Hyundai says that the Staria Panel Van is longer, wider and taller than the H1, and it offers more luxury features and better fuel economy.

The Korean manufacturer is introducing the all-new 3-seater Panel Van to complete its futuristic-looking Staria range, which also includes the 7-, 9- and 11-seater buses and the 5-seater Multicab with its separate cargo compartment.

“The trusty H1 Van deserves a long-service award, but the time was ripe to replace it with the Staria Panel Van, which offers newer technology, more space and luxury features that make a journey more enjoyable,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“The H1 Van recorded a second spot with 22% market share in its segment in 2021, and we expect the well-endowed new Staria Panel Van to be the choice of even more buyers,” he says.

The opening width of the sliding door has increased to 870 mm, while the loading height is lower at 573 mm for convenience. The cargo load capacity is 900 kg – an increase of 100 kg on the previous H1. Two side sliding doors and the rear swing-type barn doors make access to the cargo area practical and easy.

The 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine delivers 130 kW and 430 Nm torque, using an 8-speed automatic gearbox to drive the vehicle through the front wheels.

The Staria boasts several added features compared to the vehicle it replaces like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Auto-adjusting headlights, Daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Heated and electrically adjusted outside rear-view mirrors, Audio and Bluetooth remote control buttons on the steering wheel, in addition to cruise control and Hill-assist Control.

The Staria Panel Van costs R599 900 (July 2022).