Commercial Reviews

It's been a long wait for a new generation of Renault's Master, but does the latest iteration of this award-winning large commercial van meet expectations for tradies and fleets alike?

Electric vehicles (EVs) and vans seems made for each other. Case in point: the new Hyundai Staria Load EV. Thanks to sheer size, the futuristic mid-sized workhorse will easily house a battery pack beneath the long cargo floor; its tall roof will mitigate any capacity losses; and a low centre of gravity benefits stability. So, is the electrification of Australia's best-selling mid-size van after the Toyota HiAce (and occasionally the Ford Transit Custom) electrifying or shocking? There’s only one Electric grade for now, priced from $70,990 before on-road costs. That places the Hyundai between similarly sized EVs like the LDV eDeliver5 and Farizon SV duo from China, that are up to 40 and 12 per cent cheaper respectively, and European vans such as the Transit Custom and Mercedes-Benz eVito EVs from five and 40 per cent more respectively. There are also a bunch of smaller and/or narrower e-vans that cost slightly less, including the smart new Kia PV5 and charming VW ID. Buzz Cargo. But none match the Staria’s 450km WLTP range that comes courtesy of its bigger-than-most 84kWh battery. And all offer only half its 800V architecture’s charging speed. Other features include: Adaptive cruise control, as part of a long list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) Two 12.3-inch displays Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless charger Heat-pump enhanced climate control air-con V2L capability thanks to a power outlet out back Free five-year subscription to Hyundai’s connected services Except for the charge flap in a newly more rounded front bumper, only the badge gives the Electric game away. Unless you clock the multi-link rear suspension, which swaps out the leaf-spring arrangement from other models. Since launching in 2021, one of the Staria Load’s strengths has been its quality interior. Hardy and no-nonsense in presentation, it remains a spacious, user-friendly and commendably car-like proposition. Notable are a pair of comfortable cloth seats (though no three-person arrangement is available, sadly), offering a commanding and amenable driving position. For 2026, the Staria Load’s dash been modernised with larger touchscreens for the central multimedia and driver displays, as well as a revised climate control set-up. For this electrified application, it also brandishes a redesigned steering wheel complete with paddle shifters for multi-level regenerative-braking levels, as well as a heat pump for improved efficiency. Excellent. Another welcome inclusion is a huge central storage bin, addressing a big criticism of the pre-facelift models. Even without the optional solid rear bulkhead behind the seats, this is a comparatively quiet and refined interior. A cavernous cargo compartment sees no change to volume or dimensions in the Electric version. A bonus is that owners of earlier Starias can upfit straight from their existing van, saving money. Here are some key numbers: Cargo dimensions: 2607mm long, 1640mm wide, 1436mm tall, 1254mm between arches Cargo capacity: 4935 litres Payload: 1005kg (vs 997kg diesel, 1039kg hybrid) Braked towing capacity is 2000kg (vs 2500kg diesel, 0kg hybrid) It’s all business in the back, with: Dual-sliding side doors Vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlet Rubber-matted floor protection Eight tie-down hooks Lift-up tailgate or no-extra-cost twin barn doors Dozens of accessories are available, including extra windows, rear partitions, ladder racks, wall liners and flooring options. And, thank you, Hyundai, for the full-sized spare wheel tucked underneath. Under the bonnet is a 160kW, 350Nm single electric motor, driving the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. That’s under a 23.9L storage compartment. Along with independent rear suspension, other Electric differences include a repositioned electric steering motor for extra cornering stability, chassis reinforcements around the battery pack, noise-reducing dampers and quieter tyres. It won’t take long behind the wheel of the Staria Load Electric to realise it is one of the best EV vans on the market, period. Even in relaxed Eco mode, acceleration is energetic, effortless and smooth, while default Normal and Sport modes up the ante with strong and spirited performance. Our test van carried 375kg of ballast, yet rapid overtaking was no sweat at all. Plus, the steering and suspension changes have transformed the driving experience over regular Staria Loads, with a tight turning circle on one hand for easy parking speed manoeuvrability, and flowing handling and a comparatively soft cushy ride that’s free of hopping over faster bumps on the other. Additionally, ADAS intervention was restrained and predictable. After the mild disappointment following a recent stint in the Staria Load Hybrid, the Electric felt almost sophisticated in its surprising dynamic breadth on the launch drive, though that can be load dependent, obviously. As prepared by Hyundai, the EV version shone brightly. Road and tyre noise are still evident, though that can be mitigated with a rear bulkhead, but otherwise the Electric feels as premium as any mid-sized European EV van. According to Hyundai, the Electric’s 450km WLTP range was achieved with cargo equalling 28 per cent of its official payload capacity. And, thanks to that 800V architecture, a 350kW DC charger enables a 10-80 per cent top-up in 20 minutes, or about 40 minutes from a common 100kW pump. Plugged into a normal wall socket could take 40 hours, however. Our test car indicated 16.9kWh/100km through busy suburban streets, though other colleagues witnessed over 20kWh/100km. Where the Electric lags behind Hyundai passenger cars is in its five-year/160,000-kilometre warranty, instead of seven-years/unlimited. Service intervals are every 24 months/30,000km, and should cost around $1400 after the first four years/60,000km. No Electric has been crash tested yet, but the standard Staria Load scored a five-star ANCAP rating, and does include plenty of standard safety features. Along with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support tech, there are seven airbags, which almost surround the two occupants, thanks to a centre airbag. Neat.

BYD's recently expanded Shark 6 PHEV range now includes a cab-chassis variant. But does this new work-focused offering have the payload/towing capabilities to attract tradies and hardcore adventurers alike?

The Farizon V7E joins a growing number of full-electric commercial vans on offer, but does it represent a compelling alternative to long established diesel rivals in Australia's popular mid-size van market?

Isuzu’s 3.0-litre D-Max has a strong following but versions with the newer 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are marketed as better on fuel. However, there’s a substantial trade-off in terms of power and torque against the 3.0-litre (120kW and 400Nm versus 140kW and 450Nm). So, how does the mid-spec 2.2-litre X-Rider perform as a daily driver and, more importantly, off-roader?

The BYD Shark 6 has rapidly built an ever-growing fanbase in Australia. A new top-shelf variant of the Chinese-built plug-in hybrid electric ute – with more power and torque than before as well as 3500kg towing capacity and improved off-road capability – is here. The Performance has outputs totalling 350kW (up 29kW from the standard Shark 6) and 700Nm (up 50Nm) but is it actually better off-road?

The MG U9 Explore Pro is the top-shelf variant in MG’s ute line-up. It has plenty of onboard features, as well as a variety of drive modes and – most importantly if you’re a keen off-roader – it has front and rear diff locks as standard. But, how does this MG ute perform off-road? 

Ram Australia was very keen, only a couple of years ago, to show us just how good its inline six-cylinder replacement for the Hemi V8 was. But now, having established the new engine's credentials, Ram has brought the V8 out of retirement. It now measures 6.4 litres and is seen only in the, bigger, 2500 version of the Ram pick-up. But has nostalgia talked Ram into a backward step?

Toyota has launched the first full-electric version of its iconic HiLux workhorse, but does it offer the right mix of price and practicality to be a realistic alternative to its diesel stablemates?

Hyundai has recently introduced a hybrid powertrain option for its popular Staria Load van but does this new petrol-electric technology offer the right mix of performance and economy to win new customers in the mid-size commercial van market?