All-new Hyundai Starex/Staria spotted testing in Thailand

Next-generation Hyundai Starex spotted in Thailand

Last week, Hyundai surprised the motoring world when they revealed the all-new Staria. Despite having a unique name, the Staria is essentially the next-generation Starex. With its sleek futuristic design and lounge-like cabin, the all-new Starex gets a noticeable change from the outgoing model.

There's no word yet as to when the new Starex will make its way to the Philippines but according to Hyundai, they will launch four new models in the country in 2021. That means we could just see the new people carrier arrive in the country later this year.

But it looks like our ASEAN neighbor Thailand may get their hands on it first. Why? Well, a camouflaged van was recently sighted over in The Land of Smiles. Despite the heavy and thick padding to conceal the vehicle, it's quite apparent that the van in question is the all-new Staria/Starex.

Based on the photos, the next-generation van resembles the model Hyundai revealed last week. It gets bumper-mounted headlights, a low-slung front grille, and huge side windows. Around the back, it gets huge vertical taillights, as well as a massive tailgate.

There are no engine specs available yet for the Thai-spec Staria/Starex. But given that the outgoing version is powered by a turbo diesel engine, the next-generation model will likely also come with a turbo diesel. What's not clear yet is whether it will still get the current 2.5-liter engine or the slightly smaller 2.2-liter turbo-diesel found in the Santa Fe.

With Hyundai already busy testing the Starex in Thailand, does this mean other markets like the Philippines will be next to receive the all-new van? Only time (and some local spy shots) will tell when will it be arriving in the country.