Hyundai 7-Seat Alcazar SUV – Detailed Drive, Pros And Cons Review [Video]!

Hyundai recently launched the 7-seat version of the highest-selling SUV in the country (Creta) known as the Alcazar. While we had covered earlier what the SUV comes equipped with in terms of comfort and convenience features, here is a detailed driving and in-cabin review. We will tell you the pros and cons of the SUV and also tell you if you should consider this over its rivals in the form of Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV500. So, let us get into this review.

Also read: 11 First-in-Segment Features of the Hyundai Alcazar!

Hyundai 7-Seat Alcazar SUV – In-Cabin Experience

Even before entering the cabin of the Alcazar, one notices the length of the side of the car and the larger rear doors (than Creta), which helps in the ingress and egress immensely. The side steps also are a boon to enable safe entry into the car. Once inside, you are greeted with the Cognac-Black dual-tone interior theme that runs across the cabin from the dashboard to the seats. There is a large 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster with various displays depending on the drive mode you have chosen which is quite modern. The steering wheel has plenty of control buttons along with paddle shifters for quick gearshifts in case of automatic variants. There is a touch of gloss black design elements on these buttons along with on the centre console. The large 10.25-inch Infotainment Touchscreen is also quite sleek and has all the modern connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bluetooth. It has physical buttons as well so that the driver is not distracted too much while driving.

Also read: Hyundai Alcazar vs Tata Safari – Engines, Specs, Features, Prices, Safety Comparison!

Then there are SOS, Towing and Blue Link buttons on the inside rearview mirror which can connect you directly to the company in case of emergencies. The Connected Car Tech features enable a ton of such conveniences. On the automatic version, there is a dial selector for the drive and traction modes which you can choose from depending on the road conditions. The seats are powered and comfortable with decent bolster support. The rear features 6 or 7-seat layout options. On the 6 seat version, there are two individual captain seats along with a centre armrest separating them. It has a wireless charging space and a small storage area. The seats are reclinable and can be moved forward and backward to achieve the most comfortable position. There is also the convenience of a retractable table to hold your tablets and phones along with cup holders attached to the back of the front seats. The third row of the seating is best for children although regular-sized adults can make small trips as well. The third row features blower controls, AC vents, armrest and cup holders. All in all, the cabin of the Alcazar looks a bit more premium than that of Creta.

Also read: Hyundai Alcazar vs MG Hector Plus – Engines, Specs, Features, Prices, Safety Comparison!

Hyundai 7-Seat Alcazar SUV – Exteriors

The front fascia of the Alcazar is clearly inspired by the Creta but there are key differences between the two. It features the Trio-Beam LED Headlamps and DRLs along with the bold and broad front grille with a completely different and attractive pattern with a chrome finish. The usage of chrome on the face is rather generous. The characteristic sculpted creases on the sides are new and the 18-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels are of completely different design as well. The side step will ensure easy ingress and egress for the passengers and the roof rails will enhance the practicality aspect. There is an appearance of a ring structure on the B-Pillar and D-Pillar which looks really sporty and modern and gives an entirely new dimension to the SUV. The rear end features a split LED taillamp setup along with a thick chrome slab connecting the two tail lamps and Alcazar engraved on it. The bumper below hosts the sporty skid plate and there is also the shark fin antenna.

Also read: Mahindra Teases Auto Booster Headlamps Of Upcoming 7-Seat XUV700 – Alcazar, Safari Rival!

Hyundai 7-Seat Alcazar SUV – Powertrains and Drive Impressions

The Hyundai Alcazar comes with two powertrain options. The petrol engine will be a BS6 compliant 2.0-litre unit making 159 PS and 191 Nm. The diesel engine will be the 1.5-litre BS 6 compliant unit making 115 PS and 250 Nm. Both these engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter unit. The driving impressions of the Alcazar are overwhelmingly positive for the most part. The petrol engine is a powerful unit and the overall refinement levels of the SUV are impressive. The NVH levels and engine noise is decently contained and the in-cabin occupants don’t feel any undesired sounds or vibrations. The handling is also good for the most and the clutch in the petrol manual is quite light which enables an easy driving experience even in city traffic. The suspension is not as suitable for off-roading environments as you would find on the XUV500, but for mild off-roading, bad roads as well as good roads, Alcazar is perfectly capable.

Also read: Hyundai Alcazar or Creta – Which one suits you better and why?

The diesel engine might not be a powerful as the petrol, it still gives an adequate performance for the most part. It has been calibrated differently than the Creta because it needs more pulling power being a 6/7-seater SUV. But the overall performance is not very sporty. The claimed ARAI mileage for the Alcazar is given in the table below.

Also read: Types of Sensors in a car – Air, Temperature, Knock, Speed and more!

Hyundai 7-Seat Alcazar SUV – Prices

The prices of the petrol trims of the Hyundai Alcazar start at Rs 16.30 lakh for the 7-seater Manual Prestige Trim and go all the way up to Rs 19.85 lakh, ex-showroom for the 6-seater Signature Automatic Trim. The diesel model costs Rs 16.53 lakh for the 7-seater Prestige Manual Trim and Rs 19.99 lakh, ex-showroom for the 6-seater Automatic Signature Trim.

Also read: Skoda Kushaq to launch on June 28, 2021 – Creta, Seltos Rival!