After much anticipation, the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer has finally been launched in the Philippines. Touted as ushering in a new era in the local MPV segment, the Korean brand’s new 7-seater model is ready to take on the Filipinos’ modern lifestyles and tastes. Packed with a futuristic look, advanced driver assistance technologies, plus space and comfort, let’s see what it’s packing.
Hyundai Stargazer set to shake up the PH 7-seater MPV market
The pre-selling period for the Hyundai Stargazer began earlier this month. At the time, details were pretty few and far in between, but now we get a clearer picture of what the 7-seater has to offer. But before we get to specifics, let’s have another look at it from the outside.
Its unique (to Hyundai) front end is inspired by what the brand calls its “pioneering spirit”. The rounded-out front end has an LED DRL strip running across its entire width. It also features unique multi-face reflector (MFR) headlight assemblies, a flush-type radiator grill, as well as a skid plate. On the side, you’ll see a sleek silhouette complemented by angular wheel arches. The overall shape is said to decrease wind resistance and improve aerodynamics.
From this angle, we also get a clear view of the delta glass between the A-pillar and side mirror which themselves employ a flag-type design that maximizes vision and minimizes wind noise at speed. The Stargazer is fitted with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also boasts of its wheelbase – 2,780 mm – that is said to be the largest in its class.
Over to the rear, you get a skid plate as well, plus a simple yet sleek bumper style. But perhaps what makes this uniquely a Stargazer is the H-signature tail lamp that, like the front DRL, runs across the width of the MPV’s rear.
On the inside, the Stargazer draws inspiration from the comforts of home living. With an abundance of headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, this can easily be seen when you enter, alight, and ride inside it. Add the fact that it has a total of 31 storage spaces incorporated into the dashboard, center console, seats, and door cards, plus a backseat table, and trunk organizer, then you have a veritable living room on wheels. The seats are configurable as well to accommodate cargo of all shapes and sizes, as is customary of any 7-seater MPV.
The Stargazer also comes equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD gauge cluster with a digital tachometer, speedometer, and fuel indicator. As far as digital doodads go, it also has an 8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the tech-hungry, 2 device holders, 6 chargers, and a wireless charging pad also make their way into the Stargazer.
Photo: Hyundai
As for safety and smart technologies, the Stargazer comes chock full. It comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense which includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R), and a Rear View Monitor (RVM). Wow, that’s a long list!
Powering the Hyundai Stargazer is a Smartstream G 1.5-liter DOHC D-CVVT gasoline engine. It puts out 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. There will be no manual transmission option as all variants will have Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmissions from the factory. Pricing for all three variants is as follows:
1.5 GL IVT =Â PHP 998,000
1.5 GLS IVT =Â PHP 1,128,000
1.5 GLS Premium IVT =Â PHP 1,218,000
The 4 available colors are the following:
Midnight Black Pearl
Dragon Red Pearl
Magnetic Silver Metallic
Creamy White Pearl
The Stargazer comes with a 5-year or 200,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty and is already available nationwide in all Hyundai dealerships. You can also read on and watch our first look at the Stargazer here.
In a market that’s been hotly contested for years now, to field your own 7-seater MPV is a very wise business choice. They may be a bit late to the party, but the Hyundai Stargazer, given its features and competitive pricing, may give the staple frontrunners a run for their money. Better late than never, indeed.
