Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) continues to build on its strong people carrier lineup by adding the New Custin large MPV and the Stargazer X.
“As a mobility solutions provider, our role is to constantly search for ways to cater to the potentials of the market. The MPV segment here in the country proves to be one, with its exponential growth over the years,” said HMPH president Dongwook Lee. “Today, we present what luxury of movement is. Upgrades to our lineup were made so that our customers can have an even more exceptional MPV experience. We wish to ensure there is a Hyundai suited for every type of Filipino family, considering their lifestyle and must-haves.”
The Stargazer X
Two months after its debut at the Gaiikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Jakarta, the bolder, sportier, and more up-market variant of the Hyundai Stargazer has finally arrived in the Philippines.
The exterior of the Stargazer X features a black roof with rails and a new 3D-stacked front grille. In front, the hood sports new character lines and a restyled bumper. Over at the rear, you will find a new spoiler extension, a redesigned bumper, and a black lamp bezel around its signature H-shaped tail lights. On the sides are new sills and wheel arch trims highlighting the new 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Inside, the X exudes an aesthetic and more luxe feel. It has a new piano black dashboard panel, red stitching on the black seats, and an updated overhead console lamp. The cabin has 585 liters of space with flexible 2nd and 3rd-row seats that could accommodate different kinds of cargo.
Positioned as the top trim of the Stargazer lineup, the X has all the best-in-class convenience features of the Stargazer GLS premium variant. These features include remote engine start and window control, five (5) USB ports plus one wireless charging pad, thirty (30) storage solutions, and the seatback table. The Stargazer X sports an electronic parking brake with an integrated autohold function made possible by its new rear disc brakes. A front parking distance warning was added to the other class-leading features under Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
The Stargazer X is priced at Php 1,348,000 and is available in creamy white pearl, magnetic silver metallic, and dragon red pearl.
The new Custin large MPV
New to Hyundai Philippines’ lineup is the New Custin large MPV, positioned to elevate the standards of a modern family carrier. The Custin offers exceptional comfort, safety, and technology, and the Philippines is only the second market in ASEAN to market the nameplate.
The new Custin sports a parametric diamond-design grille with hidden daytime running lights. This unique design feature can also be found on the turn signal lamps, door handles, and sill trims. It has 18-inch dynamic blade aluminum alloy wheels and showcases aircraft wing-like tail lights. At the rear, spelled-out letters replace the Hyundai emblem.
The interior design of the Custin was inspired by a private jet. It has a slimmer “cockpit” and a flatter floor for maximum comfort. It has an overall length of 4,950 mm, a wheelbase of 3,055 mm, and a ground clearance of 170 mm, which allows for easier access for children and elderly passengers.
The top-of-the-line variant of the Custin comes with a 7-seat configuration that boasts 2nd-row captain chairs with a relaxation mode. This mode can be activated using the infotainment screen or the one-touch buttons on its armrest. The seats also have a 10-way power seat adjustment and ventilating and heating functions for a more relaxed ride. Completing the features are the dual sunroof, rear curtains, and backseat table with tablet stand.
The Custin has a 10.4-inch infotainment system that doubles as the surround and rearview monitor. It also operates with a button-type shift-by-wire transmission with an electronic parking brake and drive mode selector. Wireless chargers are available on the 1st and 2nd rows, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Additionally, it is fitted with smart power sliding doors for safer and easier entry and exit of passengers, even in tight parking spaces.
A 1.5-liter turbo-charged Smartstream engine powers the New Custin, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces a maximum power output of 170 PS and a maximum torque of 253 Nm. It uses continuous variable valve duration (CVVD) technology that controls the valve opening and closing times and an integrated thermal management system (ITMS) that improves the warm-up and flow of coolant in each state of use. These systems result in more optimal engine performance and increased fuel efficiency.
Hyundai SmartSense in the Custin includes forward-collision avoidance (FCA), lane keeping assist (LKA) and lane following assist (LFA), blind-spot collision avoidance (BCA), safe exit assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and rear occupant alert. The Custin has four (4) drive modes accessed with a flick of a lever: Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Smart, which automatically adjust to either of the first three based on driving habits and conditions.
The Custin is available in two variants: the 1.5 T-GDI GLS 8AT, priced at P1,770,000, and the top-of-the-line 1.5 T-GDI Premium 8AT, priced at P2,080,000. The initial color options are aurora blue pearl, polar white, and military gray metallic. The GLS variant sports a black monotone interior, while the Premium trim has an opulent light gray interior.
Additional variants
HMPH president Dongwook Lee also announced at the launch the availability of new configurations for the Stargazer and Staria. Both previewed during the Manila International Auto Show last April, the 6-seater Stargazer and the 9-seater Staria, are now available at Hyundai dealerships.
Hyundai Philippines vehicles come with a 5-year or 200,000-km (whichever comes first) warranty and are available from all authorized Hyundai dealerships in the country.