Imagine Tucson design in a minivan.
Although it might seem redundant to release teasers for the Custo, which is the most popular body type – the minivan– this campaign is not necessary. The Custo is an MPV that is unlike any other. Teaser images of the seven-seater vehicle, which was developed in partnership with Beijing Hyundai, have been released by the automaker to its official Weibo social media account.
These previews may seem redundant considering the nature of the full exterior design After being approved by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the minivan made headlines when it appeared on the MIIT website. Its design is best described as a minivan-styled Tucson with sliding doors.
The Custo adopts the same intricate headlight design as the compact crossover’s rear light bar. However, the taillights have a different “C” shape than the Tucson’s. Although it won’t be the most stunning vehicle ever built, the Custo is quite interesting and adds some spice to the minivan market.
The Hyundai minivan is not the only one that has been attracting our attention recently. We also love the larger Staria, which with its futuristic styling, is a truly interesting people-mover. Custo will be significantly smaller at 4,950 millimeters (194.9 in), 1,850 mm (72.9 inches) and 1,734mm (68.2in) respectively.
Technical specifications are not available beyond the size. The MIIT website indicated that Hyundai will sell the Custo in China using a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 167 horsepower (125kilowatts). We’re expecting a front-wheel-drive-only layout as it will be a budget-friendly minivan without any sophisticated powertrains.
China is a great market for minivans, as some automakers have launched luxury versions. Examples include the Buick GL8 Avenir, and Lexus LM. Hyundai’s Custo is aimed at lower-income people or those who don’t want to spend as much as $215,000 on a fully loaded LM. It’s essentially an upmarket Toyota Alphard.