Talk Box By Kap Maceda Aguila WITH THE increased adoption and openness of the local automotive market to electrified options — particularly after the onset of the US-Iran war — Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) recently grew its hybrid portfolio further with the introduction of Staria Hybrid offerings. The premium people mover is offered in five hybrid variants: 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 9S (P1.999 million), 1.6T HEV GL 6AT 11S (P2.079 million), 1.6T HEV GLS 6AT 9S (P2.389 million), 1.6T HEV Premium 6AT 9S (P2.999 million), and 1.6T HEV Premium Plus 6AT 7S (P3.199 million). HMPH retains a lone internal-combustion-engine-only variant in the workhorse 2.2 Diesel Cargo 6MT (P1.499 million). Said HMPH President Jiho Son in a release, “The Staria is one of the most iconic nameplates in our current lineup, completing our hybrid range while carrying a legacy Filipinos trust. Building on the (role of the Starex) in family life, we are proud to launch the Staria Hybrid which brings a more connected, comfortable experience for modern and practical Filipino families.” The Staria is said to offer best-in-class fuel efficiency of 17.7kpl, and is positioned by HMPH as “(bringing) together smart hybrid performance with elevated comfort, advanced connectivity, and versatile space for modern families and professionals.” Still a part of the current-generation model which debuted in 2021, this new Staria nonetheless has been face-lifted, first revealed globally in December 2025. An LED strip runs the length of the front fascia, and some aesthetic changes have marked other elements such as the headlights, which are now cube projection LEDs, and the grille. The Staria also gets new 18-inch alloys. In the cabin is a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment display, paired to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. USB-C charging points are in the front and back rows, and a wireless charging pad