Hyundai Cista: A formidable rival to the Toyota Innova Cross, a worthy family car choice

The Hyundai Custin offers a superior driving experience, with a wide range of convenient and safe features, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a family-friendly MPV from Korea.

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Despite the general difficulties of the market, many new products are still being introduced to Vietnamese customers in 2023. Among them, Hyundai Custin can be considered a standout name as it enters the popular 7-seater MPV segment, with a retail price that is considered relatively good.

Specifically, this model is assembled domestically with 3 versions and a starting price from VND 850 million and up to VND 999 million. Custin is positioned in the midsize MPV segment, directly competing with the Toyota Innova Cross (introduced in October 2023).

Hyundai Custin first debuted in Vietnam in mid-September 2023.

Although only being sold in the last 3 months of 2023, Hyundai Custin still recorded impressive sales results: 1,662 units, three times higher than the Innova Cross (529 units). This number shows that Custin was quickly embraced by Vietnamese customers, despite being a new product.

So, what makes this MPV attractive? Let’s find out in this article. The experienced version is the top-of-the-line 2.0T, with a price of VND 999 million.

Exterior of Hyundai Custin: sporty and highly recognizable

The overall design of Hyundai Custin brings a SUV feel with many angular lines. The front end reminds us of the Tucson model with a cluster of lights and LED daytime running lights hidden in a large grille.

The front lighting cluster uses LED bulbs, with automatic on/off function, but the lower lights are halogen.

The electric sliding side doors of the car are smooth and reminiscent of the famous Kia Sedona sliding door model, suitable for family and private passenger transportation.

The rearview mirror can be adjusted/folded electronically, with integrated turn signals and heating function. The 360-degree camera is designed quite compactly at the base of the mirror, without protruding like many other car models.

In the highest trim level, Hyundai Custin is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and 4-wheel disc brakes.

The length, width and height of the car are 4,950 mm, 1,850 mm and 1,725 mm respectively.

The two LED taillights of the car are connected and hang down to form the letter “C”, providing good visibility when moving on the road.

Interior of Hyundai Custin: user-friendly with many conveniences

Entering the interior, the Hyundai Custin’s interior gives a minimalist yet modern feel.

The dashboard of the car is wrapped in leather, with plastic trim, metal trim and decorative lights.

The steering wheel has a familiar design, similar to the “sibling” Stargazer.

There are paddle shifters behind.

The 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster changes color interface depending on the driving mode.

The 10.4-inch vertical entertainment screen is equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Removing physical buttons enhances aesthetics but can be inconvenient when adjusting air conditioning or cooling/heating the front seats on the center screen.

Below the screen is a wireless phone charging pad Qi standard and a USB-A connection port.

The car is equipped with a gear lever, which takes some time for users to get used to.

The mode switch button is placed next to the electronic parking brake and the auto hold function, which is relatively easy to use.

Below the “saddle” is an empty compartment to provide additional storage space for users.

The front seats can be adjusted electronically.

The driver’s seat has memory for 2 positions.

All windows can be adjusted with a single touch.

The passenger seat has buttons to adjust forward/backward and tilt forward/backward on the side, which helps the second-row passengers actively adjust the rear space.

Behind the front seat armrest is an air vent for the second-row seats, integrated with 2 USB-A phone charging ports, 1 wireless charging pad and buttons to adjust the heating/cooling for the second-row seats.

The second-row seats are a highlight of the highest trim level of Hyundai Custin, designed in a business class style with full armrests and power-adjustable footrests.

These seats also have a memory function.

This is also the only seat equipped with a sunshade, but it can only be adjusted manually.

The standard version of Hyundai Custin does not have a dual sunroof.

The third-row seats have all 3 headrests, a relatively deep tilt and spacious seating space thanks to a wheelbase of up to 3,055 mm.

Both sides of the third-row seats have cup holders and vent adjustment knobs.

When needed, the third-row seats of Custin can be folded flat to increase luggage space.

Smooth operation, the frame system is an advantage

In the top-of-the-line version, Hyundai Custin is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, producing a maximum power of 233 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and a peak torque of 353 Nm at 1,500 – 4,000 RPM. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, combined with front-wheel drive.

The engine compartment of Hyundai Custin.

In real-world driving with Hyundai Custin, the first impression is the wide visibility thanks to the small A-pillar and the lowered side mirrors. Next, the car has a good ability to soundproof the environment, eliminating much of the noise when traveling in the city.

Depending on the driving mode, the car will automatically adjust the throttle response and the steering wheel weight. This setting is suitable for the diverse driving styles of many people. For example, in Eco mode, the steering wheel of the car is quite light, and the throttle travel is lengthened to allow the driver to move leisurely in the city.

In Sport mode, the throttle of the car is relatively sensitive, the steering wheel is slightly tighter, and it has high precision and good steering response. The engine achieves maximum torque at low RPMs, helping the car have good pulling power, although there is still a slight delay due to the turbocharging system.

The 8-speed automatic transmission of the car shifts quite smoothly.

The suspension system of Hyundai Custin is relatively firm but quickly dampens vibrations. In corners, the car has good road grip due to the low ground clearance (170 mm), the body rolls very lightly and quickly stabilizes.

Overall, this Korean MPV provides a good driving experience. Those who enjoy driving will like the slightly heavier steering wheel, but in any case, Custin is designed for a family-oriented model that prioritizes comfort and smoothness.

Full-equipped Safety Features

Similar to previous models, Hyundai Custin is equipped with quite a full range of safety features on the highest trim level. Notably, the car is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense active safety package, including: Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Adaptive High Beam Assist (AHB), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).

The 360-degree camera of the car is relatively sharp and displays the surrounding environment well.

Conclusion

With its range of conveniences and safety features, Hyundai Custin will be a worthy family car option for users who prioritize spacious 7-seat space, good sound insulation, comfortable and smooth driving experience, and many driver support technologies.

The driving experience is sufficient, the steering wheel is slightly light but does not give a loose feeling, and the turbocharged engine provides good overtaking ability when needed.

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