Hyundai Staria Shark Antenna & Driver Handle Upgrade Review

Upgrade Your Hyundai Staria: Shark Antenna & Driver's Side Handle Installation

The Hyundai Staria, with its spacious interior and futuristic design, has captured the attention of many. However, some lower trims come with compromises, like the rather dated-looking tall pole antenna. This antenna isn't just an eyesore; it poses practical problems. It's susceptible to damage during automatic car washes, requiring manual folding, and can be a hazard in low-clearance parking garages. To address these issues, a 1:1 replacement with the genuine shark fin antenna was performed. This upgrade significantly enhances the Staria's aesthetic appeal by providing a sleek, integrated look, while also eliminating the practical concerns associated with the original antenna. Crucially, using the genuine part ensures no compromise on radio or GPS signal reception, making it a win-win for both style and function.

Enhanced Comfort: Adding a Driver's Side Interior Handle

The Staria's considerable height can make ingress and egress a challenge, particularly for the driver, often leading to strain on knees and the lower back. While the passenger and rear seats are equipped with grab handles, the driver's side A-pillar lacks this essential convenience feature. This oversight can be a daily annoyance for those who frequently use their vehicle. To rectify this, a specialized interior handle was installed on the driver's side. The process involved carefully removing the A-pillar trim to access the correct mounting points on the vehicle's frame. A dedicated bracket was used to securely fasten the genuine handle, ensuring it can support significant weight without issue. Post-installation, stepping into and out of the driver's seat is now considerably more stable and comfortable. This seemingly minor addition offers a tangible improvement in daily usability, making it a highly satisfying, albeit small, modification.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove the A-pillar trim to access the mounting points.
2. Securely attach the dedicated bracket for the interior handle to the vehicle's frame.
3. Mount the genuine interior grab handle onto the bracket, ensuring a firm fit.
4. Reinstall the A-pillar trim, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly secured.
5. Replace the original pole antenna with the genuine shark fin antenna, ensuring proper connection and sealing.

These upgrades, while seemingly minor, significantly contribute to the overall comfort and aesthetic refinement of the Hyundai Staria, addressing common owner pain points with practical, genuine solutions.