Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Alcazar Expert Verdict

Hyundai Alcazar Detailed Review

• Alcazar Performance 7 /10

  Hyundai Alcazar is available with two engine options - a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5L turbo-diesel unit. The latter is in higher demand and yes, it is the same as the one found in the Hyundai Creta. Hyundai has, however, clarified that the increased weight warranted a re-tune of the motor for application in the Alcazar. The diesel unit generates as much as 113 bhp of power with a peak torque of 250 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is offered as standard and a 6-speed torque converter unit is optional. The low-end torque of the diesel is impressive and the power delivery is largely linear once the turbo spools around 1500 RPM.

  The low-end torque is really helpful for city driving, but the Alcazar will also make you happy on the highways.   The power number is lower when compared to the Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus, but the Alcazar has higher fuel economy, according to ARAI, of 20.4 km/l for the MT and 18.4 km/l for the AT.

  Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre petrol motor is an updated version of the powerplant found on the Hyundai Tucson but now generates more power than before. This naturally-aspirated powerplant outputs 156 bhp of power with 191 Nm of peak torque and gets a 6-speed stick shift as standard and an optional 6-speed AT unit. It is a very relaxed motor and the refinement levels are very high. If you are a relaxed driver and want a spacious petrol SUV, then this one should be your choice. The claimed figure by ARAI for this engine sticks to 14.5 kmpl for the manual and 14.2 kmpl for the automatic unit, which means your monthly fuel expenses will be on the higher side unless you have a low usage. 

  

  Summary

  Hyundai is offering two engine options in the Alcazar and if you are concerned about the fuel economy then the diesel should be your pick. The petrol motor is refined and is an updated version of the unit available in the Hyundai Tucson.

• Alcazar Exterior 8 /10

  The Hyundai Alcazar definitely draws design cues from its 5-seater sibling, but just for the front. An entirely new grille design with chrome inserts and a redesigned bumper design are two of Alcazar's distinctive features. The Alcazar has a larger wheelbase, is higher, and has more ground clearance than the Creta. The halogen fog lights are now replaced by LED units that offer better illumination during night. The side profile is now flanked by new 18-inch alloy wheels that look different from the Creta and carries a unique approach. What you also notice is the additional length over its five-seater sibling so that it accommodates room for the last row passengers and the flatter roofline. 

  The Alcazar undoubtedly carries an unique design at the back profile. For a more mature appearance, the split tail lights have been swapped out for more traditional wrap-around ones. The classy Alcazar engraving is subtly applied to the chrome strip that connects the taillights. In addition, Hyundai provides a twin-pipe exhaust system at the back and faux skid plates on both bumpers. Taiga Brown, Polar White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Starry Night, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey with Black Phantom Roof, and Polar White with Black Phantom Roof are the eight colour options for the Hyundai Alcazar.

  Hyundai Alcazar carries a bigger wheelbase of 2760 mm when compared with MG Hector Plus and Tata Safari, which make do with 2750 mm and 2741 mm wheelbases, respectively. Similarly, the boot space with all the three rows up is highest at 181 litres. Hyundai Alcazar measures 4,500 mm in length, 1790 mm in width and 1675 mm in height. The ground clearance of Hyundai Alcazar is pegged at 200 mm, which is appropriate for Indian road conditions. 

  

   

  Summary

  Hyundai Alcazar stands out from the crowd with its modern design and its 2760 mm of wheelbase provides enough room inside the cabin.

• Alcazar Interior 9 /10

  Step inside the cabin and you will experience a more premium ambiance than what the Creta offers. It's well furnished and has a luxury feel overall for the price. Everywhere has soft-touch material, and the centre console, air vents, and door pads are highlighted with high-quality silver trim. Well, the 10.25-inch touchscreen remains exactly the same as before but it is the tan brown leather upholstery that gives the Alcazar’s cabin a premium feel. Overall, the interior setup of Alcazar is surely a notch above what the Creta offers. 

  The touchscreen infotainment unit offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the crossover even offers BlueLink-connected car technology. Another interesting bit is the all-digital instrument cluster that offers multiple layouts for the display. 

  Jump to the second row and you will have two seating configurations  - a bench set up and a captain seat layout. The latter is more convenient as it offers an independently adjustable seating position. The added advantage is the rear AC vents that keep the second-row cool. Other features like wireless charging even for the second row occupants bring an exclusivity factor and so do the retractable window blinds. You even get slots for USB charging ports in the second row. 

  The third row is the place that we’d suggest solely for the kids or for pets. The best part is the tumble forward method that we have even seen in several other cars. This way, you can easily make your way to the third row. While adults would complain of lack of knee room or under-thigh support on the third seat, you at least get a dedicated set of AC vents with blower control, cup holders and USB charging ports.

  As we have said, one should use the third row only for kids but one cannot deny the goodies the Alcazar has to offer. The huge panoramic sunroof right from the base variant surely comes in handy to claustrophobic passengers. Similarly, the fan speed control at the last row provides a sense of control to the rear-most passenger. The BOSE sound system adds to the soulful experience if you are on a long drive with your friends or family. Other features include ambient lighting, wireless charging, cruise control, electronic parking brake, cooled glove box, paddle shifters, remote engine start/stop, ventilated front seats and more. 

  

   

  Summary

  Hyundai is known to offer the best-in-segment features and the Alcazar is no different. The cabin of its latest 3-row model offers a premium experience.

• Alcazar Ride & Handling 8 /10

  Compared to the Creta, Hyundai has increased the ground clearance of Alcazar by 10 mm to 200 m and it surely helps your drive on the bad roads more effortlessly. Even with a full load, the added 10 mm comes as a preventive measure when gliding over bad roads or potholes. The 18-inch wheels have made the ride quality a little stiffer though. The body roll is evident in the Alcazar and with the full load, you have to plan your turns accordingly. 

  The handling of the Alcazar simply impresses at lower speeds - it is easy to park on cramped roads and manoeuvrability in crowded conditions is not a huge task. Even the 3-point turns come easier despite the increased length. Where the Alcazar does have a problem is the heft in the steering wheel when clocking triple digits on the highways. This family SUV offers a user-friendly configuration for the ride and handling. Although it feels responsive, the Alcazar's steering does not inspire trust in you to push it to its limits. This is a concern that is present in the Creta as well since it lacks the same level of assurance that the Kia Seltos, its mechanical twin, provides.

  

  Summary

  Hyundai Alcazar offers a good balance between great ride quality and confident handling manners. The steering of the Alcazar impresses us with the response at low speeds, but the high-speed dynamics could have been a tad better.

• Alcazar Safety 7 /10

  On the safety front the Alcazar gets TPMS, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), two front airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX child mounts, and a rear camera are all considered standard safety equipment starting from the base variant. Six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and blind view cameras are included in higher models.

  The higher variants get as many as six airbags, a blind view monitoring system, front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. As of now, Hyundai Alcazar has not been crash-tested by the Global NCAP. 

  

  Summary

  Hyundai Alcazar gets loads of safety features in the top-end variants and at least all the important safety features in the lower trim.