Hyundai’s Version Of Kia Carens, The Stargazer, Looks Like Nothing Else On The Road

Hyundai has taken the wraps off the Stargazer MPV, a Maruti Suzuki XL6 rival, in Indonesia. The Stargazer is nothing but Hyundai’s version of the Kia Carens in India. Considering that the Carens and Stargazer share the same platform, it’s likely that Hyundai could bring the new MPV to our country. So without further ado, here’s all the dope about the new Hyundai Stargazer. 

The Basics 

The Stargazer is based on the same platform as the Kia Carens. As you can see in the table below, save for the overall length, which is shorter by 80mm, the Stargazer has identical dimensions as the Carens. 

Exterior Design  

The Hyundai Stargazer, based on the carmaker’s One Curve Design, looks like nothing else on the road. Up front, there are sleek horizontal DRLs, below which is the large rectangular grille flanked by large LED headlights. 

Hyundai’s MPV has a nice cab forward silhouette with plenty of sharp creases and squared out wheel arches similar to the new Tucson. Plus, the funkily styled wheels look bold and add character to the design. The cutting and creasing continues to the rear end with vertically stacked, tall tail lamps. 

Interior Design  

The Stargazer’s layered dashboard design is much more straightforward and minimalist as compared to its radical exterior. Like the Grand i10 Nios, you get a floating touchscreen infotainment system, while the digitised driver's display is lifted off the Carens. When it comes to seating options, like the Carens, you get a choice of either a 6-seater with captain seats or a 7-seater with bench seats for middle row occupants. 

Features On Board 

In terms of features, the Stargazer gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push button start, and ambient lighting. 

Passenger safety is taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and parking sensors. It also gets select ADAS features such as lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, blindspot collision avoidance, and rear cross traffic collision avoidance. 

Engine Options  

In Indonesia, the Stargazer gets the 115PS, 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. If the Stargazer comes to India, Hyundai could plonk in the 115PS, 1.5-litre diesel and 140PS, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Carens. Both get a 6-speed manual, while the diesel engine is teamed with a 6-speed AT and the turbo-petrol gets a 7-speed DCT. 

Any India Launch Plans? 

 

Hyundai could consider offering the Stargazer in India considering that its platform and powertrain options are localised for the Carens. If launched, we expect it to be priced from around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), putting it in contention with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga/XL6, Kia Carens, and Mahindra Marazzo.