Some may imagine that the vehicle featured here is a full-size, multipurpose vehicle from the future. But it is not. It is a light goods vehicle available right now in Hong Kong.

The Hyundai Staria now occupies a prominent spot in the brand's Kowloon Bay showroom.

For two years now, international service firms have identified the spike in demand for local delivery services - increasingly known as last mile delivery - in Hong Kong and beyond.

It is perhaps not entirely down to coincidence that major LGV brands have either refreshed or made plans to release new models.

Those close to the LGV market in Hong Kong expect that the biggest South Korean automotive brand will have something up its sleeves.

The Standard's sister publication Sing Tao Daily published an image of the new Staria in Hong Kong as early as December, indicating that the brand had brought to the city at least one unit of the new van. This is presumably for vehicle examination and training purposes.

Sing Tao Daily also reported the price of the new LGV last month, quoting sources close to the distributor Hyundai Hong Kong, a member of the Zung Fu Group.

Following the vehicle's public debut early this month, two versions - standard and luxury - have been made available with prices starting at HK$278,800.

The entry price is close to that of the Hyundai H1 van that has been a common find on the streets of Hong Kong for over a decade now.

Penned by Global Hyundai Design, the completely new styling of Staria is based on an "inside-out" approach, according to the brand. It is a new methodology that starts with the interior design and gradually moves on to the exterior, which features big glass windows and low beltlines.

The futuristic appearance of the new Staria is a big departure from a workhorse like H1.

Riding on a new platform characterized by a 3,273-millimeter wheelbase, it also occupies a slightly bigger footprint measuring 5,235mm in length and 1,997mm in width. Two rows of three seats ensure spaciousness for the occupants.

Naturally, as an LGV, a metal divider has been set between the passenger and the load compartments.

The load carrying capacity of 2,890 liters, estimated to be 379 over that of the H1, will also appeal to the practitioners in the trade who regularly fit packages from the luggage floor up to the ceiling.

The media kit also suggests it can swallow two European pallets measuring 120 x 80 centimeters, but it is safe to assume that local deliverymen working with an LGV are not geared to take goods on pallet.

The Staria is powered by a new 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which meets the Euro 6D emission standard. The engine can produce 177PS and 432 newton-meter.

Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel drive Staria needs 8.2 liters of fuel for 100 kilometers, as quoted by Hyundai.

There standard features of the vehicle are of good quality, such as leather seats and a multifunctional steering wheel. The 8-inch touch screen monitor is compatible with Apple CarPlay.

Other convenient features include Qi wireless charging capability and twin USB ports.

The luxury version comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel with a BVM blind-spot monitoring system. Gear selection, meanwhile, is via a digital control knob.

The front seats feature both warm and cool air ventilation. There is also an electrically-operated rear hatch door, a 360-degree camera system and active safety measures including six airbags.

staff.reporter@singtaonewscorp.com

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