2023 Hyundai Staria Load Premium edition announced for Australia

Just 18 months after the new-generation Hyundai Staria Load was introduced locally, an additional Premium edition aims to address some of the criticism of the regular version, namely the dim halogen headlights.

With this change comes a range of technology adopted from the top-of-the-range Hyundai Staria people-mover.

The Hyundai Staria Load Premium edition adds 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights, LED daytime-running light strips across the front apron, LED tail-lights, keyless entry and start, a power-operated tailgate, and a blind-zone camera (in addition to blind zone warning).

This technology is in addition to the standard Hyundai Staria Load’s long list of safety equipment, including a 360-degree camera, radar cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, door exit warning, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, tyre pressure monitors and speed-sign recognition.

The Hyundai Staria Load is, to date, the only van in the segment with a centre airbag between the front seats to prevent head strike in a severe side impact.

The Hyundai Staria Load Premium edition will also gain two 10.25-inch widescreen digital displays – one for infotainment, the other for the instrument cluster – in addition to wireless smartphone charging, one-touch auto up power windows for both front doors, and the convenience of illuminated extendable sun visors.

The larger infotainment screen adds embedded satellite navigation, but removes the standard model’s wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (now wired only).

There will also be a broader range of exterior colours on the flagship option. The standard Hyundai Staria Load van is available in white and silver; the Premium edition adds the choice of metallic grey, metallic blue, and metallic black.

Hyundai dealers have been advised to expect the model to arrive in showrooms early next year, initially in limited numbers. Final specifications will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s on sale date.

All variants of the Hyundai Staria Load are powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with a full-size spare wheel and tyre.

For now, prices of the regular Hyundai Staria Load remain unchanged ($45,740 plus on-road costs for the two-seat van with a liftback tailgate or “twin swing” barn doors, and $49,640 plus on-road costs for the five-seater crew van with a liftback tailgate or “twin swing” barn doors).

The Hyundai Staria Load Premium is priced from $51,240 plus on-road costs – a premium of $5500 compared to the standard model, and is only available with a liftback tailgate.