The Alcazar has been the only three row SUV by Hyundai and has been selling is decent numbers. Hyundai, on the other hand, has released a facelifted version of the Creta with the same updates and more, and sales of the new model will begin in 2024. 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 in its highest-spec Signature 6-seater trim with the 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine.
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 second Hyundai logo is split between a bumper with silver trim and a twin grille design with a prominent lower half. 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
Hyundai has added even more gadgets to the new Alcazar than it did to the Creta. 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 accommodate three users; however, Apple and Samsung smartphones are compatible. 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. The blind view monitor, two 10.25-inch screens joined together, ADAS Level 2 and a powered handbrake are among the features available, as is the case with the Creta’s voice-activated panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera. There is also an integrated music app. The rear seat is new, and the highest-end model of the six-seater has two seats with individual armrests, a table, and a cupholder as well. Although there may initially appear to be less space, rear passengers can electrically advance the front passenger seat to create additional 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. Although there are some DCT jerks at low speeds, the engine and gearbox are linear overall. It is easier to drive than its larger competitors due to its relatively compact dimensions and light steering wheel. 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. The Alcazar, on the other hand, has a lot of appeal for city use, where owners would sit in the backseat, and it will sell more than the previous Alcazar.
