Despite its name, the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer won’t have a moonroof that enables occupants to glare into the starry abyss but it could give the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion a run for their money.
Hyundai have now released another MPV despite the gravitational pull towards SUVs that the automotive world is facing. Considering the success of the Staria in the segment so far, they have every right to cater to it – albeit with the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer satisfying a different buyer.
While a moderately equipped Staria flirts with a million Rand, this 4 460 mm scaled down option should be much more affordable with pricing in Asian markets ranging from just under R300 000 all the way up to R350 000. With indicative pricing like this, the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer has the Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion firmly in its sights.
DRIVEN: Hyundai Staria 2,2D Elite nine-seater AT
Despite its more affordable price tag, it still boasts relative spaciousness that is included on its larger sibling. There are 200 litres of cargo space behind the third row of seats and 585 litres behind the second row. The 2023 Hyundai Stargazer is officially launching in the Indonesian market wearing four levels of trim and is moderately equipped with safety tech and standard features.
This includes blind spot collision warning and lane keep assist while occupants inside have dual USB charging ports and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system to engage with. Behind the steering wheel is a 4,2-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver.
The exterior is far more left field like its larger sibling which is where we imagine most of its design inspiration came from. On the front fascia is a LED light bar that spans the width of the model with an equally striking lighting design at the rear. Outward visibility is ideal for passengers in all three-rows of seats with rear side glass expanding all the way to the outer extremity of the C-pillar.
Powering the 2023 Hyundai Stargazer is a 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 85 kW and 145 N.m and that is all channelled to the front wheels by either a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT. Depending on trim, the small Staria is either equipped with 185/65 R15 rims or slightly larger 205/55 R16 for top-spec models.
Nothing has been added to the Hyundai South Africa configurator but this model could arrive on our shores in the future considering the popularity of the segment. There is however, no confirmation from the Korean automaker to substantiate this.
