[Quick Review] New Hyundai Custo Set to Launch in Vietnam: Kia Carnival, Be Prepared

In Vietnam, while the Hyundai Staria has found its niche market as a specialized vehicle (particularly for transporting money and for rescue purposes), the Kia Carnival is the only minivan that has managed to achieve success and dominate the segment. Vietnamese consumers have witnessed past failures with models like the Ford Tourneo and Peugeot Traveller.

Thus, the window of opportunity for another MPV model is quite narrow, given the crowded 7-seater MPV segment with strong competitors such as the Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Veloz Cross, Suzuki XL7/Ertiga, and most recently the Honda BR-V. Even its sibling model, the Hyundai Stargazer, is struggling to find its place in this segment despite having a very competitive price.

With the Hyundai Custo being sold exclusively in one market for less than a year, it is still too early to draw any definitive conclusions about it since there is not much information available. Therefore, the question remains: is the introduction of the Hyundai Custo (or Custin in Vietnam) a risky move or not? Let’s dive into the details of this product to find out.

In terms of size, the Hyundai Custo is positioned between its sibling model, the Stargazer, and its competitor, the Kia Carnival. It has dimensions of 4,950 x 1,850 x 1,734 mm (length x width x height) with a wheelbase of 3,055 mm. The exterior design of the Custo bears resemblance to the Hyundai Tucson, featuring a diamond-style Parametric Jewel Hidden Light grille.

The rear end of the car is eye-catching with seamless LED taillights and a curved hook-like design on the sides. The car also sports sharp dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. Being a true MPV, the Custo is equipped with sliding doors on both sides that automatically open and close. The trunk also supports electric opening and closing.

For an MPV model, the interior cabin is of utmost importance. This is also an area where the Hyundai Custo excels. The three rows of seats are arranged in a 2+2+3 configuration. The interior space is roomy, with the standout feature being the second-row seats designed as Captain’s chairs with separate armrests. Moreover, these two seats are electronically adjustable to multiple positions and can recline deeply, providing passengers with a comfortable bed-like experience on long journeys.

As a vehicle originating from China, it is no surprise that the Hyundai Custo is equipped with a range of modern technologies and abundant conveniences. Notable features include premium power-adjustable leather seats with memory function, heating and cooling capabilities, a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic tri-zone air conditioning with dedicated vents for all three rows of seats, interior ambient lighting, remote start with keyless entry, steering wheel paddle shifters, electric parking brake with Auto Hold, four selectable driving modes, and a button-type electronic shifter…

Furthermore, the Hyundai Custo has earned high marks in terms of safety, boasting advanced technologies such as the N3 platform that meets global standards (shared with models like the Santa Fe, Sorento, Sonata, K5, and Carnival), 6 airbags, door open warning, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Hyundai Smartsense package provides additional active safety features, including lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, and smart cruise control…

When it comes to powertrain performance, the Hyundai Custo is positioned between the cheaper MPV models and the more premium Kia Carnival. It is equipped with either a SmartStream 1.5L turbocharged engine or a 2.0L turbocharged engine, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5L engine delivers a peak power of 168 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, while the 2.0L engine offers 233 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque.

Based on these specifications, the estimated price of the Hyundai Custo is expected to be under 1 billion VND, depending on the variant. If this turns out to be true, it would be a clever move by the Hyundai Custo, leveraging its competitive price to challenge the segment’s giant, the Kia Carnival.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)

Source: T?ng h?p