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How these founders are lightening the load with Hyundai’s hybrid commercial vehicle

How design studio Defy used the Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid van to boost logistical efficiency without compromising on sustainable values.

Sponsored by Hyundai

Hyundai Staria
  • Plastics recycling manufacturer and product design studio Defy test-drove the Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid to find a commercial vehicle that aligns with their sustainability values while boosting logistical efficiencies.
  • The hybrid van features a spacious three-door access for loading cargo, alongside premium tech upgrades like a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and Hyundai Bluelink remote access.
  • The vehicle's powertrain system automatically recovers energy through regenerative braking and engine optimisation while on the road.

Sam Davies and Will Thompson, founders of Australian plastics recycling manufacturer and product design studio Defy, have a clear mission: “Our goal is to stop the production of new plastic by keeping existing plastic in circulation,” says Will. “To do that we divert plastic from landfill and turn it into a wide range of products, like stools and benchtops.”

The friends – who are both industrial designers – started Defy six years ago as a side hustle, displaying their products at markets and building a word-of-mouth following. The business has gone from strength to strength, now working with brands like CommBank and Qantas and boasting a staff of 20.

“We’ve definitely been in a pretty rapid period of growth,” says Will. “Our objective in the early years was basically to push our recycled material into as many different applications as we could. Now we’re in a period of consolidation and our target markets are commercial furniture and solid fitout surfaces.” 

Finding the right commercial vehicle

While the growth has been encouraging, it has also brought up some obstacles. “Creating renewable products in a sustainable way is really challenging – it requires a huge amount of effort and there are technical challenges to overcome,” says Will. “But it’s really hard to invest in that challenge when you’re a young business with limited money. For us, it’s about being really strategic regarding which step to take when.”

That strategy extends to capital investments. The small business owners first prioritised installing solar before now turning their attention to finding the right vehicle. “We’ve been on the hunt for a van that aligns with our business values, without sacrificing efficiencies and practical benefits,” says Will.

“Our brand is known for sustainable manufacturing and the idea that we can meet our customers in a sustainable vehicle that fits everything in it is a real draw card,” adds Sam.

The Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid test drive

Sam and Will are looking for a hybrid van in Australia that fits into their daily routine, offering a welcome time-out of their busy schedules when they’re on the road. “The STARIA Load Hybrid was really quiet and smooth to drive,” says Sam. “I also really like three-door vans because they’re so spacious and much easier to load with our bigger pieces that are usually awkward.”

It was the 12.3 inch digital multimedia touchscreen and Hyundai Bluelink – which gives remote smartphone access to certain features – that really impressed Sam, though.

“The displays and controls are pretty futuristic but they’re still easy to use,” he says. “The reverse camera is really high definition, too. And it has a predictive graphic that helps you park. The full top-down view would make it easy to manoeuvre into parking spots in busy city streets.”

Thanks to the Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid’s powertrain charging system, a key advantage is its enhanced efficiency, which has the potential to help reduce your day-to-day fuel costs. “The fact that logistics and freight can fall into our sustainable vision is a clear win,” says Sam. 

Visit hyundai.com to learn more about the Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid.

Things you should know

Information correct as of Monday 22 June 2026. The Hyundai STARIA Load Hybrid was provided for a free test drive on Monday 22 June 2026 via an affiliate partnership with Hyundai for a paid honest review. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). CBA makes no warranties or representations regarding the quality, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for purpose of the goods or services available from third parties. This page contains links that will bring you to a third party website, owned and operated by an independent party (“3rd Party Website”). Any link you make to or from the 3rd Party Website will be at your own risk. Any use of the 3rd Party Website will be subject to and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy and security. CBA does not endorse or approve and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of the 3rd Party Website. CBA disclaims liability for any loss, damage and any other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from or relating to your access to the 3rd Party Website or any information that you may provide or any transaction conducted on or via the 3rd Party Website or the failure of any information, goods or services posted or offered at the 3rd Party Website or any error, omission or misrepresentation on the 3rd Party Website or any computer virus arising from or system failure associated with the 3rd Party Website.

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