The Stargazer features what Hyundai calls a One-Curve design which makes for an optimized cabin height, especially at the second and third rows. Upfront, it has a full-width horizontal DRL. At the back, it has a distinctive H-pattern which embodies the connection it makes between East and West.

Inside, the design revolves around Multifunctional Storage Space and this peppers the passengers with versatile storage including small trays, cup holders, extra pockets, picnic tables, and more. The Stargazer comes solely with a 7-seater configuration for the Philippine market. The front passengers are treated to a slim, wide dashboard, while the second-row passengers get seats that recline, slide, and fold in a 60/40 split. The third-row also has the same reclining and folding mechanism, but in a 50/50 split.

What’s under the hood?

For the Philippine market, the Stargazer is powered exclusively by a 1.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with Hyundai’s SmartStream technology. The reduced internal friction contributes to stellar fuel economy that’s further enhance by the standard Intelligent Variable Transmission or IVT. The IVT combines the best attributes of a CVT (fuel economy) and a conventional torque converter automatic (built-in step logic). Cruise control is available on higher variants.

It rides on a platform commonly found with other small MPVs with front MacPherson Struts and a rear torsion beam axle. It also has front vented disc brakes and rear drums. The handbrake is the traditional hand-pulled type.

For the Philippine market, the Stargazer comes in three variants:

• Stargazer 1.5 GL IVT
• Stargazer 1.5 GLS IVT
• Stargazer 1.5 GLS Premium IVT

And, it comes in four colors:

• Magnetic Silver Metallic
• Midnight Black Pearl
• Creamy White Pearl
• Dragon Red Pearl

You can read through to find out the differences per variant, or scroll down to the specs for the complete details. Pricing starts at P 998,000 but the official price list will be revealed closer to launch.

What do you get with the base Stargazer 1.5 GL IVT?

This is as simple as it goes. This variant gets halogen headlights, body-colored door handles, bulb-type rear combination lamps, a bee sting-type antenna, and monotone 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it gets a urethane steering wheel, fabric seats, manual air conditioning with two zones (front and back), a standard audio system with line-type display (no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) and 4 speakers, and a conventional gauge cluster. It also comes with a twist key ignition, but at least all power amenities come standard. Safety-wise, it gets dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD.

How about if I move up to the Stargazer 1.5 GLS IVT?

Representing what a bulk of Stargazer buyers would opt for, the Stargazer 1.5 GLS IVT has automatic halogen headlights, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, power folding side mirrors, chrome door handles, and LED+Bulb rear combination lamps. It also swaps the monotone 16-inch alloys for two-tone ones. Inside, it’s got a leatherette steering wheel and seats, vanity mirrors in its sun visors, a center arm rest, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 6 speakers, and a Supervision instrument cluster. For convenience, it adds an auto up/down driver’s window, smart keyless entry with push-start (this unlocks a remote start function too), and a seat back table. For safety, it adds electronic stability control with hill start assist control, cruise control, manual speed limit assist, parking sensors with rear camera, and a rear seat alert.

What if I want to splurge and get the Stargazer 1.5 GLS Premium IVT?

Regarded as the tech flagship of the Stargazer range, this one is immediately recognizable with its automatic LED headlights. In the cabin, it’s the only one that comes with a wireless device charger. What it lacks in aesthetics and features differentiation, this variant makes itself known in terms of safety. For starters, curtain airbags only are available on this variant. And then, you have the full suite of Hyundai’s SmartSense advanced driver assist system which adds: automatic high beams, blind spot indicators with rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, forward collision avoidance for both vehicles and pedestrians, and tire pressure monitoring.

Take note that the photos accompanying this story are that of the the 1.5 GLS Premium variant.

You’ve gone this far, so here you go.