Hyundai has posted some flattering photos of its soon-to-be-unveiling SUV. The Staria will be available in two designs and is expected to feature modern technologies.
Sleek lines, huge contiguous surfaces, a design that aligns with Hyundai’s current design philosophy, showcasing styling elements from the all-new Tucson and Ioniq 5 characterize the Staria Premium bus sedan, a novelty that Hyundai promises to be practical.
Hyundai has not provided any substantive details about the novelty, but the name is eloquent: it is certainly the successor to the recently manufactured Starex minibus. There was also a Premium version of the traditional bus. However, the nose is suspiciously short: it is possible that the Staria will receive an electric powertrain. In any case, we don't see a lever on the shift panel on the center console, just push buttons.
The astronaut parallel raised in the title also arose in Hyundai, by the way; thanks to the deep stretch of the belt line, huge glass surfaces and daytime running lights that run the full width of the nose are more reminiscent of a moon ferry than a road vehicle. The curved touch screen that enthrones the center console also reinforces the sci-fi line - there’s no traditional instrument panel in front of the driver, just a glove box with a lid - presumably a head-up display is used, and perhaps the huge central monitor just mentioned also provides driver information.
As attractive as it is, it is unlikely that the Staria / Staria Premium pair will be marketed anywhere in the world. In Europe, for example, the market for bus limousines has shrunk tremendously, but there is a demand for mid-range light commercial vehicles and multi-passenger passenger cars.
(Source: vezess.hu / photo: pixabay.com)