Hyundai Custo makes ASEAN debut as the Custin

Less than two weeks ago we reported that it looks like Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) will soon be launching the Custo minivan with the possibility of it being named the Custin. We now have more reason to believe so.

Hyundai has just held the regional debut of the Hyundai Custo for the ASEAN region with its introduction as the Custin in Vietnam. The 5-door 7-seater minivan was unveiled for the Chinese market in 2021 and has since been made available in Taiwan where it also makes use of the Custin nameplate.

Highly likely to be launching here in the Philippines on October 16, 2023 based on a teaser sent by HMPH, it may compete directly with the likes of the Toyota Alphard, or even the Kia Carnival which it shares its platform with. 

What can we expect?

So what can we expect from the Custin once it launches here? In terms of looks, it wears similar styling as the Tucson and Creta crossovers, making use of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language with its upswept headlights which are integrated into the parametric design front grille. It also features a rear light bar with the Hyundai name spelled-out above it.

Inside, the Custo gets a 7-passenger seating configuration in a 2-2-3 layout, with captain’s seats on the second row. Its interior leans on the upmarket side with its trendy floating center console and large portrait-oriented infotainment system.

For the Chinese market, the Hyundai Custo is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream-G Inline 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbo is also available making 236 hp and 353 Nm. 

The former will most likely be the option available locally if HMPH decides to source it from China as it can benefit from reduced taxes for vehicles with engines of less than 1,500 cc thanks to the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. If not, then there is the possibility of sourcing it from Vietnam as well as it is also manufactured there.

Do you think Hyundai Motor Philippines will be able to take a larger slice of the pie in the MPV/minivan segments with the Custin?