Hyundai will reportedly reveal a new hybrid version of its futuristic-looking Staria people mover and Staria Load commercial van in the first half of this year.
As reported by South Korean publication Autobuff, the electrified Hyundai Staria Hybrid recently completed emissions and noise certifications by the Ministry of Environment in South Korea.
According to the listing, the Staria Hybrid will be powered by a version of the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid already featured in the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, as well as the recently revealed Carnival Hybrid.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Staria Hybrid produces 132kW and 265Nm and the electric motor produces 54kW. Total system outputs are 180kW of power and 367Nm of torque, which is 11kW and 17Nm more than what’s offered in the Santa Fe Hybrid.
Fuel economy for the Staria Hybrid is claimed to be around 7.7 litres per 100km according to South Korean testing standards.
Autobuff reports the Staria Hybrid will be available in a number of different configurations in South Korea. These include a nine- and 11-seat Staria people mover, three- and five-seat Staria Load commercial van, as well as a seven- and nine-seat luxurious Staria Lounge.
A Staria Hybrid prototype was previously spied in South Korea in 2023 with no camouflage whatsoever.
At this stage it’s unclear if the Hyundai Staria Hybrid will be offered in Australia – but if confirmed, it will go against the likes of the Kia Carnival Hybrid which is due later in 2024.
If the Staria Load Hybrid is offered locally it will stand out among the likes of the Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes-Benz Vito as the only commercial van offering a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
In addition to the Staria Hybrid, Hyundai has also previously announced another electrified variant is on the way.
In 2021 the South Korean carmaker confirmed it planned to bring a hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) version of the Staria to market during 2023, though little has been said since.
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