One of my favorite cars in the whole automotive industry is the Hyundai Stargazer. Ever since it was launched a few years ago, this I thought, is what a proper, modern, well-made, and decently equipped MPV should be. It turned out to be a success for Hyundai because the Stargazer has quickly become its best-selling model, and spawned many iterations in the X variant, and even a short-lived 6-seater version.
While it used to have a more expansive lineup, Hyundai Motor Philippines has condensed it to just four configurations: the GL, GLS, and two Stargazer X’s. Last year, a facelift was introduced, and having sampled the X, I was able to get my hands on the GLS.
Before we tackle the car itself, let me explain to you that the GLS used to be the top-of-the-line variant for the Stargazer model. This is because the “more rugged” X variant came later and took top spot honors from the GLS (which is now considered the mid-variant). This, for me, creates some confusion and sadly has done some harm to the Stargazer as a whole. Hyundai has clearly chosen to load all the goodies in the X models, because the GLS interior now feels like a base model. When it was first launched, the GLS had a lot of interior touches that made it feel upscale for the price. This new version has virtually no premium-feeling materials apart from the leather-wrapped steering wheel; even the seats aren’t leather anymore.
What it lacks in premium touches, it makes up for when it comes to the essentials. The GLS comes with a digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One of the bigger improvements to this new Stargazer is the housing of the infotainment and cluster; no longer using the bulky-looking housing, it’s just one smooth integrated panel. Other creature comforts include standard cruise control, stability control, and hill-start assist. Everything else is standard equipment for today’s MPV like vents for the rear passengers and charging ports. What sets the Stargazer apart is the second row tray table and a boatload of cup and bottle holders. It’s a perfectly simple and straightforward interior, with an easy-to-understand layout.
Space is a main consideration for MPVs, and the Stargazer GLS has it in spades. In both passenger and cargo rooms, it has more than enough, even the 3rd row is serviceable for adults. I also appreciate that the 2nd row can slide forward and backwards to allow more space at the back.
Now onto the looks, this is where things get divisive. Some people like the updated look. Instead of keeping the rounded, sleek design, they’ve gone for a boxier and more aggressive front fascia, which I honestly don’t like. It doesn’t look as cohesive in the GLS; the more rugged X variant blends this new philosophy much better. The silver lining here is that, at least for an MPV, it looks distinct as opposed to the run-of-the-mill designs we usually get in the segment.
A major factor why I’ve always been a fan of the Stargazer is the powertrain setup. This new version has the same 1.5-liter gasoline engine making 115 hp and 144 Nm of torque, but the party piece is the IVT transmission that mimics the feel of a traditional automatic. When it comes to everyday cars, I think the IVT is very good. It is tuned so well, the smoothness is much better than other CVTs by a mile, but the best thing about it is how economical it is on fuel. Having had the Stargazer for a week, and driven over 200 kilometers in the city, it averages 10 km/L, and on a highway run, it can get as high as 15 to 16 km/L.
Remember, this is a non-hybrid powertrain, so I was pleasantly surprised at how fuel efficient it is; so much so that even after 180 kilometers of travel, the fuel gauge still showed a full tank. It only dropped one bar after passing the 200-kilometer mark. It must be noted, though, that I didn’t fully load the car to its full capacity in terms of people and cargo, which would bring the numbers down a bit. However, not all MPVs are fully loaded 100 percent of the time anyway, so it’s still remarkably frugal on fuel.
Driving the Stargazer is easy; everything is simple, and it doesn’t even have an electronic handbrake. Steering is light, and visibility is good, especially with the help of the backup camera. My only issue is the NVH—it just doesn’t feel closed off from the outside world. The tire noise is pronounced; driving over potholes and ruts is easily felt inside. It was harsher than I remember, actually, compared to the previous model. Ride quality, though, is good. I think it’s the most comfortable in the class.
As a mid-variant, the Stargazer GLS is priced well at P 1,228,000; it has the essentials plus the practicality of space. While I do find that it was “downgraded” from the older GLS, the fuel efficiency and value for money are hard to ignore. I still think it’s the best in the segment when it comes to the overall MPV experience, and no wonder it remains Hyundai’s best seller locally.
Words and Photos by Pablo Salapantan
way better than that ancient 4AT xpander
ReplyDeleteYeah, then why does Hyundai/Kia have an IVT class action lawsuit here in California?
DeleteA quick google search will show you different class action lawsuit even with Toyota and Mitsubishi :D
DeleteIts not about the lawsuit on other car brands. You were bragging about the Hyundai/Kia IVT transmission, claiming it is "way better than that ancient 4AT xpander", but that IVT is not bulletproof in terms of reliability, hence the lawsuit in US.
DeleteFor all we know that 4AT could be more cheaper in maintenance cost, proven more reliable, and will last longer than your vaunted IVT.
Better get your facts and reading comprehension straight.
"For all we know that 4AT could be more cheaper in maintenance cost, proven more reliable, and will last longer than your vaunted IVT."
DeleteYou shouldn't state this unless you can prove it outright. Too many assumptions. That's a horrible way of presenting an argument.
(I'm not the same person you were talking with earlier btw)
You really have a comprehension problem. It is an "assumption" ("for all we know" and "could be") not a conclusion for the 4AT and IVT (one "could be better than the other"). No need to prove anything as in this case only time will tell in real world use. Was pointing out that nothing is set in stone, not even your vaunted IVT.
Delete(Note: Don't make a fool of us
1. You were the one concluding by saying "way better than that ancient 4AT xpander" = you need to provide proof
2. You wont but in like that if you were not the original poster )
1. I am a different person. It's a free country and an open comments section for me to point out bad argumentation. Are you new to the internet?
Delete2. The bad argument here being; you seemed insistent on facts but are throwing out assumptions willy nilly. The original poster may also be flawed in their argument (I don't particularly care about any brand's tech) but you seemed to want to go into further detail but you just ended up getting down in the mud with them. If that was your intention then you do you but sounding so confident/superior when you're arguing down at their level is an amusing image.
3. "No need to prove anything as in this case only time will tell in real world use." Then what's the point of bringing up/talking about lawsuits if that's how you think in the first place?
4. Talk about reading comprehension when you can't even tell the difference between different people even when a disclaimer was thrown in your face. lol