GIIAS 2023: Hyundai reveals “SUV-fied” Stargazer X
Hyundai is playing catch-up with its rivals as it unveiled today at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) its own “SUV-fied” MPV based on the Stargazer 7-seater compact MPV, the new Stargazer X.
Designed to compete directly with the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, Toyota Veloz, and Suzuki XL7, the Stargazer X receives aesthetic upgrades over the standard Stargazer in order to give it a more SUV-like appearance which is what appeals to many buyers today.
Like most of its rivals, the Stargazer X is set apart from the regular Stargazer by the heavy use of plastic body cladding around the vehicle. The front and rear bumpers also get a bulkier shape for a more rugged appearance. It also gets its own unique front grille and hood. Finally, it gets a rear tailgate spoiler and 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
As for its interior, it remains identical to the regular Stargazer but gets red stitching on the leather seats and a segment-first 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. It also gets the updated dashboard design with a gloss black finish and smaller bezels for the infotainment screen and instrument cluster housing, that we first saw in the Thai-spec Hyundai Stargazer during the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show last March.
As for seating capacity, Hyundai offers the Stargazer X in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. We’re hoping to see the former become available here in the Philippines as well.
Powering the Hyundai Stargazer X is the same 1.5-liter Smartstream-G Inline 4-cylinder MPI gasoline engine from the regular Stargazer. It produces the same output at 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque, paired to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), Hyundai’s version of a CVT.
Like the Stargazer, the Stargazer X also gets the full suite of Hyundai Smartsense advanced driver-assistance tech, which includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist.
There is no exact launch date yet for the Hyundai Stargazer X here in the Philippines but Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) tells us to expect it to arrive before the year ends.
