The Alcazar has been the only three row SUV by Hyundai and has been selling is decent numbers. However, with the new Creta facelift taking off in terms of sales in 2024 starting, Hyundai has also launched a facelifted version with the same updated and more. The new Alcazar comes with diesel and petrol engines plus interestingly, the prices at the top-end are the same. In this review, we drive the Alcazar with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol in its top-spec Signature 6-seater trim.
Looks
The new Alcazar has a separate design identity from the Creta which is a good decision unlike the last one. Measuring with a length of 4560mm, the new Alcazar is longer and has a long 2760m wheelbase too. Design wise, the H-pattern DRLs and the Quad beam headlamp set-up is there but the execution is different. The 2d Hyundai logo is split between the twin grille design with a prominent lower half of the grille plus a larger bumper with silver trim. The dark chrome grille looks nice and there is an all-new hood too. Available in 9 colours, the Alcazar also comes with Matte options too. There are also new 18-inch alloy wheels with a diamond cut design and the rear has a muscular bumper design while having a new version of the joined LED tail-lamp design. Paint finish is high quality too.
Interior
The new Alcazar has a lot more gadgets now and Hyundai has added more over the Creta as well. The biggest new feature is the digital NFC key where your mobile phone acts as a key and you can lock/unlock the car plus start it by placing it in the wireless charging tray. It works easily and can have three users but the mobiles which are compatible with this include Apple and Samsung.
The design of the interior is like the Creta but the colour scheme is different with brown and black. It looks better and more expensive but soft touch materials are missing. As with the Creta you get features like a voice enabled panoramic sunroof plus 360-degree camera, blind view monitor, two 10.25-inch screens joined together, ADAS Level 2 and a powered handbrake plus more including an in-built music app. New is the rear seat where in the six-seater trim, the top-end version has two seats with individual armrests plus a table along with a cupholder too. Space might seem less at the start but rear passengers can move forward the front passenger seat electrically to liberate more space. Plus, you have a thigh support extension and recline/adjust function. Other features include seat ventilation at the rear and wireless charging too. A Bose audio system completes the experience while there are sun blinds too. The third row though is not very comfortable and only for children or for short journeys.
Driving and fuel efficiency
The Alcazar comes with a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol which develops 160PS and 253Nm. We tested the version with the 7-speed dual clutch automatic while you can buy it with a 6-speed manual too. Push the start button and there is barely any noise with excellent refinement while at low-speed the DCT gearboxes behaves very well. While there is some DCT jerks at low speed, the gearbox and engine combination of linear overall. The light steering wheel and the relatively compact dimensions makes it easier to drive than its bigger rivals. We feel the engine has a creamy smooth power delivery and has lots of torque which gives effortless power.
The ride at low speeds is also better than the Creta but over potholes or bad roads, the ride still is a bit firm and crashes over them. The ADAS is also perfectly calibrated for our conditions while the mileage would be around 10 kmpl for the DCT automatic.
Verdict
The Hyundai Alcazar starts much higher than the Creta at Rs 15 lakh while the most expensive version as seen here is Rs 21.3 lakh ex-showroom. We feel the Alcazar compared to other three row SUVs has more features and is easier to drive in the city but the third-row lacks space while it is not as tough as its rivals. However, for city use, where owners would sit at the back seat, the Alcazar has plenty of appeal and will sell more than the previous Alcazar.
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