Hyundai Stargazer launched in Malaysia from RM99,800 – three variants, six- or seven-seat layouts

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian families have another compact MPV to consider, with the Hyundai Stargazer now launched locally in Malaysia from RM99,800. Available in Style, Prime and X variants, it offers a choice of seven seats or a six-seat layout with individual captain’s chairs in the middle row.

There is more to choosing between the three than deciding how many people need a lift, though. The higher variants bring a sizeable step up in safety equipment, alongside the cabin upgrades. Buyers looking at the starting price should pay particular attention to that distinction.

Also Read: Hyundai Stargazer Malaysia: First 300 units arrive ahead of launch

The fully imported (CBU) Stargazer range is priced as follows:

 

Interestingly, Hyundai Motor Malaysia is also addressing resale concerns with a Resale Value Protection programme, listing protected values of 70% in year three, 60% in year four and 50% in year five, with corresponding mileage limits of 60,000km, 80,000km and 100,000km.

Alongside this, an early-bird package advertised as worth RM4,600 includes an eight-year/160,000km warranty and eight free services or four years of servicing.

Existing Hyundai owners are also offered a RM1,000 All-Star Reward, while the booking fee is RM88. Buyers should check the programme’s eligibility and conditions, particularly how the protected resale value is calculated.

All three variants use the same 1,497cc Smartstream G1.5 MPI four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm at 4,500 rpm. It is paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), with two-wheel drive. Fuel tank capacity is 40 litres.

In other words, moving up the range buys more equipment and a different cabin arrangement, rather than additional power. How well that engine copes with a full passenger load is something a proper drive will need to establish.

The Style and Prime follow the familiar seven-seat MPV format, with a second-row bench that folds in a 60:40 split. The X replaces that bench with two captain’s chairs, bringing the total down to six seats, with 50:50 split folding for the second row.

That makes the X worth a look for families who prefer individual middle-row seats. It also means giving up one passenger space, so households that regularly travel with seven people will be better served by the Style or Prime.

Cabin trim changes with each variant. The Style has fabric seats, the Prime combines fabric and leatherette, and the X uses leatherette upholstery.

The entry model gets an eight-inch multimedia touchscreen and four speakers. Prime and X move to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and six speakers, and both add seat-back tables for second-row passengers. These are the sort of details that are easy to overlook on a specification list but could get regular use during a family stop along the way.

Prime and X also receive automatic climate control, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and Smart Cruise Control. Remote start using the smart key is listed among the Stargazer’s convenience features.

The more consequential upgrade, however, is safety. The Style has two airbags, while the Prime and X have six, along with the listed Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance systems.

Those systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist and High Beam Assist. Driver attention monitoring and a leading vehicle departure alert are also included, with the latter notifying the driver when the vehicle ahead moves off.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist can warn of approaching traffic when reversing and apply emergency braking if necessary. Safe Exit Assist is also listed for Prime and X, providing warnings about approaching traffic when occupants are opening a door.

For buyers comparing the Style with the Prime, the RM10,000 difference therefore covers considerably more than a larger screen and different upholstery. The additional airbags and driver assistance equipment deserve to be part of that calculation from the start.

Outside, all three variants have LED projection headlights with an automatic function, along with LED daytime running lights. Style rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, Prime gets 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, and X uses 17-inch gloss-black wheels.

The X also gets different front and rear bumpers, bridge-type roof rails and black Hyundai emblems. It is the largest of the three on paper, measuring 4,610 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,740 mm tall. Style and Prime measure 4,575 mm long and 1,780 mm wide, with heights of 1,695 mm and 1,710 mm respectively. All share a 2,780 mm wheelbase.

Colour choices comprise Titan Gray Metallic, Creamy White Pearl and Midnight Black Pearl, with Gravity Gold Matte exclusive to the X. By the way, that Gravity Gold Matte is a really nice colour.

On the equipment list, the Prime makes a strong case as the starting point for buyers who want seven seats alongside the fuller safety package.

The X asks another RM12,000 for its six-seat arrangement, different upholstery and exterior treatment. Whether those individual middle-row chairs suit the family better than a bench is a decision best made with everyone along for the showroom visit.

Here’s how the three Hyundai Stargazer variants compare in terms of equipment.

Hyundai Stargazer Style — RM99,800

• Smartstream 1.5-litre petrol engine with Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
• Seven-seat layout with fabric upholstery.
• 16-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster display.
• Eight-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Reversing camera.
• Two airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal and Vehicle Stability Management.

Hyundai Stargazer Prime — RM109,800

Key upgrades over the Style include:

• 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
• Rear disc brakes.
• 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.
• Fabric and leatherette upholstery.
• Six airbags.
• Tyre pressure monitoring system.
• Rear occupant alert.
• Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance systems.

Hyundai Stargazer X — RM121,800

Key changes over the Prime include:

• Six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs.
• Leatherette upholstery.
• Gloss-black alloy wheels.
• X-specific body cladding, black Hyundai emblems and bridge-type roof rails.
• Floating centre console.
• Shift-by-wire gear selector and paddle shifters.
• Wireless smartphone charger.
• Digital video recorder.

Also Read: Hyundai Tucson prices cut by up to RM8,088 in Malaysia, now from RM159,800