Bringing its space-age design to the cargo van market, the Staria Load could be the segment’s most eye-catching choice. But more important than that, the new platform allowed Hyundai engineers to increase its cargo capacity both in volume and weight.

The Staria’s full redesign has increased the key dimensions for cargo to 4,935 liters (versus the outgoing Starex Cargo’s 4,426 liters). Moreover, it boasts of a lower floor for easier loading and unloading as well as a higher roof (up 96 mm) for taller times. Crucially, access has been improved enabling it to load Euro standard pallets via the side doors thanks to wider sliding door openings. Inside, it has space to fit three Euro-sized pallets (1,200 mm x 800 mm).

Powering the Staria Load is Hyundai’s tried-and-tested 2.2-liter CRDi engine. Making 176 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and 430 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm, it boosts the braked towing capacity to 2.5 tons. An 8-speed automatic, meanwhile helps it return 14.28 km/L.

Two versions are available—a two-seater version and a five-seater crew van. Both are available with the traditional twin-swing or liftback-style rear door.

The Staria Load is also “dressed to impress” with standard features including a Surround View Monitor, Qi wireless charging, smartphone connectivity on an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and segment-leading safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keep assist, tire pressure monitoring, and blind spot monitoring.

The all-new Staria, at least in MPV configuration, is one of the four new vehicles promised by Hyundai Philippines to launch in 2021. However, given that they did offer the Cargo variant towards the latter half of the Starex lifecycle, it won’t be surprising if Hyundai offers the Staria Load here as well.