Hyundai previews 'spaceship-inspired' Staria MPV

Hyundai Motor Company has previewed its Staria multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), featuring a futuristic exterior design, and an interior that answers to the "recent shifts in consumer needs that prioritize the use of interior space."

A successor to the Starex van, Hyundai also added that the Staria "provides a preview of the space innovation that will be available through purpose built vehicles (PBVs) in the future mobility era." The vehicle will make its world premiere in the first half of 2021.

It centers on the "inside-out" design process in which the interior is designed first before moving on to the exterior.

Hyundai has pitched the Staria for both businesses and families, as its standard variant will be available in various seating configurations ranging from seven- to 11-seaters.

The range-topping Staria Premium will come in seven, nine, or 11 seats. Unique design cues and interior upgrades will separate this variant from the rest of the range.

All the Staria models will share design elements such as the low beltlines of the expansive windows. The carmaker said this will contribute to a spacious and relaxing environment for the passengers.

Interior storage space will be available in the overhead console, underneath the instrument cluster, and on top and bottom of the center of the dashboard. The console box between the front seats will hold cup holders, USB ports, and more storage space.

The cockpit will feature a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, placed atop the dashboard so as not to obstruct the driver's view, a touch-sensitive center console, and a button-type electronic shifter. These features will likely be exclusive to the Premium trim.

The seven-seater Staria Premium will have "relaxation seats" in the second row, which can automatically recline to a comfortable and healthy seating position.

The nine-seater can swivel the second-row seats 180-degrees, so the passengers in this row can interact with the third row occupants face-to-face.

All Staria Premiums will feature ambient mood lighting with 64 different colors, which can also light the cockpit, floor console, and door trims.

All of this will be wrapped in a "spaceship-inspired" exterior. The Staria's front end will sport daytime running lights (DRLs) that run across the vehicle's width. The equally wide radiator grille, similar to other Hyundai models, is bordered by the low-set headlamps on each of its sides.

The mentioned expansive side windows take inspiration from the Korean architectural style of hanok, which gives a "sense of spaciousness makes passengers feel as if the outer scenes are connected to the inside."

Vertical tail lamps round out the rear. The rear bumper is lowered for easier loading and unloading of cargo.

The Staria Premium sports a unique radiator grille, full-LED headlamps, tint on its Hyundai badges and door handles, and is underpinned by variant-exclusive 18-inch wheels with diamond patters.

In the rear, the high-end model’s tail lamps are applied with Hyundai’s unique Parametric Pixel design.

Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design SangYup Lee said that the Staria "will provide a completely new experience and value proposition to customers through its unprecedented design and innovative features.”

Photos from Hyundai

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