The Hyundai Staria has become one of the South Korean automaker’s popular models in the Philippines. Replacing the Starex, the Staria comes in various forms, ranging from a fleet-oriented Cargo variant for P1,560,000 all the way to an upmarket and luxurious Premium variant for P2,930,000. The Cargo variant, however, comes with almost none of the fancy tech of the higher variant, but Hyundai thinks that there’s room for a fleet-oriented model that isn’t bare bones. Say hello to the 2023 Hyundai Staria Load Premium.
Available in both windowed and window-less panel van configurations, the Staria Load Premium is not your typical fleet-oriented variant. Whereas the fleet-oriented models come with black bumpers and an absence of any LED lighting, the Staria Load Premium gets full LED exterior lighting, and even 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to just hubcaps. In fact, the front and rear bumpers of this variant are event painted, which makes it look a lot more premium and less bare to look at. As a whole, the Staria Load Premium looks properly modern despite being a variant that’s catered to fleets.
Likewise, the interior of the 2023 Hyundai Staria Load Premium gets most of the premium features of the mid-spec GLS+, which include a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, automatic climate control, along with smart entry with push-button start. Oh, and there’s no need to manually lift the tailgate here because even in this variant, the tailgate is automated.
In terms of materials, though, this is where its fleet-oriented nature is still retained. Hard plastics are the order for the day as opposed to the soft-touch materials of the higher variants. On the upside, the Staria Load Premium gets a leather steering wheel as opposed to just urethane.
As for its engine, it gets the same 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel as the other variants, 174 hp and 430 Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic. Again–this is a fleet-oriented model that doesn’t scrimp on comfort features.
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Even its kit of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is comprehensive. The 2023 Hyundai Staria Load Premium gets the full Hyundai SmartSense suite of ADAS, such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and even the Blind Spot View Monitor cameras.
Unfortunately, if you want a fleet-oriented Staria but with all of the creature comforts of the higher trims, you have to be in Australia to get this model. With that said, do you think a premium fleet-oriented model like the Staria Load Premium makes sense in the Philippines?
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