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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ | On Test: The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ<\/a><\/p>\n Once behind the wheel, it\u2019s like driving an ultra-smooth sedan. It\u2019s very powerful and yet so quiet.<\/p>\n The fully-laden Staria was very economical in our long trips with an average of around 8,3l\/ 100km.<\/p>\n Smart mobility The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its innovative design architecture.<\/p>\n The driver and passenger seats in the first row are designed to offer a feeling of space and comfort. <\/p>\n ALSO READ | TGRSA chases hat-trick of wins as SARRC reaches halfway mark at Outeniqua 400<\/a><\/p>\n The driver\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.<\/p>\n Premium styling The Staria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s modern and pure style.<\/p>\n ALSO READ | John Smit passes boardroom lessons to Hyundai corporate customers<\/a><\/p>\n Stretch-out: You are in \u2018space\u2019 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. <\/p>\n The nine-seat Luxury model\u2019s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.<\/p>\n Turbodiesel engine
The Staria\u2019s interior applies a simple and modest layout to highlight the driver\u2019s convenience and passengers\u2019 comfort, while staying faithful to its original value as an MPV.<\/p>\n
Evoking the streamlined form of a spaceship, Staria\u2019s sleek exterior is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear \u2014 inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth\u2019s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n