The cab-and-a-half format with a row of three seats directly accessible from the two front seats and large load area – it can take up to a ton – easily crosses over from being a work week delivery or utility vehicle to a weekend load-em-up and get away from it all traveller.
Think of it as a double cab bakkie with a canopy – only much more practical.
This follows the launch of the people mover Staria late last year that has already grabbed more than 7% of the market.
The Multicab is by no means a utilitarian vehicle and it has all the luxury features of the MPV but with a rigid rear axle with leaf springs to maintain ride comfort when fully laden.
The exterior styling, according to Hyundai, is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space. With large sliding doors either side, the Multicab loses a smidgen in this look but more than makes for that with the opening width of those doors.
Interestingly, the entire side panel of the Staria is one single piece of metal!
The Staria’s front has horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.
At the rear, the Multicab has two vertical doors that open through 180 degrees to facilitate loading.
The Staria is driven through its front wheels by a 2,2-litre VGT turbo-diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 130 kW maximum power, and its torque output peaks at 430 Nm.
Hyundai Motor optimised the engine and transmission to achieve low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels and a better shift sensation for high torque performance and improved acceleration. It also optimised the direct valve control body for increased hydraulic efficiency, the oil pump for fuel efficiency, and the gearbox’s multi-plate torque converter for control and fuel efficiency.
Up front is an 8-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and the digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.
Storage space is available on top of the overhead console as the centre console has been removed to allow walk-through access to the rear seats.
The Staria has a 3 273 mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5 253 mm and width of 1 997 mm. Its overall height of 1 990 mm is useful for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle and is high enough for an average school-aged child to stand upright and move with ease.
It offers six crash bags and all seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests. Safety is further bolstered by smart features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Hyundai’s smart infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display is fitted and is equipped with a wide-angle camera rear park assist camera, aided by park warning sensors in both front and rear bumpers.
A 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance for 7-years or 150 000 km are included in the price for all derivatives.
