Hyundai has finally launched its much-awaited Creta-based 7-seat SUV, the Alcazar in India. The SUV was revealed earlier and the official launch and deliveries commence now. Hyundai had announced earlier that the Alcazar is aimed at the already existing Creta customers who are looking for a bit more practicality in terms of the passenger as well as overall cabin space and customers who are looking for a sophisticated and premium SUV. Being the most popular SUV in the country, Creta already has a ton of customers which only indicates that the Alcazar is likely to be very popular from the word go. The 7-seat mid-size SUV segment is slowly becoming extremely popular primarily after the launches of Hector Plus and Tata Safari earlier. Also, the introduction of the upcoming Mahindra XUV700 is sure to shake up the entire segment to be a competitive one. Let us, for now, discuss the highlights of the Alcazar in depth.
Hyundai Alcazar – Exterior and Design Highlights
The front fascia of the Alcazar is clearly inspired by the Creta but there are key differences between the two. The Trio-Beam LED Headlamps and DRLs are somewhat similar to the Creta but the bold and broad front grille has a completely different and attractive pattern with a chrome finish. The bumper lower down is also different than that of Creta and the front can be told apart from the Creta. But the difference around the sides is rather significant. The entire 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. Hyundai claims that this will improve the rigidity for better handling. The rear end features a split LED taillamp setup along with a thick chrome slab connecting the two taillamps and Alcazar engraved on it. The bumper below hosts the sporty skid plate and there is also the shark fin antenna.
Hyundai Alcazar – Interiors and Features List
As soon as you enter the cabin of the Alcazar, you are greeted by the dual-tone Cognac Brown and Black interiors and upholstery. There are a ton of premium touches inside the cabin and the feature list is an extensive one. This includes features like a 10.25-inch Digital Infotainment System with all the modern connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Advanced Blue Link Connected Car Tech, a 7-inch Digital infotainment System for Driver’s information, Wireless Phone Charging for the Second Row as well, Driver Centric Console with Automatic Climate Control, Ventilated Front Seats, Blind-View Monitor, Steering Mounted Audio Controls with Voice Recognition, Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof, 8-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System, Air Purifier, 2nd-row one-touch tip and tumble seats, Rear Window Sunshade, 64 Coloured Ambient Lighting, 8-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat, Puddle Lamps with Hyundai Logo Projection, Leather-wrapped D-Cut Steering Wheel and much more.
Hyundai Alcazar – Safety
On the safety front, the Alcazar will come with features like 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Management, ESC, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Camera, Hill Assist Control, All-four Disc Brakes, Burglar Alarm, Emergency Stop Signal and much more.
Hyundai Alcazar – Engines, Transmissions, Prices and Rivals
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. Hyundai claims that the petrol engine will have a sub 10 secs 0-100 kmph time, which is quite impressive. Also, Hyundai claims the segment-best fuel efficiency from the diesel powertrain. There will be different driving modes on offer for the steering mapping, including Eco, City and Sport. Also, there will various Traction Control Modes as well (Snow, Sand, Mud) along with Paddle Shifters. The rivals of the Hyundai Alcazar include the recently launched Tata Safari, the very popular MG Hector Plus and the upcoming Mahindra XUV700, which is slated for launch later in 2021.
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.