All starting from below RM 100k: Hyundai Stargazer vs Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Veloz in Malaysia; what's your pick?

Set to launch later this year, the Hyundai Stargazer is an important model for Hyundai Malaysia, as it is set to be the company’s most affordable model, with an estimated price of RM 99,XXX for the entry-level Style variant.

With the Stargazer being a B-segment MPV, it has its sights set on well-established rivals such as the Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Exterior

While the Stargazer’s rivals feature an aggressive and sporty front fascia, the Stargazer opts for a more laid-back, yet muscular front-end – the headlights are projector LEDs, matching the Xpander and one ups the Veloz’s reflector LED units.

There’s also a rugged-looking front bumper finished in a contrasting colour, which helps the Stargazer to stand out in the sea of normal-looking MPVs.

Towards the rear end, the contrasting colour bumper continues, with a H-shaped LED tail lights nestled above. Unlike the Veloz and Xpander with their tailgate-mounted number plate, the Stargazer’s number plate is positioned on the rear bumper.

Hyundai has also stated that the Stargazer will be fitted with two wheel sizes – 16- and 17-inches.

If the regular Stargazer looks too plebian for you, fret not – the aggressive-looking Stargazer X is also coming to Malaysia, encompassing a more swollen lower edge air intakes, as well as fender arches and more silver trim pieces.

Interior

The Stargazer’s cabin’s nice too – the Prime and X variants both offer dual 10.25-inch displays, one that serves as a digital driver display, and the other is the infotainment display, for an extra-wide cockpit.

Crucial touchpoints, like the volume control and air-conditioning controls, are physical buttons, which are par for the course. Furthermore, the Stargazer and Xpander both offer USB-C charging ports; the Veloz is still stuck on USB-A ports.

Further one-upping itself from its similarly-priced rivals is the fitment of the second-row captain seats on the Stargazer X variant.

Powertrain

The Hyundai Stargazer continues to show its strength in the powertrain department, as its naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine is the most powerful amongst its rivals:

• Stargazer: 115 PS, 143 Nm
• Xpander: 105 PS, 141 Nm
• Veloz: 106 PS, 138 Nm

This engine is mated to a CVT, which Hyundai calls Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), driving both front wheels. This is in-line with the Veloz, which also gets a CVT. Mitsubishi's the only outlier here, with the Xpander using a 4-speed automatic.

Safety

Both the Veloz and upper Stargazer variants are quite close when it comes to safety kit, as both offer adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.

Airbag count of the Stargazer ranges from 2 in the Style variant, matching the Xpander, while the Prime and X variants offer 6 airbags, which is in-line with the Veloz.

Conclusion

Shopping for a seven-seater MPV, will certainly be more exciting with the imminent arrival of the Hyundai Stargazer.

Plus, the six-seater Stargazer X is an interesting option for those wanting something different as this segment typically offers bench-style second-row seats. Keep in mind that captain seats are usually reserved for more expensive MPVs, not affordable MPVs like the Stargazer. 

Watch this space for more updates.