Also, new variants of Staria and Stargazer join the fray
If you're looking for an MPV, Hyundai has the most comprehensive lineup in the market today. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA
A little over a year ago, Hyundai Motor Philippines was starting fresh, having to rebuild the brand from the ground up after taking over from the previous distributor. Fast-forward to the present and it has one of the most comprehensive vehicle lineups in the market, including two award-winning EVs.
Now, the automaker aims to capitalize on the ever-growing MPV segment on all fronts. It started with the Stargazer and the Staria, both well-received by Filipinos. Today, it introduced two more new vehicles and two new variants of existing models.
Meet the Custin and the Stargazer X.
The Custin is a handsome-looking minivan, don't you think? PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
The Custin has a stature of 4,950mm/1,850mm/1,725mm and a wheelbase of 3,055mm—slotting in between the Staria and the Stargazer. This is perfect for families that want a luxurious people-mover without the large size of a full-size van.
It comes in two variants:
- 1.5T Premium – P2,080,000
- 1.5 GLS – P1,770,000
This minivan has a parametric diamond-design grille with hidden daytime running lights, similar to the rest of the lineup. It rides on 18-inch wheels with a “dynamic blade” design (17 for the lower trim), and has sliding rear doors to make ingress and egress easier. Finally, the rear has futuristic aircraft-wing-like taillights and “Hyundai” emblazoned for additional flair.
The second row is the killer feature of the Custin. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA
Shown off here is the top-of-the-line variant with Premium Relaxation Seats, upholstered in beige quilted leather (the standard one comes with black leather).
Both have second-row captain’s seats, but this top variant has a whole lot of features: 10-way power seat adjustment, heating/cooling, memory functions, folding back-seat tray tables with tablet stands, rear wireless chargers, dual sunroofs, and rear shades.
First- and third-row passengers won't be feeling like they got the short end of the stick. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA AND JUSTIN YOUNG
But that doesn’t mean the first row isn’t as special. The front has a 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Audio is routed through six speakers (four on the GLS). There is a digital instrument cluster, as well as a wireless charger and a button-type/shift-by-wire gear selector.
The third row has a traditional bench seat that can fold down if you need extra cargo space, which is accessible via a power tailgate (Premium only).
The Custin has a healthy assortment of tech and adequate power underneath the sheet metal. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
Powering this entire vehicle is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine pushing out 168hp and 253Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite is present. However, the Premium has additional tech such as Rear Cross Collision Avoidance, Rear Occupant Alert, and a 360° camera.
The car is available in three colors: Aurora Blue Pearl, Polar White, and Military Gray Metallic.
The Stargazer X is for those who want their MPVs to look a little more macho. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
Meanwhile, the Stargazer X slots in as the top-of-the-line variant for the nameplate, and is priced at P1,348,000.
We already saw it at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, but for a short recap, it sports revamped front and back bumpers, additional black cladding, a rear spoiler, and new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The vehicle has three new finishes: Creamy White Pearl, Magnetic Silver Metallic, and Dragon Red Pearl.
Additional interior tweaks help distinguish the Stargazer X from the other variants. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
Inside, the dashboard is revamped with a new piano-black fascia, and there is LED interior lighting to highlight the black leatherette seats with red stitching. Also, an electronic parking brake and front parking sensors debut in this model.
Otherwise, it is similar to the GLS in many ways, which isn't a bad thing. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
If you were expecting captain’s seats in the second row, you’ll only find a bench row back there for this variant.
Otherwise, it still has the same features as the top-of-the-line Stargazer GLS, like Remote Engine Start and Window Control, six USB ports, a wireless charger, a multitude of charging points, a rear tray table, and the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite. The same 1.5-liter gasoline engine powers the vehicle as well, with 113hp and 143.8Nm being sent to the front wheels via a CVT.
The Staria and the Stargazer also get updated with luxury-oriented seating. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA
Finally, two of the brand’s popular MPVs see extra seating configurations. The Staria gains a more family-friendly nine-seater configuration based on the Premium+ AWD variant for P2,830,000, and the six-seater Stargazer that was previewed at this year’s Manila International Auto Show is now available and can be yours for P1,298,000.
Which ones are you eyeing?
Keyword: Hyundai PH fortifies its MPV lineup with Custin and Stargazer X