Minivans look boring? You might be wrong.
Hyundai’s futuristic Staria minivan is an attempt to prove that the segment is still viable. A second people-mover, called “Custo”, is also on the agenda. The Internet has been flooded with fully transparent images thanks to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
The latest-generation Tucson is represented by the front grille and square wheel arches. However, this minivan has sliding doors and tall roofs. The chrome bar, flanked by the headlights, has been engraved with Hyundai’s “Custo”, while the company name is displayed on the tailgate. This version will come in two variants: the upper panel is hidden within the taillights and finished in black, or the same color as the body.
The Staria appears to be the most luxurious minivan, with a wheelbase of 3,273mm (146.5in) more than the Custo’s 3055mm (120.2in). According to the MIIT website, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine produces 167 horsepower (125 kW). This is significantly less than the Staria’s 268-hp gasoline unit and much less than the 175 hp diesel in the Euro model.
Although the Custo is yet to be officially announced in China, it is likely that it will within days. Next Monday, April 19, is the Auto Shanghai Show. We could see the minivan’s official unveiling via the MIIT website.