Staria just right for your load

Hyundai's new van, the Staria, has just been launched — so the team at Rosetown Motor Group have dressed up the Staria Load to enhance its looks.

Their test drive special comes in Creamy White, but has been given a black grille and a set of black 20” BGW Beefed wheels with 235/45 rubber. The rearmost side windows have been given the white-out treatment, to give the Load a more commercial appearance.

A big selling point is safety— the Staria Load has been awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating by ANCAP, becoming the first commercial van to score a 5-star safety rating under ANCAP's most stringent to date 2020-2022 protocols.

But can it carry stuff?

The answer is yes — 4935 litres of stuff to be accurate, weighing up to 1000-1100kg depending on model.

It can also tow 750kg (unbraked) and up to 2500kg (braked).

And it can be loaded by a forklift using the side sliding doors, or via the rear doors if the optional twin barn doors are specified.

For the driver, they can enjoy a digital cluster with a range of vehicle information features, such as fuel economy statistics and tyre pressures, as well as being able to select drive mode between Normal, Eco or Sport.

There is an 8” touchscreen multimedia system , 15W wireless charging and twin USB inputs.

The Load is motivated by a 2.2 litre 16 valve twin overhead cam common rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine.

It delivers 130kW of power and 430Nm of torque.

Empty it is very impressive. Loaded the torque will ensure you still get to the job on time.

It also has an impressive ride, no doubt enhanced by adding some weight.

Transmission is a choice between 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. Fuel economy for both is around 7l/100km.

With a 75 litre fuel tank, range should be over 1000km — so more time working and less time spent at the gas station.