Less than a month ago, Hyundai unveiled its all-new Staria minivan, a somewhat odd but still extremely cool-looking MPV/crossover alternative we had a feeling won't be coming to the US. We were right, unfortunately.

The South Korean automaker has just confirmed that assumption along with revealing the technical details we previously lacked. Offered in 2- to 11-passenger configurations and two trim levels, the Staria is a big vehicle measuring 206.8 inches long and 78.6-inches wide, with a huge 146.5-inch wheelbase and a height of 78.3 inches.

To compare, the new Kia Carnival is 201.38 inches long, 78.15-inches wide, 69.09 inches tall, and has a 120.47-inch wheelbase. In 2- or 3-passenger configuration, which should be popular with delivery businesses, the Staria has nearly 177 cubic feet of cargo space. The Carnival? A maximum of 145.1 cu. ft. Hyundai says it modified the commercial van version to accommodate three Euro pallets at once.

The interior has five color options, second-row seats that can swivel 180-degrees to face third-row passengers, an optional 64-color ambient mood lamp, and a Bose sound system, among its many features. Under the hood lies a single engine option: a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 175 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. And yes, a six-speed manual is standard (hey, it's Europe) while an eight-speed slushbox is optional.

Outside of Europe, a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp with the automatic will be available. Maximum ride comfort is achieved thanks to a multi-link suspension at the rear axle, while engineers adjusted the engines to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

Because of its large size, numerous upper body aerodynamic and underbody design enhancements were necessary to improve drag coefficient and overall fuel economy. Equipped with plenty of standard safety systems like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot avoidance, the Staria also boasts the world's first seat belt reminder system that utilizes wireless communications technology. A wide-angle camera provides the driver and front passenger views of the rear occupants on a display screen for watching kids and pets. Ride-hailing service drivers will also find this very useful.

In the coming years, Hyundai aims to launch additional Staria variants, like limousines, ambulances, and even a camping car. More "eco-friendly" versions are also in the pipeline. Pricing has not been announced and sales will kick off in the second half of 2021.