Hyundai has one of the coolest-looking vans and van-based MPVs around in the shape of the handsome Staria, but so far it's had only a very limited presence in the Irish market. While a handful of diesel-engined Staria vans were sold some time ago, the MPV version of the Staria has so far been denied use, because, according to Hyundai Ireland, 'the VRT would have been ridiculous.'
So, what's changed?
What's changed is that Hyundai has created an electric version of the Staria, which gets the same 84kWh battery as you'll find in the Ioniq 5 and the Ioniq 6, and a 218hp electric motor (which is also packing a substantial 350Nm) driving the front wheels.
How much range will the Staria have?
According to the official WLTP test, the passenger version of the Staria will go for 400km on a full charge, which is pretty competitive with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and the Kia PV5. Actually, the panel-van version, when unladen, has a longer range - 450km - but that just shows the impact on range of having seats for nine on board. It'll charge at up to 240kW, taking just 20 minutes to get from 10-80 per cent charge on a fast-enough DC charger, and there's even a hefty 2,000kg maximum towing weight.
Hang on, seats for nine?
Oh yes, unlike the ID. Buzz and the PV5, both of which are limited to seven seats, the Staria will seat nine people, including the driver. Or there will be options for a more luxurious version with fewer seats, but more in the way of comfort and stretch-out space.
With all seats in use, there's still a very useful boot that stretches from 435 litres to 1,303 litres, depending on which model you've bought and how you've arranged the seats. The Staria gets twin sliding side doors, too, and those are optionally powered.
When does it arrive, and when can I buy one?
There's going to be a bit of a staggered launch for the Hyundai Staria. The commercial version (priced from €50,200 including grants and VAT) will arrive first, before there's been an official launch, so keen are Hyundai's customers to get hold of it. Think of it as a 'soft opening' for the Staria lineup.
The passenger versions - priced from €56,495 including grants for the entry-level Elegance version, or €64,995 for the high-spec Platinum - will arrive later in the year, towards the end of September.