Hyundai has officially released the production-spec images of the upcoming Creta-based 7-seat SUV, the Alcazar. The Hyundai website announced the arrival of the Alcazar just a while ago and now the images are here. This is an interesting development for the second-largest car manufacturer in the country because this is the first time that it is entering the 7-seat SUV segment in India. Currently, this segment is getting very popular among the buyers due to increased flexibility and utility on offer. Players like MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari are all reaping the benefits of being the sole players in the segment at the moment. The Mahindra XUV500 is due for launch later in the year. Hyundai, which is present in almost all the segments in our market saw the opportunity here as well and decided to enter the market on the footprint of the highest-selling SUV in the country, Creta. The Alcazar is, essentially, the 6/7-seat version of the Creta. Let us take a look at what the images tell and what else has been revealed.
Also read: Hyundai AX micro-SUV spied testing – What to expect?
Hyundai Alcazar – Exterior Design Highlights
The exteriors at the front were expected to be identical to Creta but the images actually tell us that the front end can be distinguished from the regular Creta quite easily. The 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 of the sides are new and the alloy wheels are of completely different design as well. 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. Not a lot has been revealed at the rear-end but a roof spoiler and shark fin antenna are clearly visible.
Also read: Current-gen Hyundai Creta sells over 1.20 lakh units in just one year!
Also, the tail lamps are stretched out to the sides which gives a rough idea of how the tail lamps might look like. Overall, the exteriors of the Alcazar are distinct and very stylish and will be a great competition to its rivals. Hyundai, of course, knows that Indian sensibilities and have made a product that has a ton of bling and muscle on the outside for that road presence that a lot of people seek.
Also read: Hyundai i20 N spotted testing – Might cost around Rs 12 lakh!
Hyundai Alcazar – Interior and Features
Although not a lot has been revealed about the interiors of the Alcazar, some details have been a highlight. This includes a centre console for the second-row passengers to improve the comfort quotient, longest wheelbase in the segment with sliding rear seats for increase legroom for the rear passengers, minor tweaks to the suspension for better ride quality, better engine damping to enhance the noise and insulation characteristics. It seems that Hyundai has made minor tweaks overall to improve the comfort and ride quality of the passengers. That has been the focus of Hyundai with the Alcazar. Apart from that, we expect all the modern connectivity and connected car tech features.
Also read: Mahindra announces arrival of global SUV, XUV700 – Launch in 2022!
Hyundai Alcazar – Engines and Expected Prices
Hyundai has also announced that the Alcazar will come powered with a new petrol engine and the same diesel engine as the Creta. 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 different driving modes on offer for the steering mapping, including Eco, City and Sport. The expected prices of the Alcazar could be around Rs 14 lakh to Rs 21 lakh, ex-showroom.
Also read: Citroen C5 Aircross launched at Rs 29.90 lakh!
