FIRST DRIVE: 2024 Hyundai Custin 1.5T GDI Premium

Hyundai Philippines recently launched the all-new Hyundai Custin alongside the Hyundai Stargazer X and a new variant of the Staria.

At the launch event, the South Korean automaker allowed us to test out all these vehicles on a short test drive course where we could see how the new Custin would handle. The united we tested was the top-spec model with a white interior.

However, we must disclose that the MPV was in shipping mode when we tested it. Its performance may differ once it has been unlocked from that mode.

A Tucson with a minivan body

The Hyundai Custin shares the same futuristic design language as its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, with how the automaker integrated the lighting elements with the grille. It looks more like an SUV at the front, but once you get to the side, you’ll see it has power sliding doors, giving it a more minivan-like appeal.

At the back, the Hyundai MPV has an LED strip stretching the tailgate's width along with angular LED lights. The signal lights are found on the bumper along with its reverse light, making it hard for the vehicle at the back to see if they get too close. 

Premium interior

The interior of the Hyundai Custin is premium in its execution, with soft-touch materials prevalent around the cabin. It has a layered design with a faux wood accent that runs the length of the passenger side of the dashboard. Aside from this, it has horizontal air vents, which are larger for the driver.  The front seats are supportive, comfortable, and have power adjustability to help quickly get you into the correct position.

The second row is the place to be in the Custin as it comes with 10-way power adjustability and ventilation. It also has a memory function and thigh support for extra comfort.

I had no complaints with the cabin of the new MPV as it was quiet, refined, and comfortable. However, its air conditioning system may need a boost, as even with it at full blast; we noticed that it struggled to cool down the cabin quickly on a hot day. It also has a lot of black piano plastics, which are fingerprint and scratch magnets.  

Regardless, it's an overall well-built package that carries a premium feel.

The UI needs improvement

The Hyundai Custin has a pair of digital displays; the first serves as the instrument cluster, and the second is the infotainment system.

The infotainment system does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is connected to an 8-speaker sound system. It also has a wireless charger and a button-style gear selector.

These function flawlessly and quickly, but they have one quirk: the user interface. The UI doesn’t quite fit the premium aesthetic the brand seeks with the vehicle, as the icons look like they came from an older model Android phone. You also have to do a bit of menu shuffling to adjust the air conditioning system, which can be a hassle, especially if you have to take your eyes off the road. Aside from this, everything works as intended.

It also has a button-type gear selector which may take sometime to get used to, but it does shift into Drive and Reverse quickly which a good thing.

Linear power delivery and comfortable handling

The Hyundai Custin is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 170 PS and 253 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic. Power comes in smoothly as the gearbox manages it well to ensure the car doesn’t spin off the line. However, the MPV has a bit of turbo lag, with torque coming in at the higher end of the rev range.

As for its handling, the MPV is pliant on smooth roads and handles corners well. However, we noticed the rear suspension is slightly delayed when conveying body roll. It's okay, as we know that the Custin was designed for comfort, but from a handling point of view, it's hard to get a read on what the rear suspension is doing.

Regardless of this, it's a well-sorted package that's worth its ₱1,770,000 starting price point. If you are after an MPV with sliding doors and don’t want to spend over ₱2.1 million, this is the one to get. 

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