Entering into the MPV segment is the Custin, Hyundai’s latest comfort cruiser offering in the Philippines. Its exterior design is both sleek and dynamic, featuring a unique front grille with a distinctive pattern and sharp LED headlights that give it a contemporary and sophisticated look. The vehicle's smooth and flowing lines add a sense of aerodynamic efficiency. Named after the French explorer Jacques Cousteau, the Custin evokes a sense of adventure, whether it be behind the wheel or simply riding inside it.
Inside the Hyundai Custin, you'll find a spacious and well-designed cabin that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The layout is practical, with versatile seating arrangements and ample cargo space, qualities you see in almost all of Hyundai’s local offerings today.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Custo is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream gasoline engine that produces 167 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This powertrain is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission providing a smooth driving experience.
Launch
The Custin was introduced to the Philippine market alongside the Stargazer X on October 16, 2023. At launch, Hyundai offered the Custin in two variants, the first is the GLS 8AT which had a P1,770,000 price tag, followed by the Premium 8AT which slightly exceeds the P2 million mark at P2,080,000.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Custin rides on the Hyundai N Platform, a vehicle platform it shares with the Tucson, the Santa Fe, and the Kia Carnival. Under the hood, the Custin is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream gasoline engine that pumps out 167 hp and 253 Nm of torque. This power unit is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the Custin’s front wheels. Regarding its suspension components, the Custin has MacPherson struts at the front while a coupled torsion beam axle serves as the Custin's rear suspension.
Chassis
Class
Minivan
Body Style
5-door minivan
Platform
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Hyundai-Kia N3
Powertrain
Engine
1.5 liter four-cylinders gasoline engine
Power Output
167 horsepower
253 newton-meter torque
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Technology Features
The tech features of the Custin start with the 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. The Custin GLS has four speakers equipped inside the cabin while the Premium has an additional two speakers. Other added extras for the Custin Premium include power-adjustable seats for the first and second row of seats, and the Hyundai Smartsense suite of advanced driver aids. As for the air conditioning system, the Custin has an automatic climate control system for the front and a rear AC system for the rear portion with manual controls providing fresh, cold air for the cabin.
Exterior
One of the initial visual impressions of the Custin is its remarkable resemblance to the Hyundai Tucson, incorporating design elements in harmony with Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy. The exterior design exudes a combination of sleekness and dynamism, highlighted by a distinctive front grille with a unique pattern and sharp LED headlights that lend it a contemporary and sophisticated appearance. The Custin’s appearance has been finely executed to ride a fine line between understated elegance and excitement, as such, the exterior of the Custin can definitely suit the tastes of many.
Interior
Inside the Hyundai Custin, you'll find a spacious and well-designed cabin that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers with a 2-2-3 passenger layout. The interior is adorned with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The layout is practical, with versatile seating arrangements and ample cargo space, ensuring it's well-suited for family trips and daily commutes.
Safety
The Hyundai Custin boasts an impressive array of safety features and technologies designed to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers. The Custin Premium includes Hyundai’s Smartsense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, encompassing features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Other safety features include the standard set consisting of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), SRS airbags, and ISOFIX anchors. Standard safety features for both the GLS and Premium include a rear-view monitor and parking sensors.
Is there such a thing as a first-class seven-seater without the hefty mile-high price tag? The Hyundai Custin features a package that could be your ticket to the big-league captains' chairs-equipped vans without breaking the bank. It is a step above other cars in its price point, and one can say that it's comparable even to the premium vans out there. Is it worth its asking price? Find out on this episode of Behind the Wheel.
New for 2024 are two seven seaters with Hyundai badges. Check out the new Hyundai Custin and Stargazer X on this episode of Behind a Desk. While one is an MPV that's expanded upon with SUV-l...
