Hyundai PH to launch Stargazer MPV and IONIQ 5 EV in the near future
Yesterday, members of the media were invited by Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) for a media appreciation lunch. Apart from the social gathering and thanksgiving for the seemingly successful entrance of Hyundai’s new company, HMPH also wanted to share with us their plans for the far but also immediate future.
In the past few months, we’ve written extensively about Hyundai Motor Philippines’ entrance into the market, and which vehicles they will be selling. During the event though, they announced that 2 more models are slated to be introduced soon.
Hyundai Stargazer
First up is the Hyundai Stargazer MPV, which is just fresh off its global debut. The Stargazer is Hyundai’s answer to the Xpander, Veloz, BR-V, and Ertiga.
It’s also dubbed as the “mini Staria” because of its looks, and to be fair it really does look like it. Its front end is dominated by a thin LED strip DRLs running its entire width. Blacked-out upper and lower grills take the center but the real wonders here are the headlight units. At the rear is a striking taillight design that forms an “H”, overall the Stargazer if anything wants to be the best-looking MPV out there.
Inside is where the Stargazer wants to set itself apart, instead of the normal 3-row configuration found on most MPVs, the Hyundai Stargazer’s second-row features captain seats. However, there is also an option to choose the full 7-seat configuration.
The Stargazer’s interior follows the same premium design look that its brand siblings have as well. At a glance, it’s apparent that most of the materials used are upscale, which is a very good thing considering its budget-friendly nature.
According to the Hyundai Indonesia website, the Stargazer gets a whole host of modern creature comforts like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an Automatic climate control system, and a plethora of charging ports.
Under the hood of the Stargazer is a Smartstream G1.5-liter gasoline engine that puts out a healthy 115 PS and 143.8 Nm of torque, while the transmission is what Hyundai calls an intelligent variable transmission (essentially a CVT).
IONIQ 5
As if the Stargazer wasn’t exciting enough, Hyundai Motors Philippines also wants to bring in an EV offering; particularly, the world-renowned IONIQ 5.
The IONIQ 5 appears to be a mix between a hatchback and a small crossover, but its overall modern and sleek design gives the IONIQ 5 a true presence.
The remarkable thing about the IONIQ 5 is its eco-friendly-ness radiates throughout the whole vehicle. The seats are clad in an eco-processed leather that is dyed and treated with plant oil extractions from flaxseed.
Other soft furnishings throughout the cabin consist of textiles derived from sustainable fibers such as sugar cane bio components, wool, and poly yarns, as well as material woven from fibers made from crushed used PET plastic bottles. Surfaces such as the dashboard, switches, steering wheel, and door panels are coated in a polyurethane bio paint composed of oils from rape flowers and corn.
There are 2 versions of the IONIQ 5, normal and long-range. Both normal and long-range battery versions are also available in all-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive options.
Power figures vary depending on the battery pack and drive configuration you choose, but at its most basic, the IONIQ 5 puts out 170PS and at the very top level it eeks out 305PS.
According to Hyundai, when equipped with a long-range battery pack, the IONIQ 5 is capable of 481 km on 1 (full) charge.
So when will PH get them?
HMPH was very quick to point out that while they are more or less certain that these vehicles will be sold locally, they really can’t say when for sure. Furthermore, specific specs and prices are yet to be confirmed as well.
The most the executives were willing to say was “the next few months will be big for Hyundai Motor Philippines” and for everyone to stay tuned for more details.
Could we be so lucky to get a first look at the Stargazer and IONIQ 5 during the upcoming Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) this September 2022? Only time will tell, but based on HMPH’s excitement and eagerness, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did show them off soon.
