Hyundai Staria to replace iMax

First images of the all-new 2021 Hyundai Staria have been released as the Korean brand prepares to replace the long-running Hyundai iMax people-mover in Australia in the second half of the year.

It also provides a look at the related 2021 Hyundai iLoad van that is similarly due for release later this year, as yet another one of almost 20 all-new or facelifted models or variants the car-maker has committed to releasing here by Christmas.

The current second-generation TQ-series Hyundai iLoad and iMax are positively ancient, dating back to 2007 with a handful of upgrades along the way to keep them relatively fresh.

But as our spy photographers captured a few weeks ago, the long-awaited bigger and more rounded commercial van and people-mover are about to receive wholesale changes.

The official images shown here are of the 2021 Hyundai Staria Premium variant, which will top the range and, according to the car-maker, “takes mobility to the next level, sporting premium features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel”.

The Staria moniker is a combination of ‘star’ and ‘ria’, which Hyundai says references the people-mover’s “future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one-curve gesture silhouettes as well as clean and pure body volume”.

The company has deliberately designed the new model to resemble a spaceship, hoping its “strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior” will strike a chord with buyers.

“The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath. The spaceship vibe is echoed by its expansive panoramic windows and lower belt lines, underscoring the openness of the interior,” Hyundai said in a statement.

“The height of the cabin is also optimised for premium comfort and convenience, making it ideal for both business and family use.”

Hyundai’s global design chief SangYup Lee added that the Staria will also open up “a new mobility era” for the brand.

“Staria will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features,” he said.

More details will be provided in the weeks ahead of its global launch, but as we’ve reported, the new-generation models will be underpinned by an all-new front-wheel drive platform that eschews the rear-drive layout of the existing iLoad/iMax.

The next iMax/iLoad are expected to share the same monocoque platform but different rear suspension – leaf springs for the load-lugger and a coil-sprung independent rear suspension for the people-mover.

Count on new petrol and diesel engines, and potentially all-wheel drive as well, but these new models won’t be precursors to the long-anticipated one-tonne utes from Hyundai (and Kia) that will run a more traditional ladder-frame chassis and related hardware.