Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc., the new exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the country is steadily regaining lost ground for the brand. After the recent introduction of new models in key market segments, it now announces an all-new entry that will surely rock the establishment. Today, October 19th, marks the start of pre-booking activities for the South Korean brand’s small MPV contender, the Hyundai Stargazer. 

HMPH has indicated that the core 1.5 GL variant will have a net price of PHP 998,000 and may be reserved through any of Hyundai Motor Philippines’ 38 authorized dealerships nationwide. Two other higher specification variants, the 1.5 GLS and the 1.5 GLS Premium are also available for reservation, with their official pricing to be released at launch.

“With the Stargazer we wish to set a new benchmark in its segment,” says Cecil Capacete, Managing Director of HMPH. “We recognize the emergence of the modern lifestyle and needs among Filipino families. And we intend to address these through our future-oriented design, top-of-class advanced safety and technological systems and unmatched driver and passenger comfort.”

The Hyundai Stargazer is set to launch locally on November 8th via the @HyundaiMotorPhilippines account on Facebook. The Philippines is only the second Hyundai distributor globally to offer the Stargazer.

Head-turning design

Designed from the ground up utilizing the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform, the 7-seater Stargazer shares similar underpinnings with various models, including the Hyundai Creta, the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Rio, and the Kia Seltos. Its futuristic exterior front design borrows from the design language applied to the Hyundai Staria family van.

The top-of-the-line Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium is equipped with LED daytime running lights that run along the front width of the vehicle. A red LED strip on the tailgate complements the front end’s design. LED headlights are standard for this trim, while halogen bulbs are fitted in the GLS and GL. 

You can distinguish the two top variants with their black and chrome-coated front grille, while the base model GL gets a body-colored front end. All variants of the Stargazer sport 16-inch wheels and tires for a more functional stance that’s biased for comfort, with its 185 mm ground clearance keeping the underbody a reasonable distance off the road.

Practical and spacious interiors

Designed to seat seven comfortably, the Hyundai Stargazer has more than ample space in terms of headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in all three rows. Even with the third-row seats up, the Stargazer’s cargo space can accommodate five five-gallon water jugs. 

Leatherette covers the seats in the GLS Premium, while both the GLS and GL have fabric seats. A 60:40 split for the second-row seats and 50:50 for the third-row allow maximum cargo-carrying versatility.

Cup holders, bottle holders, even spaces for an iPad or mobile phone, USB ports, a hidden dashboard tray, and a seatback table in the GLS and GLS Premium add to the convenience features of the Hyundai Stargazer. 

Loaded with features

The Hyundai Stagazer enters a segment that is hungry for tech and gadgetry. And it does not disappoint in this regard. Complementing the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is a wireless mobile phone charging pad (in the GLS Premium) and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (for the GLS Premium and GLS). A six-speaker setup comes in the mid and high variants, while the base GL has to make do with four. 

A Supervision 4.2” TFT LCD screen presents pertinent information to the driver in the two GLS variants, while a conventional 3.5” TFT LCD is fitted to the GL trim.

Additional tech features include remote engine start, driver’s side window operation, and engine shutdown when operated without the smart key. The Stargazer GLS Premium also comes with Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which is displayed on the TFT screen. Cruise control and Drive Mode Select are also available on both GLS variants. 

High on safety

While most of the high-end safety features can be found only in the GLS Premium variant, it is worth noting that customers have a choice on which feature to prioritize and hence, which variant to purchase. Among the key safety technology found in the Hyundai Stargazer are:

• Dual Front, side, and curtain airbags
• Hill-start Assist Control
• High Beam Assist
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Warning
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist for cars and pedestrians
• Manual Speed Limit Assist
• Rear View Monitor

Capable Powertrain

All variants of the Hyundai Stargazer have the Smartstream G 1.5-liter Euro 4 gasoline engine under the hood. This is mated to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. The exact combination can be found in the Hyundai Creta. The mill produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. It has a 40-liter fuel tank capacity to feed the engine. 

Keep an eye out for our initial driving and quality impressions of the Hyundai Stargazer coming soon. 

What do you think about the all-new Hyundai Stargazer? Will it figure highly on your MPV shortlist?