“Hyundai STARIA Has Unusual Looks but a Houseful of Features”- First Look Review

Last year, our local auto scene was all about SUVs. For the first time in a long time, a car company has introduced something new in the market. Last week, Hyundai-Nishat launched an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) Hyundai STARIA in four variants. Keeping our tradition, we have brought you the first look review of the new car.

We’ll be reviewing the top-of-the-line Hyundai STARIA HGS variant; here we go.

Power

The all-new STARIA HGS comes with a 16-Valve V6-Cylinder, 3.5L gasoline engine that produces 268 horsepower and 331 Nm of torque. The engine is mated with 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The engine drives in four different modes, Eco, Sports, Normal, Smart.

Looks

Have you seen the film Robocop? STARIA’s front looks like the helmet of Robocop. Yes, it’s a funny-looking car, but all the features are there. We have LED headlights with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable and retractable side-view mirrors with turn signals, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED rear lights. The indicators are hidden in the front grille. 

The remote control has buttons to unlock the car, open the back door and the trunk, which is very convenient.

Features

If you’re not happy with the STARIA’s looks, the cabin will be a pleasant surprise. The MPV’s cabin has a host of futuristic and modern features. We have four rows of artificial leather seats for 11 passengers. The front row seats are heated and ventilated with electric adjustment. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has media control and cruise control buttons. 

Another thing about the cabin is the number of screens. We have a 10.25-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system looks kind of old and bland, but the MID looks cool.

The HGS variant also has dual-zone automatic climate control for the front two rows. The front and second-row passengers can set the temperature as they like. The last rows don’t have the same luxury, but they do have AC vents.

The gearbox is also very futuristic; you can simply switch gears with buttons. There’s wireless charging at the front and USB charging ports for all three rows at the back. The MPV has a dual sunroof, one at the front and another at the back.

Space

There’s ample legroom at the first two rows, a bit compromised at the third row, and almost zero at the fourth row. It’s also difficult for passengers to enter the third and fourth rows. You could fit kids at the back, but STARIA is not practical for 11 adult passengers.

Safety

The top-of-the-line Hyundai STARIA variant has six airbags, traction control, stability control, hill assist, EBD, ABS, blind view monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, 360° view camera system, and backup camera.

Price

The fully-loaded STARIA variant comes at a price of Rs. 9,299,000, which is way too unreasonable. The MPV has everything to catch the attention of a high-end family car buyer but is still overpriced. 

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