Check out this sharp-looking little people-mover from Hyundai, called the Stargazer, designed “explicitly” for our northern neighbours in Indonesia but reminding us of the brand’s cheap-and-cheerful past.
While not for Australia, it’s always interesting to see what else is out there. This little MPV is pure Staria up front with its LED light signature, with side creasing very reminiscent of the new Tucson, and tail lights shaped like a fighter ship from Star Wars.
Staria 
Tucson 
Stargazer
Despite being a modest 4460mm in length – midway between the Kona and Tucson – the Stargazer packs in three rows of seating for either six or seven people, though I can’t imagine legroom is all that adult-friendly throughout…
The interior is laid out with storage spots and plane-style tables, and offers features such as captain’s chairs in the middle row that slide, tilt and raise; a digital cluster; 8.0-inch centre touchscreen; a wireless charger; and integration with Hyundai’s Bluelink app services – also rolling out in Australia shortly.
Within the third row folded there’s a claimed 585L of boot space, matching a typical medium SUV.
You won’t get anywhere in a hurry though, based on the 1.5-litre petrol engine’s modest 85kW power output mated to a CVT automatic.
It’s not entirely clear what the safety credentials are, though listed features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and active blind-spot monitoring with collision assist.
Even if the Stargazer was made to meet Australian-market expectations, it’s doubtful there’d be much demand these days, given the SUV boom.
Past small people-mover offerings in Australia have included the Kia Rondo, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Renault Scenic, Holden Zafira, Citroen C4 Picasso, and Mazda Premacy. Hyundai also sold a car called the Elantra LaVita, designed by Pininfarina, in the early 2000s. RIP.
Of this bunch, only the B-Class survives here to this day.
In Indonesia, the Stargazer rivals the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Avanza in a crowded people mover segment. The Avanza was Indonesia’s best-selling car last year.
