THE HYUNDAI STARIA
One of Hyundai’s biggest success stories in recent years has been the Hyundai STARIA. When it launched in South Africa in 2021, it made an immediate impact. In its very first year on sale, more than 1 133 units were sold — an impressive achievement for a completely new model. The STARIA is not just another people carrier; it represents how far Hyundai has come in design, comfort and technology.
At first glance, the STARIA looks very different from the traditional vans many people are used to seeing. Its shape is smooth and modern, almost like something out of a science fiction movie. A thin strip of LED lights stretches across the front, giving it a clean and futuristic look. The large front grille and neatly fitted headlights add to its bold appearance. It’s clear that this vehicle was designed to stand out.
In South Africa, the STARIA is available in three main versions: Luxury, Elite and Executive. Buyers can choose different seating options, from two seats all the way up to 11 seats. This makes it suitable for big families, businesses transporting clients, shuttle services or even companies needing a mobile office. Hyundai has designed it to be flexible enough to suit many different lifestyles.
One of the smartest ideas behind the STARIA is what Hyundai calls its “inside-out” design. In simple terms, this means the interior space was designed first, and then the outside was shaped around it. The result is a cabin that feels incredibly spacious. Large side windows and a low window line allow plenty of natural light inside, making the vehicle feel open and airy.
Inside, the STARIA feels more like a comfortable lounge than a van. The dashboard is neat and uncluttered, with an 8-inch touchscreen for music, navigation and smartphone connectivity. Higher models use push-button gear controls instead of a traditional gear lever, which adds to the modern feel.
Comfort is where the STARIA really shines. The Luxury model offers special second-row seats that recline electronically at the push of a button. In some models, the second-row seats can even swivel around to face the passengers at the back — perfect for business meetings or family conversations on long trips. High-quality materials, including leather seats and a premium sound system, add to the upmarket experience.
Under the bonnet, the STARIA is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It provides strong performance while remaining smooth and quiet on the road. Hyundai has also improved the suspension and body strength, which means the ride feels stable and comfortable, even on longer journeys.
Safety has not been overlooked. The STARIA comes with six airbags and advanced safety features in higher models, such as blind-spot monitoring and systems that can help prevent collisions.
In simple terms, the Hyundai STARIA shows how much the company has grown. It combines bold design, generous space, comfort and safety into one modern package — proving that Hyundai is truly moving with the times and shaping the future of travel.
