This is the Hyundai Staria-Load, the commercial van variant of the all-new Staria. The new van has just been unveiled for the Australian market and replaces the aging iLoad. Like the passenger-focused model, it has a radical new design and promises to be significantly better than its predecessor. Underpinning the Staria-Load is the same N3 passenger car platform as the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe that is lighter and more rigid than the platform of the old iLoad. It also comes equipped with a solid rear axle and leaf spring rear suspension, allowing it to carry heavy loads while also having the ability to tow 2.5 tonnes.
Cargo space has been improved significantly over the iLoad. The cargo area has a length of 2,607 mm compared to the 2,375 mm of the iLoad, width of 1,640 mm compared to 1,620 mm, and is 1,436 mm tall whereas the iLoad was 1,340 mm. The loading height has also been lowered by 96 mm and the side door now opens wider.
A single engine is available in the form of Hyundai’s 2.2-liter CRDi turbo-diesel which in the Staria-Load delivers 174 hp at 3,800 rpm and 430 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Coupled to this engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Hyundai has also equipped the Staria-Load with a host of advanced safety features as standard. These include an electronic parking brake, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Multi-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist / Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with stop and go, and Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.
Customers can buy the Staria-Load in 2-seat or 5-seat configurations with the option of a liftback or twin swing tailgate. Local prices start at AU$ 45,740 (US$ 33,074) for the 2-seat model and AU$ 48,240 (US$ 34,882) for the 5-seat model.
