The Philippine market may have gotten the Hyundai Stargazer a little earlier than Thailand, but in this case, getting it a bit later doesn't seem so bad at all.

Hyundai launched the Thailand-spec Stargazer at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show, and the basics are completely identical to what we have here in the Philippines – same body, wheels, 1.5-liter engine, IVT, Hyundai Smartsense, and so on and so forth.

Apart from the black roof for its top-spec model, what the Thailand-spec Stargazer gets differently is found inside. And yes, Hyundai has slightly changed the design and replaced the material of the panel that houses both the infotainment touchscreen and the instrument cluster.

Thai-spec Hyundai Stargazer dashboard

They trimmed a bit of excess material at the top of the instrument cluster to probably address visibility issues which we also found out when we reviewed the top-spec GLS Premium variant recently. Furthermore, the gray plastic trim has been changed to a piano black finish, giving the Stargazer's dashboard a more upscale look.

Aside from the dashboard revision, the top-spec Smart variants for the Thai market get additional ambient lighting inside, as well as an auto climate control system. They also have a 6-seater version with 2nd-row captain seats for the top-of-the-line model.

PH-spec Hyundai Stargazer dashboard

The interior update comes as a surprise as the Stargazer just made its global debut in July last year. With Thailand units also coming from Indonesia, does this mean an early interior update is also on the cards for the Philippine market?

Well, that's one thing we'll have to find out. The 2023 Manila International Auto Show is coming this April, and Hyundai Motor Philippines will be participating. Let's see if they will show it.