Business class seating for 9 in the Hyundai Staria Premium+

Hyundai Motor Philippines seems to be making quite a big push in the people-mover segment. They simultaneously launched the Stargazer X with the all-new Custin minivan that slots between the Stargazer MPV and the Staria, but they've added some new variants for their existing models as well.

The brand is now offering a 9-seater variant for the Staria Premium+ range. Basically, it shares a lot of interior and exterior features with the top-of-the-line Staria Premium+ 7-seater, but with an extra row of captain seats inside.

Hyundai PH adds Staria Premium+ 9-seater for PHP 2.83M image

In terms of looks, the 9-seater Staria Premium+ also gets the copper accents found on the grille, the side mirrors, and the two-tone alloy wheels. It also has parametric pixel LED taillights along with the power sliding doors and tailgate for convenient access to the cabin.

Hyundai PH adds Staria Premium+ 9-seater for PHP 2.83M image

While the captain seats do not have a ventilation function, the second-row seats can swivel up to 180 degrees to face the third and fourth rows. The panoramic sunroof was also omitted from the 9-seater Staria Premium's list of features, but it still gets the premium Bose speakers with surround sound system.

Hyundai PH adds Staria Premium+ 9-seater for PHP 2.83M image

Along with the rest of the Staria lineup, the 9-seater variant is powered by a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder common rail diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). It makes 177 PS at 3800 rpm and 430 Nm of torque from 1500 to 2500 rpm. Like the 7-seater Premium+, the 9-seater variant has an 8-speed automatic and comes with all-wheel-drive.

In terms of safety, the 9-seater Premium+ has identical equipment to the 7-seater variant. It also has the Hyundai Smartsense features such as smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning, among others for advanced safety tech.

Interestingly, despite the addition of two more seats inside, the 9-seater Staria Premium+ is being offered for PHP 200,000 less than the 7-seater variant. Hyundai Motor Philippines is selling the Staria Premium+ 9-seater AWD for PHP 2,830,000.