The Hyundai Stargazer recently broke cover and became the latest model to enter the hotly contested subcompact MPV category. With the headstart enjoyed by the likes of the Toyota Avanza and Rush, the Honda BR-V, the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Suzuki Ertiga, and another newcomer, the Nissan Livina, Hyundai’s affordable seven-seater has a lot to prove to sway Filipinos toward its fold. 

During our brief afternoon with the Hyundai Stargazer, we noticed how some of its design, technical, and safety features might endear the Korean MPV to the car masses.  However, not all three variants to be sold in Hyundai showrooms this coming November will have these specifications. So it is best to know what goes where before pulling the trigger in purchasing one.

LED Headlights with Highbeam Assist

Only the top-of-the-line GLS Premium will be equipped with LED headlights and Highbeam Assist. This safety feature automatically sets the headlights to low beam from high when there’s oncoming traffic or a car directly ahead. 

The rear combination lamps will also be equipped with LEDs in both GLS trims, while the GL will only have standard bulbs. 

In today’s modern world, brighter and farther-reaching LEDs have become the new standard for improved visibility and increased safety at night. While the aftermarket can provide you the LED light pieces, the light sensor embedded in the car won’t be so easy to install, let alone find in the showroom. 

Black and Chrome Front Grille

Again the GLS and GLS Premium get the better deal with the futuristic contrasting dark grille. This color treatment breaks the one-piece look of the Hyundai Stargazer’s front end. We’ve noticed the base model versions of the Hyundai Staria, for example, have a body-colored front grille that can look too basic and plain. 

Artificial leather

The steering wheel and seats of the GLS line both sport artificial leather covers. These make the high-touch surfaces feel more premium and elegant. Plus, they are easier to clean, too, in case a toddler decides to drop a few biscuit crumbs or spill a drink. Fabric seats typically develop stains.

Center Arm Rest 

Passengers will appreciate the comfort of having an area to lay down their arms, especially on long drives. The second row also benefits from this physical divider, with the middle seatback offering a low barrier to segregate passengers.

Sunvisor mirror

It may seem basic, but having this for both driver and passenger sides can be a blessing, especially for those last-minute retouches and checks. Both GLS trims have a mirror built into the driver and passenger sun visors, and the GL, on the other hand, has a mirror only on the driver’s side. 

Seatback table and hidden tray

Sometimes it's the simplest of things that can change the way you ride as a passenger. Take the seatback table that folds out behind the front passenger seat. And in the same token, the hidden tray and crash pad in the dashboard. These little items make life easier for our passengers. The extra space and utility will often help you 

8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment

Equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchscreen display of the GLS variants is more capable and presentable compared to the standard radio and monotone LCD in the GL. Again, the aftermarket can help level up a GL, but it will usually involve replacing a panel aside from the radio.

Even the instrument cluster has seen a significant update in the Hyundai Stargazer. The Supervision 4.2" TFT LCD panel in front of the steering wheel lets you see information clearly, and with fewer physical components versus the old generation instrument cluster.

Smart Key and Remote Button Start

Ah, the party trick that ends all party tricks. Aside from impressing friends and non-Stargazer owners, having the ability to start the engine remotely using your car's key fob can be a convenience feature worth the extra cash. Found in the GLS models, this lets you start the vehicle’s engine and, with the air conditioning on, cool down the interiors even before you get to the car itself. 

Wireless charger

Having this means one less USB cable to deal with. It lets you pick up your phone without wresting with the charging cable. This feature works best with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

Advanced Driver Assistance System

This is where the Hyundai Stargazer pulls ahead of the pack. While the focus of the competition is on offering the basics to bring down their prices, Hyundai decided to stuff the GLS Premium with modern safety features commonly found in higher-priced SUVs and sedans.  The following are the exclusive domain of what will presumably be the most expensive variant in the Hyundai Stargazer lineup. 

• High Beam Assist
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Warning
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with car and pedestrian detection
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

You can argue that the potential difference in price from the base model GL to the mid-level GLS and top-end GLS Premium might become your budget for an extensive mod and upgrade journey so you can be at par with the more equipped trims. But that could also void your Stragazer’s warranty.

There are just some systems you can’t buy or install after buying the car. The ADAS features alone might help you avoid a terrible accident on the road. And for instances that involve your family’s life or death, these are features you just can’t put a price on.