If launched in India, Hyundai Custo could bridge the gap between Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carnival
Hyundai is the second largest carmaker in India and has a sizable number of offerings under its roof. The company has strongholds in almost every segment including hatchback, SUV and sedans. However, the Korean automaker has sorely missed a proper MPV under its portfolio especially in a mass market such as India.
A set of patent images of the upcoming Hyundai premium MPV has been leaked online. Rumoured to be called Custo, this MPV has been specifically developed for Asian markets though initially it will only be sold in the Chinese market. Test mules of the upcoming MPV were spotted in China a few months ago.
As per earlier reports, Custo is being developed by a joint venture between BAIC Motor of China and Beijing Hyundai. Rumours of this MPV being built on the new generation Kia Carnival’s platform were earlier squashed even though recent patent images show lots of similarities in the shape and silhouette between Custo and its Korean cousin. While it is expected to be pitched as a premium offering by Hyundai, it will undercut the new-gen Carnival slightly in terms of its pricing.
Exterior Styling
Speaking of its design, the MPV flaunts a massive radiator grille assembly with chrome inserts. The grille is flanked by a pair of sharp LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs.
The muscular front bumper exhibits the fog lamp housings lined with chrome, a wide central air intake and a flat bonnet that slopes downwards for improved visibility. Along its side profile, Custo gets a large window panel in the middle row which encompasses a heavily raked A-pillar.
Both front and rear door handles are placed near the B-pillar while the rear doors, as seen in the Chinese test mules, slide open and close. Other highlights on the side profile include a long roofline with a roof-mounted rear spoiler, almost squared wheel arches, conventional pull-style body-coloured door handles and cuts and creases across the profile. At its rear end, it boasts of combination LED taillights with a thin strip of LED connecting the lamps across the flat tailgate.
Expected Features & Powertrain
The interiors of Custo are expected to be premium with the use of high-quality materials and modern features such as a vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment unit, a colour TFT instrument console and a multi-functional steering wheel. It is expected to be made available in multiple seating configurations such as a 6-seater, 7-seater or 8-seater.
In terms of powertrain, it is likely to be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine which pumps out 237 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Possible India Launch
As far as its India launch is concerned, Hyundai hasn’t indicated any plans if and when this MPV would reach our shores. Recently, images of the carmaker’s upcoming luxury MPV named Staria were revealed. The name has been trademarked in several Asian markets including India.
