload cargo.
The 7-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and have sliding capabilities for easy reach or maximising cargo space. The 9-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.
The flexible seating configuration makes STARIA Premium ideal for corporate vehicles or mobile offices as passengers can turn their seats around and conduct face-to-face meetings. Families will also find these swivelling seats convenient as rear-facing passengers will have easy access to those seated in the third row.
Jeong added: “Designed for both families and businesses, STARIA provides next-level mobility solutions that make time in transit more accommodating, productive and worthwhile.
It is a step forward in connecting us in a way where we can do more for ourselves in transit and get the most out of our everyday lives.”
A 64-colour ambient mood lamp, available in all STARIA Premium variants, provides a lush interior atmosphere. The harmonious direct and indirect lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas. The Bose sound system further enhances the premium feel.
STARIA has a wheelbase of 3,273-mm with an overall length of 5,253 mm and a width of 1,997 mm, allowing for its innovative interior space utilisation. Its overall height of 1,990 mm is optimised for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle conveniently. The cargo space availability varies depending on how the seating configurations are arranged.
STARIA offers powertrain options of a diesel-powered 2.2-litre VGT engine and a gasoline-powered Smartstream G6DIII 3.5-liter MPI engine.
The diesel engine is newly improved and mated with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated power output of 177 PS and 44 kgf-m of torque With its high efficiency, the air-cooled turbocharger has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance for better low speed torque performance.
The gasoline-powered G6DIII 3.5-L MPI is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated power output of 272 PS and 33.8 kgf-m of torque. Its integrated thermal management system improves fuel efficiency by optimising coolant temperature control according to vehicle operating conditions.
The aerodynamic upper body design and underbody improvements result in improved drag coefficient for better fuel economy.
Standard safety equipment includes 3-point seatbelts, headrests, and the latest airbag technologies to keep everyone aboard well-protected. Safety in the STARIA is further bolstered by smart features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The application of the Electronic Shift Button also improves parking convenience and vehicle safety.
HTRAC all-wheel drive delivers maximum traction to all four wheels so you can keep moving ahead safely even when the roads are slippery due to poor weather conditions.
STARIA Premium is loaded with various smart features like the Smart Power Sliding Door and Smart Power tailgate. The sliding door and tailgate open and close automatically on your approach and departure as long as the user has the smart key on them.
STARIA reflects Hyundai’s commitment to lead the future mobility industry as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider under the brand’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’
STARIA’s launch extends Hyundai Motor’s transformation as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider and embodies the company’s ‘inside-out’ design methodology that emphasizes interior spaciousness and usability.