Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) bridges the huge gap between the Stargazer and Staria by introducing a new model – the Hyundai Custin that starts at PHP 1,770,000. Overall it has an MPV shape but its sliding second-row doors make it a minivan. Whatever the technicalities are, it will surely help in the last quarter push for HMPH in the sales charts.
Given its size and price point, the Hyundai Custin is not exactly a Kia Carnival or Toyota Alphard rival. It will be competing in the upper end of the 7-seater segment dominated by the Toyota Innova. In terms of size, the Custin has the advantage of being longer and wider, though the Toyota is a bit taller.
Being one segment smaller than other minivans worked well for the Hyundai Custin. It doesn’t have that long rectangular shape and instead, has an MPV vibe thanks to a contoured rear end and right sized windows on the back rows. It gets more MPV-ish once it gets dark and you can’t immediately see the railings of the powered sliding doors.
While other MPVs tend to be sporty or aggressive, the Hyundai Custin went into the stylish direction. It’s classy for sure but it went one step beyond 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.
At the sides are 16-inch alloy wheels with disc brakes on all corners. As mentioned earlier, the Custin is available with powered sliding doors but what sets it apart, again, is the triangular design by the cladding. 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. Speaking of, the contours are simpler this time around and the rear bumper itself doesn’t have much going on for it.
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 features captain seats or premium relaxation seats with ventilation and memory, depending on the variant. 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, powered sliding doors, and a 3-seater third row.
At the core 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.
The Hyundai Custin will be available in two variants starting at PHP 1,770,000 for the GLS and PHP 2,080,000 for the Premium. This includes the 5-year or 200,000km warranty from HMPH. There are only three color options namely Polar White, Military Gray Metallic, and Aurora Blue Pearl.