HYUNDAI STARIA HYBRID THE “WILD 20-23” CONCEPT OFFERS A SNEAK PEEK AT THE UPCOMING SPORTY NISSAN MICRA

By Jeff Gibbs

Hyundai has been observed testing a hybrid prototype of its Staria model in Korea, hinting at a direct competitor for the upcoming Kia Carnival introduction of a hybrid option for the related Kia Carnival during its mid-life update.

Visually, the spied Staria closely resembles its combustion-powered counterpart, implying that distinctions

By Jeff Gibbs

electric motor might produce 44kW and 264Nm. In comparison to other hybrid models by Hyundai and Kia, the Staria HEV’s total system outputs differ slightly due to a unique tune. Notably, hybrid. Initially, the uncamoufaged appearance of the parked Staria suggested a combustion-powered production model until close examination of stickers on the vehicle revealed a different story. The stickers bore the text “US4 HEV,” with US4 being the internal codename for the Staria and HEV indicating Hyundai Motor Group’s hybrid acronym. Although Hyundai has not offcially announced a hybrid Staria model, it aligns with the might be limited to hybrid-specifc features such as digital instrument cluster screens or infotainment touchscreen. Reports suggest that Hyundai is likely to utilize the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain found in the Santa Fe Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid, with a total system output of 171kW.

According to Korean Car Blog, the hybrid Staria’s turbocharged engine could generate a maximum of 134kW and 270Nm, while the the current-generation Staria’s diesel and petrol engines offer lower power compared to the corresponding powertrains in the Kia Carnival. Moreover, the hybrid Staria is not the sole electrifed variant in the pipeline. In 2021, Hyundai revealed plans to introduce a hydrogen fuel-cell version of the Staria, slated for a 2023 release, although details about the Staria FCEV have been relatively sparse since the announcement.

Nissan Europe commemorates the 20th anniversary of its London-based design studio by unveiling an exciting concept named the Nissan 20-23. This concept provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan’s next-generation, all-electric Micra hatch, drawing inspiration from their engagement in Formula E. The concept embodies a racing-inspired hatch design, featuring a broad wheelbase, sizable wheels accommodated by broad wheel-arches, a prominent front splitter, deep side skirts, a substantial diffuser, and a large bi-wing rear spoiler. Other striking elements include a roof scoop, racing numbers, subtle fender extractors, and scissor-style doors. Despite the audacious styling, the 20-23 concept serves as our initial preview of the upcoming Nissan Micra expected to debut in 2026. The new Micra will utilize the Renault-NissanMitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV architecture, also shared with the upcoming Renault 5 and the sportier Alpine A290. Retaining design elements from the concept, the Micra showcases a two-piece circular LED light cluster and a distinctive black foating roof. Stepping inside the 20-23 concept, you are greeted by a strippeddown, racing-inspired cockpit that deviates signifcantly from the production car. This interior houses a unique yoke-style steering wheel, bucket seats, and a substantial oval structure accommodating the ultrawide screen used for both the instrument cluster and infotainment unit. While specifc powertrain details for the Nissan 20-23 remain undisclosed, being based on the CMF-EV platform suggests it will feature a multi-link rear axle, potentially offering superior handling compared to recent battery-powered hot hatches like the Abarth 500e.

Expected to be manufactured alongside the Renault 5, the upcoming Nissan Micra’s most extreme version is likely to share its powertrain with the 160kW Alpine A290. On the other hand, regular models are anticipated to possess a 100kW front-mounted motor and a 40kWh lithiumion battery, delivering an estimated range of 400km.

The preceding fourthgeneration Micra had a limited presence in Australia before being quietly phased out in 2016. In 2020, there were speculations of Nissan Australia considering the import of the ffth-gen Micra, but the declining demand for compact passenger cars likely halted those plans. However, the prospect of an affordable EV priced below $40K might reignite interest, making it a development worth watching closely.