Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) is making for a one last push in the last quarter of 2023 by bringing in more options for families searching for an MPV. They unveiled the new top of the line in the Stargazer lineup with the Stargazer X, and a new name in the Custin. These two will join the Staria and standard Stargazer in HMPH’s people-hauling choices here in the Philippines and they are priced very competitively in their segments.
Stargazer X
Hyundai is joining the bandwagon of roughed up MPV variants with the new Stargazer X priced at PHP 1,3480,000. It serves as the new top of the line trim of the Stargazer. What sets the Stargazer X over the standard is the grille. Here there’s a 3D grille with protruding silver accents that give off a futuristic vibe. The headlights received black inserts between the lighting assemblies while the lower bumper got a touch up as well. And while the standard has a flat hood, the Stargazer X now features contours that complement the design changes upfront.
At the side is a bigger set of wheels at 17-inches with a more contemporary design, with disc brakes now available on all corners. There’s cladding on the wheel arcs and skirts, and load-bearing roof-rails that flank the blacked-out top. The sporty styling continues at the back with the spoiler and revised bumper. Of course, the emblem at the tailgate handle was updated to have the ‘X’.
Things are a bit darker this time around in the Stargazer X thanks to the black dashboard materials. Hyundai also gave it more allure by putting a piano black housing on the touchscreen up to the surrounding area of the digital gauge cluster. The seats get a nice standout contrast courtesy of the red piping and threads, while the front has a new design accent on the backrest. They also did away with the manual handbrake and replaced it with an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.
Under the hood is the same powertrain setup from the Stargazer, which is a 1.5-liter Smartstream engine, paired to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. The safety features are the same as the Stargazer GLS too meaning this has the advanced driver assist system that includes Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and High Beam Assist among others.
Custin
The new Hyundai Custin is priced at PHP1,770,000 to PHP 2,080,000. It has an MPV shape, but a minivan styling and will serve as the midway point between the Stargazer and the Staria. This gives Hyundai a more flexible lineup in terms of price point and options as well.
The Custin can be pitted against the Toyota Innova in terms of size and price, only the Custin is longer and wider while the Innova is a tad taller. The Custin is also a runaway winner in styling by having the right amount of flair in key areas. Upfront there’s a black Parametric Diamond grille flanked by an all-LED lighting system, with the DRL integrated into the sides of the grille. On top of this is a chrome strip with “CUSTIN” stamped on it. Complementing this assembly are thin pieces of chrome on the fog light housing and lower bumper, as well as a flat silver faux diffuser.
The Custin is available with powered sliding doors and all four wheels are backed by disc brakes. There’s also a relatively subtle triangular detail by the cladding on the doors. This gives the Custin some style points especially when combined with the chrome outline of the windows. The rear gets some fashion points too thanks to the slim LED pattern on the clearance lights and the continuation of the triangles on the side skirt towards the corner of the rear bumpers.
Inside is a bright interior theme with the dashboard in a driver-centric layout. There’s a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster that’s situated flush on the dash, giving the driver better visibility while on the road. The same goes for the 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s situated at the center of the console divider and the dashboard.
The second row feature premium relaxation seats with ventilation and memory. There’s also a wireless charger for the second row, as well as foldable tables and rear curtains. Other amenities include automatic climate control, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, sunroof, and a 3-seater third row.
Under the hood of the Custin is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 170PS and 253 Nm of torque. Unlike the Stargazer, the Custin makes use of an 8-speed automatic and not Hyundai’s IVT. Both variants will have driving modes namely Eco, Smart, Comfort, and Sport.
Standard safety features for the Custin are also formidable. It comes with Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and 6 airbags. Of course, Hyundai included their Smartsense Technology like the Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Surround View Monitor, and Manual Speed Limit Assist among others.
Additional Trims
Apart from these two, HMPH also updated the variants of the other MPVs. The standard Stargazer is now available in a 6-seater configuration thanks to captain seats in the second row. It’s priced at PHP 1,298,000 or only PHP10,000 more expensive than the 7-seater counterpart.
The Staria also got a nice update for those with more people in the family. The Premium+ variant is now available in a 9-seater configuration, but is priced PHP 200k lower at PHP 2,830,000. It lets go of the panoramic sunroof in lieu for 2 more captain seats that can swivel 180-degrees.
