After what seemed like a year of road validation testing, Hyundai is almost ready to release its first-ever entry-level MPV: the Stargazer. Designed and engineered for developing markets such as ASEAN, it’s expected to make its global debut in July or August.
The Stargazer is a direct challenger to the likes of the Toyota Avanza/Veloz, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Suzuki Ertiga so Hyundai pulled out all the stops to make their MPV a looker. Upfront, it gets a sci-fi inspired face, similar to the brand’s Staria. The horizontal LED DRL though is inspired by the fact that Southeast Asia sits close to the equator. The low-set headlights look to be powered by LEDs as well.
Over to the side, the Stargazer gets a “one box” design meaning the MPV’s profile is aerodynamic while also lending it a spacious look and feel. At the back, the same horizontal LED continues, but this time, shaped into an “H.” This, according to Hyundai, symbolizes the “balance, unity, and harmony” of the East and West.
Hyundai says they will reveal more about the Stargazer’s specifications closer to launch, but reports say it will likely share its platform with the revived Kia Carens. This means the front-wheel drive MPV will measure at around 4.5 meters in length and would have an ultra-long wheelbase (2,780 mm). It might also stand to benefit from the same family of engines—a 1.5-liter gasoline (115 horsepower, 144 Nm of torque) or a 1.5-liter diesel (115 horsepower, 250 Nm of torque). It comes with a choice between a manual or automatic (dual clutch for the gas, torque converter for the diesel) transmissions.
Leaked pricing also indicates that it’ll start at 155,000,000 Rupiah (P 561,552) and will top out at 202,000,000 Rupiah (P 731,829). By comparison, the Toyota Avanza in Indonesia starts at 233,100,000 Rupiah (P 844,502) and goes up all the way to 295,800,000 Rupiah (P 1,071,659).
Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH), the new entity in charge of distributing the Korean auto brand in the country has yet to confirm the arrival of the Stargazer (it’s not part of their confirmed launch line-up). However, they did confirm that starting this June, they will only be sourcing products from either Korea or Indonesia. With the Stargazer being built in Indonesia, alongside the likes of the Creta, this could mean that the likes of the Xpander and Avanza would have some company towards the end of this year.
Toyota/Daihatsu has a 155,000,000 Rupiah MPV called Calya/Sigra which has a 1.2L engine to qualify as Low Cost Green Car
ReplyDeleteIf the release price comes close to the indicative figures, interesting indeed. MPV types at that price are the usual Chinese suspects and the bare-bones Suzuki APV.
ReplyDelete(Side note: reminds me of the 2014 Robocop)
Baby Staria. For one thing tho it already looks better than the Custo :D
ReplyDeleteCorrection mate, the price you guys are mentioned are in NJKB form, which is mean the price is still off the road and not included the tax
ReplyDeleteSo expect the price are similar to avanza-veloz
DeletePricing hasn't officially come out yet on the Stargazer. The leaked pricing just came from Indonesian websites. Let's see what sort of pricing they'll come up with.
DeleteThis has big potential to bring Hyundai back to the top 5 car brands in PH if priced and specced competitively.
ReplyDelete