Spied: Clearer front shot of Malaysia-bound Hyundai Stargazer 7-seater MPV

Hyundai is planning to launch a 7-seater rival against the likes of the Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza, and Perodua Alza. Turns out that it might be called the Hyundai Stargazer and not the Staria after all.

Last month, we published a spyshot on a mysterious-looking vehicle that was certainly not the Hyundai Casper. All eyes are on the Stargazer then, with an Indonesian renderer imagined it looking like the Mitsubishi Xpander.

However, that only showed the rear of the MPV/SUV with recent spyshots courtesy of the Korean media showing clearer shots of the front and the side.

Though it is still heavily camouflaged, the front at least shows that the design could be based on the Hyundai Staria with its futuristic styling.

Also read: Rivalling the Kia Carnival, the Hyundai Staria might be the cheaper-yet-cooler 11-seater MPV

Moving on to the side and it looks like Hyundai is taking a copy from Mitsubishi’s playbook by giving the Stargazer an SUV-like design. Seeing how successful the Xpander has turned out to be in most ASEAN markets, perhaps Hyundai is thinking this design might appeal to buyers.

Also read: Mitsubishi Xpander maintains position as Philippines and Indonesia’s best-selling MPV in July 2021

Speaking of the ASEAN market, at least one unit of the Stargazer was spotted in Indonesia. Hyundai is getting ready to open its first plant in Cikarang and it will be the Korean Lambang H’s automotive hub in Southeast Asia.

Also read: Hyundai to close Asia Pacific HQ in Malaysia, moving to Indonesia

Besides the Stargazer, the plant will also be assembling the Hyundai Creta and perhaps its 7-seater bigger brother, the Alcazar. The Stargazer is planned to be launched by the end of 2021 and Malaysia is one of those markets where the 7-seater is expected to arrive.