As motoring scribes, we often go on long road trips hoping that the journey will tick all the boxes. Well, my recent time behind the wheel of the Hyundai did just that.

Luggage and bags all packed, we headed out from central Johannesburg to the Southern Drakensberg. After a few days, we headed to Durban and then the direct trip back to Johannesburg and all the while the Hyundai Staria was an absolute pleasure to drive with more than ample space, comfort and economy.

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Once behind the wheel, it’s like driving an ultra-smooth sedan. It’s very powerful and yet so quiet.

The fully-laden Staria was very economical in our long trips with an average of around 8,3l/ 100km.

Smart mobility
The Staria’s interior applies a simple and modest layout to highlight the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort, while staying faithful to its original value as an MPV.

The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture.

The driver and passenger seats in the first row are designed to offer a feeling of space and comfort.

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The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced eight-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever.

The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Premium styling
Evoking the streamlined form of a spaceship, Staria’s sleek exterior is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The Staria’s front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

Its clean silhouette is further accented by a pair of low-set headlamps. Hyundai uses the same body colour for all front parts to maximise the vehicle’s modern and pure style.

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Stretch-out: You are in ‘space’
Storage space is available on top of the overhead console in the Elite and Executive versions, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia.

Both driver and passengers also have access to a centre console equipped with cup holders, USB ports and additional storage space for the Luxury derivative.

The nine-seat Luxury model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.

Turbodiesel engine
The Staria is driven through its front wheels by an improved 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130kW maximum power.

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Hyundai Motor optimised the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration and harshness levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance, improved acceleration and fuel efficiency that all adds to a vastly superior ride quality.

The average fuel consumption was around 8,3l/ 100km.

Safety always
The Staria has secured the highest level of passive and active vehicle safety. It offers six airbags, and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests.

Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as rear cross traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA) in the top derivatives.

Infotainment
Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display is fitted to all derivatives and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers.

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The infotainment system, standard in all versions, links wirelessly via Bluetooth to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Verdict
An ideal family (or even corporate) people mover. Just ideal for those long trips.

A clear stand-out nine seater that ticks all the boxes.

Pricing
Staria R2.2 Executive nine seater — R959 900.

A seven-year/ 200 000km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000km are included in the price for all derivatives.