By Otsile Kadiege

Hyundai’s Staria range is joined by the new Panel Van derivative which is longer, wider, taller and more feature packed compared to the H-1 model it replaces. The futuristic-looking 3-seater Panel Van will be joining completing the range which consist of the 7-, 9- and 11-seater buses and the 5-seater Multicab with its separate cargo compartment.

Exterior dimensions

Compared to its H1 forerunner, the all-new STARIA Panel Van has grown in overall length, width and height. At  5 253mm it’s 103mm longer and it now has a width of 1 997mm making it 77m wider than the H-1. Its height and wheelbase has also grown from 1 935mm to 2 000mm and 3 200mm to 3 273mm respectively. The ground clearance is however lower by 4mm from 190mm to 186mm.

Inside, the Staria Panel Van has a load capacity of 4 935 litres. The cargo length has increased by 125mm to 2 500mm. Its cargo width and height has also grown by 20mm and 96mm to 1 640mm and 1 436mm respectively. The sliding door opening width has increased to 870 mm, while the loading height is lower at 573 mm for convenience. The cargo load capacity is 900 kg – an increase of 100 kg versus the previous H1.

Features

The new Staria Panel Van boasts several added features compared to the one it replaces. These include: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a safety feature, Auto-adjusting headlights, Daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Heated and electrically adjusted outside rear-view mirrors and Audio and Bluetooth remote control buttons on the steering wheel in addition to cruise control.

Twin swing-type barn doors at the rear for the luggage area replaces the previous lift-type door, and Hill-assist Control makes pulling off easier on an incline. The back rest of the middle seat in the cabin can fold forward to create a convenience storage tray for odds and ends.

Apart from the 17-inch alloy wheels, the exterior styling enhancements include body-coloured bumpers and outside mirror housings.

Engine and transmission

The new Staria Panel Van is powered by a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making 130 kW maximum power and 430 Nm torque, using an 8-speed automatic gearbox to drive the vehicle through the front wheels. Hyundai claims the Staria Panel Van has a fuel consumption of 8.7 l/100 km. Its maximum towing capacity is 2 500 kg (braked) and 750 kg (unbraked).

Pricing and warranty

The new Staria Panel Van is priced from  R599 900 and comes standard with Hyundai’s 7-year / 200 000 km warranty; 6-year / 90 000 km service plan; and roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km. The service interval is 15 000 km.