HYUNDAI Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) has entered the compact MPV arena and expanded its lineup by bringing in the new Stargazer. According to HMPH, the brand is putting forward a new era in the local MPV segment through futuristic styling, advanced driver assistance technologies, and premium space and comfort. The company also claims that this new seven-seater model aims at Filipino families looking for a vehicle that can meet their daily mobility needs, modern lifestyle, and preference.
Future-Oriented
Exterior-wise, the design elements drew inspiration from the brand’s “pioneering spirit.” Upfront is a boldly styled skid plate, flush-type radiator grille, and unique multi-face reflector (MFR) headlights. The fascia is rounded with a horizontal LED strip that cuts across and integrates the Day Time Running Lights (DRL) and positioning lamps.
The flanks highlight a one-curved silhouette with a sleek body and angular wheel arches for enhanced aerodynamics. The class-leading longer wheelbase of 2,780 mm has shorter overhangs and offers a roomier interior. For a better visibility, there is an additional PVC-fitted delta glass between the A-pillar and side mirror and the quarter glass melded at the back. Furthermore, it has flag-type side mirrors that maximize the field of view while minimizing wind noise.
The rear has a straightforward yet sleek bumper and rear skid plate. Of course, there is the distinct H-signature tail lamp, which spans the entire end. 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels complement the overall exterior design.
Refined and Human-Centric Interior
The interior design showcases the influence of “modern furniture” meshed with practicality, mimicking the comforts of home living. Access to the second and third rows is easy thanks to better headroom, leg room, and shoulder room. There is a voluminous, more expansive flat cargo space when seats are folded down. There are 31 storage spaces incorporated into the dashboard, center console, seat, and door trims. Notable ones are the ledge beneath the front air vents for essential small items, a transferrable cup holder guide at the center, a front row seatback table and pockets for snacks, booklets, or documents, and the luggage board that can be opened to organize trunk items better.
Highlighted at the center dash is an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless phone projection for Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The 4.2-inch TFT-LCD cluster displays a digital tachometer, speedometer, fuel indicator, and the like. The intuitively also shows vehicle information and syncs with the four drive modes: Eco, Smart, Comfort, and Sport. Moreover, there are two device holders and six chargers, including a wireless power charger below the main AC panel.
Efficient and Carefully-Engineered
Motivation comes from a 1.5-liter Smartstream gasoline engine generating 113 hp of power and 144 N-m of maximum torque mated with Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT). The iVT is one of the brand’s flagship proprietary technologies configured to shift gears more responsively with less delay or lag. Smartstream is the next-generation powertrain line of Hyundai vehicles developed for optimal airflow, heat and friction control, more effective combustion, and reduced exhaust that better regulates gasoline consumption.
HMPH claims that the driving performance of the STARGAZER was fine-tuned to the ASEAN region’s regional climate and road conditions. It is evident through the excellent engine output, precise handling, trust-worthy braking, and top noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) ratings.
Safety and Smart Technologies
The new Stargazer offers many safety features with a highly rigid chassis made of high-strength steel. There is a six-airbag system (driver, passenger, side, and curtain) and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TMPS). This new MPV is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense for safe driving, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and High Beam Assist (HBA).
For convenience, Lane Follow Assist (LFA) utilizes the front-facing camera to recognize lane markers and controls the steering wheel so the vehicle stays in its lane. As for parking assistance, there is Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R), and Rear-View Monitor (RVM). Additionally, there are assistive functions to prevent potential accidents, such as the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). Interestingly, smart controls allow remote ignition to start and roll down or close the windows by simply pressing and holding down key fob buttons.
The new Stargazer 1.5 GLS Premium IVT retails at P1.218 million, while the 1.5 GLS IVT mid variant is at P1.128 million. The base model 1.5 GL IVT, meantime, is priced at P998,000. Colors available are Creamy White Pearl, Magnetic Silver Metallic, Dragon Red Pearl, and Midnight Black Pearl. HMPH also offers a 5-Year or 200,000-km (whichever comes first) warranty.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino