FORGET warp drive and photon torpedoes.
For this weekend mission, the ultimate starship wasn’t in the depths of space, but cruising smoothly down EDSA — the Hyundai Staria 9-seater AWD. Our mission: deliver five excited young minds to the hallowed halls of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Arts Center, and the Staria was our mothership, ready to warp past traffic jams and parental anxieties.
Imagine, if you will, the USS Enterprise. Sleek, powerful, bursting with potential for exploration. Now, translate that into the language of minivans. The Staria’s imposing silhouette commanded respect on the road, its futuristic curves whispering promises of adventure. Inside, the spacious cabin — a veritable holodeck — unfolded, each seat a personal transporter pod for our precious cargo. No cramped knees, no squabbles for armrests — just expansive legroom and captain’s chair comfort, fit for a Picard, nay, a Pinoy matriarch.
As we embarked on our intergalactic voyage, the Staria’s engine, a willing warp core, purred effortlessly. Even the chaotic landscape of EDSA couldn’t faze our mothership. Its all-wheel drive, like a stardust shield, navigated potholes and uneven roads with ease, ensuring a smooth ride for our young explorers.
This vehicle is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine featuring common rail direct injection. It delivers 177 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque to the all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite its substantial size and weight, the mothership’s throttle and steering feel surprisingly light, contributing to its agility. The high seating position, elevated ride height, and large rear end are noticeable, yet it handles with ease, especially in congested traffic like EDSA.
Acceleration and overtaking are smooth, although there’s a noticeable delay in turbo boost following heavy throttle application due to its smaller engine size. However, the engine compensates with its efficiency, maintaining revs below 1,800 RPM at highway speeds of 110 km/h, and achieving a fuel economy of 11.7 km/l under mixed driving conditions.
This all-wheel-drive may be the warp drive of the Enterprise. It initially seemed like overkill for a seven-seater, especially one of this size. However, my perspective shifted after navigating through challenging conditions. Encountering loose gravel and encroaching vegetation at the National Center for the Arts road, the potential dangers became apparent. The all-wheel-drive system proved its worth, offering enhanced stability and confidence through precise steering and reliable traction.
Such features are bound to appeal to frequent travelers, such as executives and doctors, who prioritize safety and control. While opting for two-wheel drive might save on fuel, the vehicle already achieves 11.7 km/l in mixed driving scenarios. For me, the benefits of all-wheel drive far outweigh the slight increase in fuel efficiency it might forego.
But the Staria wasn’t just about function; it was a mobile oasis.
The panoramic sunroof, our very own transparent dome, revealed a tapestry of clouds, transforming the ordinary commute into a celestial spectacle. The excellent sound system, our onboard orchestra, filled the cabin with laughter and singalongs, drowning out any hint of pre-college jitters.
And then there were the features — more than a starship’s worth. The smart infotainment system, our ever-helpful navigator, guided us through unfamiliar territory. The automatic climate control, our environmental regulator, kept the temperature perfectly balmy. And the safety features, a guardian shield, watched over us with unwavering vigilance.
Finally, we beamed down onto the UPLB campus, our young explorers eager to begin their next chapter. As we watched them disappear into the vibrant halls of the Arts Center, a pang of pride — and relief — washed over me. The Staria, our magnificent mothership, had delivered its precious cargo safely, comfortably, and in style.
This wasn’t just a minivan ride; it was an ode to modern motherhood. The Hyundai Staria 9-seater AWD wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a testament to the lengths we go to nurture our children’s dreams, to provide them with the space, comfort, and safety to boldly explore their own galaxies.
And just like the starship Enterprise, it left an indelible mark on our hearts, a reminder that the greatest adventures often begin on the most extraordinary journeys, even if they’re just a few hours down the road. So, buckle up, fellow moms and dads, the Staria awaits. Engage warp drive, set course for adventure, and boldly explore the universe of possibilities with your precious crew in tow. Live long and prosper!
Our UPLB adventure was just the first chapter in the Staria’s epic saga. This mothership wasn’t built for a single mission, but for a lifetime of exploration. The weekend unfolded like a series of exciting away missions, each showcasing the Staria’s remarkable versatility.
As our journeys with the Staria continued, it became more than just a vehicle. It was a testament to the power of versatility, a symbol of the endless possibilities that await when we embrace adventure. It wasn’t just a minivan; it was a reminder that the most extraordinary journeys often begin with the most ordinary moments, shared with the people we love.
So, the next time you see a Hyundai Staria 7-seater AWD, don’t just see a minivan.
See a mothership, ready to take you and your loved ones on adventures that will leave their mark on your hearts, long after the engines have cooled. Live long, explore boldly, and remember, the universe is waiting to be discovered, one minivan ride at a time.
FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY:
After the test drive, we were convinced that the Staria was the transporter for us. We visit Hyundai San Pablo, chatted, and closed a deal with branch manager Mhedz Realeza and took delivery of the Staria 7-seater, AWD, on February 24.
