Spotted by a reader nonchalantly parked in a public space is a camouflaged model that looks like a refreshed Custin MPV. This is based on the proportions (it’s parked beside a Toyota Raize), the telltale dual sliding doors, and detailing such as “knurled” finish on the door handles and the sideview mirrors.

But what makes this “spotting” interesting is that the vehicle in question appears to sport an entirely different front fascia. Compared to the Custin/Custo MPVs being sold either in Taiwan or China (where Hyundai Motor Philippines sources its models), the MPV here looks quite unique.

The biggest change is at the front where it looks to sport stacked vertical headlights—a design feature also found in the likes of the Creta, Stargazer, and Palisade. If Hyundai is indeed aligning the Custin’s styling to closely mirror its global models, consider that the right move.

Elsewhere, the refreshed Custin also looks to ditch its ungainly portrait-style infotainment and slim-type gauge cluster for a dual screen layout found in modern Hyundai models. This is clear based on the sizeable screen bezel that now juts out of the dashboard. The Custin’s trademark dual pane sunroof looks to be retained for the update.

Mechanically, the best bet would be for the 2027 Custin to retain the turbocharged 1.5-liter setup that puts out 170 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic. There is, however, a turbocharged 2.0-liter version available globally that puts out 236 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque. But who knows…maybe Hyundai will throw a surprise and shoehorn its parallel hybrid system in there, right?

The Custin was first introduced in the Philippines in 2023 (read our review) but globally it has been out since 2021. This makes it the appropriate time for an extensive midcycle refresh. It may be done at the Philippine International Motor Show in June to give both the brand and the show itself a bit of gravitas.