Hyundai Alcazar

The Alcazar shares a resemblance to the Creta in the front but incorporates subtle differences, including a modified grille, new LED headlights, and a lower chrome strip. A longer wheelbase and extended rear overhang are noticeable in the side profile, accommodating the third row of seats. The rear showcases new LED taillights, a revamped bumper, and a faux skid plate. Additionally, the Alcazar boasts fresh 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, giving it a more pronounced SUV presence. While the design exudes elegance and a premium feel, it may not stand out significantly from the Creta.

The Alcazar's interior is spacious and comfortable, particularly for occupants in the first and second rows. The third row is best suited for children or short journeys due to limited legroom and headroom. The cabin boasts leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting. While the dashboard resembles the Creta's, it features a dual-tone theme and silver accents. The Alcazar comes equipped with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Bose sound system, BlueLink connected car features, wireless charging, air purifier, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. Unique features include a second-row console armrest with cup holders and storage, a blind view monitor displaying the side view on the instrument cluster when changing lanes, and a puddle lamp projecting 'Alcazar' on the ground.

Safety is a strong point for the Alcazar, with standard features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill start assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors across all variants. Higher variants benefit from front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as part of the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). While the Alcazar has not undergone crash testing by any agency, Hyundai claims it's built with high-strength steel and hot stamping technology for robustness.

The Alcazar offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbo petrol generating 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel producing 113 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine for 2023 replaces the previous, less powerful and less efficient 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit. The new engine is RDE and e20 compliant, allowing it to run on petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol. The petrol engine delivers a smooth and refined performance with linear power delivery, minimal turbo lag, and ample power for city and highway driving, including overtaking and cruising. The automatic transmission offers quick and smooth shifts, complete with paddle shifters for manual control. Meanwhile, the diesel engine is the same as the Creta's, but re-tuned for the heavier Alcazar. It excels in low-end torque and drivability but becomes noisy and strained at higher revs, making it better suited for those prioritising fuel economy over performance.

The Alcazar's soft suspension setup adeptly absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride. However, it results in some body roll and vertical movement at higher speeds and over sharp undulations. The steering is light for city maneuvering but lacks precision and feedback at higher speeds and in cornering. Braking performance is adequate but could be more responsive and progressive. The Alcazar also offers three drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) and three traction modes (Snow, Sand, and Mud) that adjust engine, transmission, and steering characteristics to suit road conditions and driver preferences. While not particularly engaging or agile, the Alcazar provides a comfortable and relaxed ride for passengers.

Pricing for the Alcazar ranges from Rs. 16.78 lakh to Rs. 20.64 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol variants and from Rs. 17.73 lakh to Rs. 21.23 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel variants. The Alcazar is more expensive than the Creta but offers greater space, features, and performance for the additional cost. It also competes effectively with rivals like the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700, offering a competitive price point along with superior equipment.

The Alcazar offers four variants: Prestige, Platinum, Signature, and Signature (O). The Prestige variant, serving as the base model, includes essential features such as six airbags, ESC, hill start assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, LED headlights and taillights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, BlueLink connected car features, wireless charging, air purifier, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The Platinum variant builds upon this, adding more features like front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as part of the ADAS package. The Signature variant represents the top-tier option, offering exclusive features like a second-row console armrest with cup holders and storage, a blind view monitor for side-lane changes, and a puddle lamp projecting 'Alcazar' on the ground. The Signature (O) variant is identical to the Signature but offers a dual-tone exterior color option.

We recommend the Prestige variant for those seeking a cost-effective SUV with all essential features and safety equipment. The Platinum variant is ideal for those desiring added convenience and comfort features, such as the ADAS package and the 360-degree camera. The Signature variant is suitable for those seeking premium and exclusive features like the second-row console armrest and the blind view monitor. The Signature (O) variant is for those who prefer a dual-tone exterior colour option.

The Alcazar competes with other three-row SUV cars in the Indian market:

Tata Safari: The Tata Safari offers style and space, boasting a powerful diesel engine, a smooth automatic transmission, comfortable ride quality, and an extensive list of features. However, it lacks a petrol engine option, carries a higher price than the Alcazar.

MG Hector Plus: The MG Hector Plus is a feature-rich and tech-savvy SUV with a hybrid petrol engine option, a panoramic sunroof, an electric tailgate, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an AI-based voice assistant. It provides ample cabin space and decent ride quality. However, it suffers from a weak diesel engine, a sluggish automatic transmission, subpar handling dynamics, and questionable post-purchase service.

Mahindra XUV700: The Mahindra XUV700 is a new entrant in the segment, promising a compelling value proposition. It offers potent petrol and diesel engines, an optional all-wheel-drive system, an advanced ADAS package with features like autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist, a spacious cabin, a large sunroof with Amazon Alexa integration, and an attractive pricing strategy. Yet, it has not been launched, and its real-world performance and quality are yet to be tested.

The Alcazar distinguishes itself by offering a well-rounded package of space, features, performance, and pricing. Hyundai's reputable brand image and service network in India give it an edge. However, it faces the challenge of setting itself apart from the Creta and appealing to customers seeking more excitement or exclusivity from their SUVs.

Also, check out our in-depth Review: 2023 Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Turbo DCT Review: Smaller But Stronger.

2023 Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Turbo Petrol Driven- Smaller But Stronger | First Drive | [Video]

They say there's no replacement for displacement but the advent of stricter emission norms means that carmakers have found a way to get over that hurdle. The new Hyundai Alcazar is now powered by a smaller 1.5-litre turbo petrol instead of the bigger 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. Is it any good? Find out with Dhruv Attri! Watch now