Staria hybrid takes minivan segment to whole new level
GOYANG — Few would anticipate such a smooth driving experience from a minivan, but that is indeed the case when one drives Hyundai Motor’s flagship minivan, the Staria. The vehicle is equipped with a hybrid powertrain, which makes one quickly realize that times have changed in the minvan segment.
Once regarded as an unattractive-looking commercial vehicle lacking any clear upsides beyond its seating capacity of over seven, the Staria is now shedding its antiquated image, thanks to Hyundai’s integration of the flagship van into its hybrid lineup.
When you first step in as a passenger, you can immediately spot how spacious the middle and rear seats are in this vehicle. But the main attraction is its silent lowspeed driving experience. The Staria hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid engine, offering a maximum fuel efficiency of 13 kilometers per liter.
Moreover, the vehicle’s acceleration proves to be sufficiently smooth for navigating urban environments. During a test drive spanning approximately two hours between the cities of Goyang and Paju in Gyeonggi Province, both located northwest of Seoul, this reporter found the vehicle’s 245 horsepower to be more than enough for most road conditions nationwide.
The hybrid engine generated less noise than typical vehicles that are powered by diesel engines, but it demonstrated weak performance during rapid acceleration.
The silent yet decent driving experience — enabled mostly by the hybrid powertrain — gave this reporter the impression that the vehicle can sometimes be a good alternative to SUVs for those who enjoy frequent outdoor activities or need more space.
The demand for vehicles tailored for leisure activities is growing rapidly here. According to Hyundai Motor data, domestic sales of the Staria totaled 39,780 units last year, marking an 18.9 percent increase from the previous year.
The recent launch of the Staria hybrid also coincides with this growing trend. Hyundai is also going all out to equip more vehicles with hybrid powertrains, as part of its efforts to offset a slowdown in electric vehicle sales.