Hyundai’s new van arrives in two eight-seat formats for family use and three commercial models.

FIVE editions of the Staria, Hyundai’s replacement for the iMax people mover and iLoad light commercial van, have come into circulation.

Three are configured for passengers, two in eight-chair format – both in eight-speed auto, one simply called Staria for $69,990 and the other a high-end Limited, at $85,990 - while the other puts in five seats to allow more room for cargo.

The others are two-seaters, one $59,990 manual and the other $62,990 auto, wholly dedicated to commercial use and delivered as panel vans.

The latter are designated as ‘Load’ models – as is the five-seater, which also runs an eight-speed auto and will cost $64,990. Hyundai NZ sees the latter being used in a commercial application, conceivably as a crew van, rather than as a family rig.

The Staria is built on the same platform used by the Santa Fe and run a 2.2-litre turbodiesel from the sports utility. However, Hyundai comment that it plans to add “eco-friendly” variants in coming years seems to suggest hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains destined for Santa Fe next year – and already in its Kia equivalent, the Sorrento, now – might be on the cards.

Hyundai NZ’s supplied media information only provided a torque figure of 430Nm, which is 10Nm down on its Santa Fe utilisation, but no power output. Subsequently, a spokeswoman said the engine develops 130kW; an 18kW deficit on the SUV. The Limited also has the SUV’s all-wheel-drive; lesser versions are front-drive.

Staria Limited is effectively Hyundai’s equivalent to the eight-seat Carnival people carrier in Premium trim from subordinate Kia, also on the same platform. Both appear to be kissing cousins in basic dimension and fit-out. However, the Kia is $10,000 cheaper.

Hyundai New Zealand claims Staria has a “cruise ship-inspired interior” and points to the dual 10.25-inch displays – a Satellite Navigation multimedia system and a full digital virtual instrument cluster.

The Limited also formats with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-operated smart sliding side doors and a power tailgate with walk-away function, smart key with push button and remote start, a blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor and a rear passenger view monitor.

Safety and driver assistance technologies in the eight-seaters include a front centre side airbag as a part of a seven-airbag suite. Staria also features forward collision avoidance-assist , blind spot collision avoidance-assist and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

There is no crash test evaluation yet from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme, the only audit officially recognised in New Zealand.

The scores might differ between the tradesperson’s model and the passenger editions as Hyundai has indicated the utilitarian edition has most, but not all, of the people mover’s safety features.

Standard equipment at workforce level includes 17-inch steel wheels, power windows, power mirrors, and wireless smartphone charging.

The vehicle configured for passengers has all that, plus more USB charging ports and cupholders (at peak, there 16), a 4.2-inch colour TFT driver information display, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and smart cruise control.

All versions share the same 5253mm length, 1997mm width, and 3273mm wheelbase, but the Load is 10mm taller, at 2000mm.

The two-seater Load has 5000 litres of cargo space so will accommodate three Euro pallets. Towing capacity is 2500kg. The commercial variants can handle more than 1070kg in payload. The Load has a sliding door on each side. and two rear door configurations offer. It can come in lift-back or twin-swing rear door.

“New Zealand finally has a cool looking people mover kitted out with segment-leading technology and safety features ideal for families,” Hyundai New Zealand general manager Andy Sinclair says.

“Van drivers spend hours in their vehicle, and with Staria Load, they now have the comfort they deserve. The increase in cargo space is also significant, which will be of value to businesses.”