Hyundai Motor PH goes big on MPVs with Stargazer and Staria updates, launch of Stargazer X and Custin

Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) definitely seems to be the aggressive type as it has introduced not one, not two, not three, but four new additions to its local lineup of multi-purpose vehicles.

The Korean automaker just launched the new Stargazer X, all-new Custin, mildly refreshed Stargazer, and a new variant of the Staria. These new additions complete their family of MPVs in their local lineup, showing that they are serious in getting a chunk of sales in each model’s respective segments.

All-new Hyundai Custin

Let’s start with the completely new addition to the local Hyundai lineup, the all-new Custin. First revealed as the Custo for the Chinese market in 2020, this is designed to compete directly with the likes of the Kia Carnival, and possibly even the Toyota Alphard.

In terms of looks, it wears similar styling as the Tucson and Creta crossovers, making use of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language which gives it a standout and upmarket appearance all around. Its interior also leans on the upmarket side with its trendy floating center console and large portrait-oriented infotainment system, as well as 2nd row captain seats.

Powering the 2024 Hyundai Custin is a 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder Smartstream-G engine that produces 170 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Full specifications and information about the all-new Hyundai Custin can be found here.

New Hyundai Stargazer X

Introduced next is the Hyundai Stargazer X which was revealed just a few months ago for the Indonesian market at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.

With the letter “X” on the name which essentially stands for “Cross,” it’s an SUV-like version of the Stargazer compact MPV and is now the top-of-the-line variant. This makes it compete directly with the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross and Honda BR-V, among others.

Compared to the regular Stargazer, the Stargazer X gets more plastic body cladding around the vehicle, bulkier looking front and rear bumpers, and a unique front grille and hood. It also gets a rear tailgate spoiler and 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, as well as an increased ground clearance of 205 mm which is  an additional 20 mm over the standard Stargazer’s 185 mm.

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.

Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Stargazer X is set at Php 1,348,000.

Full specifications and information about the Hyundai Stargazer X can be found here.

New Hyundai Stargazer (6-seater) and Staria (9-seater)

With the two new models added to the lineup also comes two new variants for its existing models–the Stargazer and Staria.

Starting with the Stargazer, HMPH is now offering the top-spec GLS variant in a 6-seater configuration, featuring captain seats for second row passengers. A minor interior update has also been given to the dashboard (including on the 7-seater variant) as the housing for the infotainment system and driver’s instrument cluster now features a thinner bezel and a gloss black finish. This is in response to comments about how it originally looked before. In addition, gloss black trim has also been added to the surrounding area of its climate controls.

Pricing for the new Hyundai Stargazer 1.5 GLS Premium IVT 6-seater is set at Php 1,298,000. Unfortunately though, pricing for the rest of the Stargazer line has increased but only by a bit. They are now as follows:

• Stargazer 1.5 GL IVT – Php 1,098,000 (+Php 30,000)
• Stargazer 1.5 GLS IVT – Php 1,198,000 (+Php 70,000)
• Stargazer 1.5 GLS Premium IVT (7-seater) – Php 1,288,000 (+Php 70,000)

As for the Staria, a new 9-seater variant has been added, featuring the same amount of equipment as the top-spec Staria Premium but with more seats. Unlike the 7-seater variant, this features four rows of seats with the second and third equipped with captain seats. The second row can also swivel 180-degrees to face other passengers. Standard equipment remains the same as on the Premium 7-seater variant.  

Pricing for the new Hyundai Staria Premium+ (9-seater) is set at Php 2,830,000. Pricing for the rest of the lineup is as follows:

• Staria 2.2 M/T Cargo – Php 1,560,000
• Staria 2.2 M/T Commuter – Php 1,850,000
• Staria 2.2 GLS+ – Php 2,320,000
• Staria 2.2 Premium+ (7-seater) – Php 3,030,000 (+Php 100,000)