Hyundai’s Luxury MPV Spotted For The 1st Time in India, Toyota Vellfire Rival

• Blue-plated Staria spotted in Chennai.
• Speculation of South Korean delegates.
• Sleek design, modern features.
• Displays, ambient lighting, premium materials.
• No official word on India launch.

Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Rare Blue Number Plates

In a surprising turn of events, a Hyundai Staria was recently spotted on the streets of Chennai, India, adorned with distinctive blue number plates, a rarity in a country that’s dominated by white, yellow, green, and black colour number plates. The appearance of blue number plates raises a question about the potential of the diplomatic presence that’s associated with the luxurious MPV.

Glimpse of Hyundai's Staria

The images, showcase a black Hyundai Staria commanding attention with its sleek and futuristic design. The vehicle, with dimensions comparable to its Kia counterpart, the Carnival MPV, comes in various body styles, including the standard Staria, Staria Cargo Van, Staria Lounge, and the top-of-the-line Staria Lounge Limousine.

Details of Staria Lounge Variant

Believed to be the Staria Lounge variant, the MPV measures 5,253 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and stands between 1,990 mm to 2,200 mm in height, depending on the variant. Its considerable wheelbase of 3,273 mm also contributes to its road presence. The Staria Lounge variant boasts of Hyundai's new-age design language, akin to the one that’s seen in the new Verna.

Blue Number Plate

The unusual blue number plates on the Hyundai Staria in India typically denote diplomatic status. In the country, these distinctive plates are exclusively reserved for the vehicles that are used by the diplomats and are often accompanied by dark-tinted windows. Given that the vehicle in question is a Hyundai Staria, speculation arises about the possible presence of South Korean delegates in Chennai.

Interior and Features

True to its minivan characteristics, the Hyundai Staria offers a spacious and luxurious interior with a large glass area. Exterior design highlights include sleek LED DRLs, pixel-effect LED tail lights, and a subtle roof spoiler. Inside, the Staria features two free-standing displays for infotainment and instrumentation, ambient lighting, a 2+2+3 seating layout in the Lounge setup, premium materials, and a star-lined roof.

Hyundai Staria's Global Presence

While the Staria is available in several countries, including Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Russia, and the Philippines, Hyundai has not officially disclosed any of its plans for its launch in India, even through the Completely Built-Up (CBU) route.

If it is launched in India, Hyundai will likely price it around Rs. 1 Cr mark, making it rival Toyota’s luxury MPV Vellfire.  

Power Options

The Hyundai Staria offers three engine options, including two variations of the G3.5 Smartstream MPI petrol engine, capable of producing 240 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque in one version, and 270 PS of power and 330 Nm of torque in another. The third engine option is a 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine, shared with the Kia Carnival, delivering 177 PS of power and 431 Nm of torque. All the variants come equipped with an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Also Read: Check Out Mahindra’s New SUV Lineup for 2024

Verdict

As the interest surrounding the Hyundai Staria with blue number plates deepens, enthusiasts, buyers and onlookers all await for the official confirmation of the vehicle's purpose and Hyundai's plans for its introduction in the Indian market.

Source: Rushlane / Praveen Kumaar Bharaneedharan