Is this the all-new 2021 Hyundai Starex?

The new decade may be off to a rough start, but Hyundai isn't taking a break from preparing new cars.

Earlier this year, their product timeline leaked online, which includes the launch of the all-new Tucson and Genesis G70, along with facelifted versions of the Santa Fe. But there's one model that wasn't in the timeline, and that's the all new Starex, or H-1 in other markets

But now, there's an update regarding the popular van, and it's a big one. Hyundai might be in the late stages of developing the third-generation Starex, and spy photos seem to support that idea too. Images of what could be the all-new van have surfaced online, albeit wearing heavy camouflage. These pictures were uploaded in a French forum over a month ago, March 31, 2020.

Judging by the level in which the van was covered up, we expect major changes. It could adopt Hyundai's current design language for their taller vehicles. That means it might come with a two-tier light design with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) mounted high and the mean beam on the bumper itself. Hyundai has applied that look for the Santa Fe and, more recently, for the Palisade. The hole on the camouflage cover seems to support that idea.

Hyundai went to great lengths in disguising the rear. Like the front, it's totally masked, but there are glimpses of the taillights. It appears to be set much lower and smaller than the ones you find on the current model. Then again, Hyundai might be using covers on the taillights to throw off those who plan to render it.

So far, the only design element that's clear in this van are the front windows. There's a kicked-up kink that heads towards the windshield.

The current generation Starex has been around for quite some time now, having been in the market since 2007. While it did get a facelift in 2018, most of its mechanical bits remained the same. With the Hiace now boasting an all-new design from the ground up, we have high expectations for the future Starex. As to when it could arrive, it might be slated for a 2021 launch since it wasn't included in the 2020 product timeline.