The space-age 2021 Hyundai Staria has just been launched over in Thailand, which also signifies its debut in the ASEAN region. Two variants of the 11-seater MPV are offered there, with prices ranging from THB 1,729,000 (~RM 226,636) to THB 1,999,000 (~RM 257,403)

2.2 diesel only, no V6

Regardless of variant, the Staria pair is driven by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel, with drive sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although the Thai-spec MPV eschews the 3.5-litre V6 found in other markets, the four-pot here makes a respectable 177 PS and 431 Nm of torque.

Much bigger than the Starex

As a replacement to the behemoth that is the Hyundai Starex/H-1, the Staria is longer, wider, and even taller. Here's how they stack up:

Hyundai Staria exterior

The Staria will certainly be a jarring sight in Thailand for a while, as its cyclopean front-fascia with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs) is unlike anything else there.

Thai customers will get three colours to choose from, Shimmering Silver, Graphic Gray Metallic, and Abyss Black.

Higher-end variants benefit from 18-inch wheels (17-inches for the base S), Parametric Pixel LED tail lights, second-row Flush Glass, and a powered tailgate.

But visual drama aside, the Staria's interior is certainly something else to behold.

Hyundai Staria interior

The cabin - which can be specified in monotone black or dual-tone black and beige - is dominated by a clutter-free dashboard up front that houses either an 4.2- or 10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster resting behind the steering wheel.

In-car entertainment duties are handled by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that bundles wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Connectivity in the Staria's cabin includes a 12V power outlet, 7 USB ports, 1 USB port, and a wireless charger.

The 11-seats in the Staria are arranged in a 3-3-2-3 formation, and interestingly the middle first-row seats can be folded to provide an armrest with integrated cupholder for the driver and passenger.

One will not be wanting for space in the Staria, but if more luggage is called for, the second- and third-row seats can be electronically folded flat.

Hyundai Staria safety features

Standard safety features between variants are 6 airbags and ISOFIX tethers, but the higher-end SEL adds on Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS):

• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Junction Tuning Function (FCA-JT)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)

Extending the range of safety features is a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic assist (BSM, RCTA), and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Hyundai Staria price in Thailand, Malaysian availability

Prices start from THB 1,729,000 (~RM 226,636) for the S, and THB 1,999,000 (~RM 257,403) for the SEL. The company aims to sell 10,000 units of the MPV in Thailand annually.

There's still ways to go before the Staria makes it to Malaysia, and it'll most likely reach other ASEAN countries first.

Closer to home, the next launch Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is gearing up for is the 2021 Hyundai Kona N-Line and the Hyundai Palisade.