The 2021 Hyundai Staria made its Malaysian debut earlier today via a virtual launch event hosted by local Hyundai distributor, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). Positioned as a premium offering, it introduces futuristic styling, a lounge-like interior, and a complete suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Pricing for the Staria starts from RM 358,888 (2-year / 50,000 km warranty) and RM 368,888, if you include the 5-year / 300,000 km warranty. Prices are with the 50% sales tax (SST) waiver, OTR without insurance, valid till 30-June 2022. It comes fully imported from Korea (CBU).

An add-on package which consists of a Roof Monitor Infotainment, Retractable Side-step and 3M Premium Tinting is also available at RM20,000 with the purchase of the Staria Premium.

What's the spec sheet look like?

The spec sheet mirrors the Thailand-spec Staria: which means there's no 3.5-litre V6, and in place is a 2.2-litre turbocharged inline-four diesel engine (CRDi) paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Output is 177 PS with 431 Nm of torque.

Hyundai claims a top speed of 185 km/h, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.4 seconds.

It's the same – albeit detuned – combination found in the Santa Fe, which has 193 PS and 440 Nm. We've been told the dialing down is in the interest of smoothness and improved fuel economy.

The Staria bears Hyundai's new bold design language, with the MPV (or as Hyundai calls it, 'PBV - Purpose Built Vehicle') coming across as a rather futuristic thing.

It's got a stubby snout highlighted by a thin lightstrip, a pair of large LED headlights in the flanks of the front bumper, and a profile that's devoid of any fussy creases or lines.

All of these result in a slippery shape, as the Staria has a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd.

The back is rather simple, punctuated by 'Parametric Pixel' LED tail lamps.

While this Shimmering Silver Metallic adds on to the Staria's spaceship vibes, owners can opt between 6 other body colours and a pair of accent shades to go along with that.

Well, how big is it?

Most of the dimensions of the Staria are different from the Grand Starex, with this being a bigger car in every way. The extended length and height results in more leg- and headroom for occupants.

And naturally at this price point, there's bound to be comparisons against the Toyota Alphard. No prizes for guessing which is bigger...

Speaking of room, there is loads. Unlike the Starex, the Staria's a 7-seater, so there's two rows of rear seats instead of three.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as this results in a larger boot space – 431 litres (with all seats up, according to VDA standards) and boot space goes all the way up to a maximum capacity of 5,000 litres.

Has it got good features?

Unlike the Grand Starex's somewhat-commercial leanings, the Staria aims at a more premium position in the market. At this price range, that means it'll go against the Toyota Alphard.

Sure, it's choppy waters, but the Staria brings with it plenty of comparable kit. There's plush Nappa leather seats all around (captain-style seats for the second row), replete with electric seat adjustments, and heating/ventilation functions.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard on the now-familiar 8-inch touchscreen headunit, and a Bose 12-speaker surround-sound setup is a given. Good stuff.

Icing on the ovoid cake include dual sunroofs, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, window curtains for those sitting at the back, 5 USB charging ports (and one wireless charger), 10-colour ambient lighting – and if we're doing ascending numbers – 18 cupholders.

Adding on to the couple of ISOFIX tethers, six airbags, and requisite passive safety functions, the Staria gets the Hyundai Smartesense suite of ADAS too, and with that comes:

• Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w S/G)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)

Did you get to drive it?

We did, and here's what we have to share: those chauffered in this will have a pretty comfortable time. The second row will be the one most will be clamouring for, and for good reason too – it's really the best seat in the house.

Road ruts and imperfections are nicely soaked up, and the multi-link suspension setup at the back helps the car maintain composure through the corners. Body roll is present, but it's rather gentle.

Malaysian prices and availability

Bookings have been open since 20-October 2021, and prices for the 2021 Hyundai Staria in Malaysia starts from RM 358,888.