Initially making its debut at the 2023 Gaikindo International Auto Show (GIIAS), Hyundai Philippines is set to launch the all-new Hyundai Stargazer X on October 16, 2023. 

But wait, there is more as the South Korean automaker, through an official invite/ teaser image, has revealed that it is also launching another new vehicle alongside the SUV-fied Stargazer.

While the Hyundai Stargazer X is essentially what the Xpander Cross is to the Xpander, it comes with a few new features and a different interior to complete its more SUV-like appearance.

Also read: GIIAS: Hyundai Stargazer X launched, to arrive in the Philippines in Q4

What's the other car?

Hyundai Philippines has yet to reveal what the other vehicle will be. Still, given the teaser image and comparing it to what's available from the South Korean automaker in other markets, it could be the Hyundai Custo, given how it closely resembles the minivan compared to its available crossovers.

The bodylines are similar, especially with the chrome accent at the end. The front of the vehicle also closely matches its available images, along with its alloy wheel design.

Based on what is available on the brand’s Chinese website, the Custo could be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine that makes 170 PS and 253 Nm of torque. It also has an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.  It's also fairly fuel-efficient, with the website claiming it can do 7.4/100 km/L.

A Kia Carnival rival?

For those who don’t know, the Hyundai Custo sits on the same platform as the Kia Carnival but shares similar styling to the Hyundai Tucson. 

The minivan has sliding doors and can accommodate seven passengers, similar to the high-end Hyundai Staria.

However, compared to its Kia rival, the Custo is slightly smaller as it measures 4,950 mm long, 1850 mm wide, and 1734 mm tall, which is 205mm shorter in length, 261mm thinner, and 6mm shorter in height compared to its Kia counterpart.

As the local specifications for this minivan are still unknown, we suspect it will slot in under the Hyundai Staria, given its engine displacement, and may rival the likes of the Toyota Innova. 

Do you think the Custo has a place in the Philippine market if priced competitively enough?

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