Although small SUVs and crossovers rule today’s market, there are still parts of the world where people rather choose small minivans. Simply, they are more spacious and more functional than a crossover, while the only drawback is a less attractive exterior. That’s why Hyundai has released a brand-new minivan, primarily for developing markets. The new model is called the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer and it is currently offered in markets like the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. However, we won’t be surprised if we see it in some other parts of the world as well, maybe even in some parts of Europe.
In any case, this minivan has a lot of things to offer. Despite the compact size, its cabin is fairly spacious, while there is also a long list of standard and available equipment. Furthermore, the vehicle relies on older-generation technologies which, in practice, means higher reliability and durability.
2023 Hyundai Stargazer Design
In terms of base design characteristics, this is a typical minivan. With a little bit over 109 inches in wheelbase and 175 inches in total length, it definitely belongs to the compact class. So, it’s no wonder it is based on the K2 platform, the same one that underpins Hyundai Creta. We are talking about a pretty basic design approach, which uses some old-school design solutions, which is a clear indicator that the vehicle is designed primarily for the developing market. Still, the obvious benefits of such a design approach are affordable prices and high-reliability ratings.
The easiest way to see old-school technical solutions is to look under the vehicle. There, you will see that the rear wheels are equipped with drum brakes, something that’s rarely used these days. The front wheels, on the other hand, feature disc brakes. When it comes to suspension setup, things are also pretty simple. The front axle features a typical McPherson strut, while the rear axle is equipped with a torsion beam.
On the other hand, styling is very futuristic. YOu can see a mix of the brand’s typical design language and some pretty futuristic aesthetical solutions. That’s easy to notice at the front, there is a long horizontal bar in the upper face, while the lower section comes with lighting groups that are similar to models like Creta, or even Palisade.
The overall shape is typical for a minivan, while the rear end also utilizes some pretty futuristic details. This particularly refers to taillights, which are massive and feature some pretty sharp edges.
Interior
One of the most common ways of cutting production costs and making cars affordable is saving on interior materials. That’s exactly what the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer offers. It comes with a cabin design that looks okay but features mostly low-rent materials. That’s particularly visible on the dashboard, which comes in a highly uninspiring grey color, while the touchscreen definitely belongs to an older generation of Hyundai’s infotainment system.
Still, the cabin comes equipped with lots of tech features. The aforementioned touchscreen interface is part of the standard equipment, while you may also count on the digital instrument cluster, as well as on smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Furthermore, there is also a generous list of safety features. Base models come standard with electronic stability control and hill start assist, but there are many upgrades you can opt for. Some of the highlights are things like blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, manual speed limit assist, parking distance warning, rearview monitor, rear seat alert with monitor, lane following assist etc.
2023 Hyundai Stargazer Engine
The current model is offered with just one engine option. That would be a simple and proven 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four, which features a max output of around 112 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t much but seems enough for daily commuting. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT, and both units work well. The power is sent to the front wheel.
We presume that additional engine options could be offered in the future, especially if the company is willing to try its luck in some other parts of the world. A bigger 2.0-liter inline-four with around 150 horsepower is one of the possibilities, while we could also see a more modern 1.4-liter turbo-four with 140 horsepower and 242 Nm of torque. Finally, the company could also offer a 1.5-liter diesel with 115 horsepower in some parts of the world.
2023 Hyundai Stargazer Release Date and Price
As we already mentioned, the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer is currently offered in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam but we could see it in some other markets as well. For reference, the starting price in the Philippines goes around P998,000, which is equal to 18.000, according to current exchange rates.
